Week 1: Play The Love Song

“For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” 

- Ephesians 1:15-16

DAY 1

Read Ephesians 1:1-2

  • Paul calls himself an apostle of Jesus Christ. An apostle means someone who is sent. Who is Paul sent from and to? (See Acts Chapter 9 for more information)

  • Based on these two verses, what would you assume to be true about the people to Paul is writing to?

  • What does being faithful in Christ Jesus mean to you personally, both in your individual attitudes and actions as well as your participation in the fellowship of a local church?

DAY 2

Read Ephesians 1:3-10

  • Paul begins his letter talking about the ‘spiritual blessings’ believers receive from God.

  • Write a description of each of these blessings in your own words:

    • Adoption

    • Redemption

    • Unity
      How have you personally experienced one of these blessings?

DAY 3

Read Ephesians 1:3-14

  • Who are the three Persons of the Trinity?

  • What is the role of each part of the Trinity?

  • Is there one part of the Trinity with which you are most/least comfortable relating? Why?

Day 4

Read Ephesians 1:15-16

  • For what things is Paul praising God?

  • The Ephesians put their belief into loving action toward each other.

  • Some of the basic ways Christians can support each other are through their presence, resources, gifts, witness, and prayer. What does each Christian practice mean to you personally?

    • Presence

    • Resources

    • Gifts

    • Witness

    • Prayer

Day 5

Read Ephesians 1:17-23

  • What is Paul praying for on behalf of the Ephesian church?

  • How do you think the Ephesians feel reading this part of Paul’s letter?

  • Like Paul, take time to pray for the people who come to your mind.

DAY 6

Reread Ephesians Chapter 1

  • Lingering questions? New insights?

  • Consider the following: In My Utmost For His Highest, Oswald Chambers says:

    “Paul was like a musician who gives no thought to audience approval, if he can only catch a look of approval from his Conductor.”

  • How do you relate to this quote?

    • Are you more concerned with God’s approval or the approval of other people?

    • When have you experienced a look of approval from God?