Ephesians WEEK 1

Monday

In studying scripture, it is helpful for us to understand the passage with the broader picture in mind. Specifically, who is the author, the audience, the context and the major themes.

Today do two things:

1. Watch the Bible Project overview video on the book of Ephesians. 

2. After watching this, read the chapter in its entirety looking to see what stands out to you.

Tuesday

A repeated phrase in this first chapter of Ephesians is “in Him”. Paul wants the church to understand their new identity is now wedded to Jesus Christ. Because of this new identity, Paul describes many different ramifications of being “in Him.” Read verses 3-14 and as you do so, look for that phrase, “in Him” or “in Christ.” 

Get a journal or paper to process the use of this phrase. On one side of the paper, write down the different uses of the phrase “in Him.” On the other side, write what comes with this new identity in Jesus.

After you are done, spend time in prayer looking over what you see. What do you need to experience in your own life now that you are “in Jesus”? 

Wednesday

Today we are considering the idea of being adopted or chosen in Christ.

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will - to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

For many in the Christian tradition, being chosen and adopted into God’s family is key for our new life. With this in mind, let us do two things.

Read this quote from author and priest, Henri Nouwen from the book, Life of the Beloved.

“When I write to you that, as the Beloved, we are God’s chosen ones, I mean that we have been seen by God from all eternity and seen as unique, special, precious beings. It is very hard for me to express well the depth of the meaning of the word “chosen” has for me, but I hope you are willing to listen to me from within. From all eternity, long before you were born and became  a part of history, you existed in God’s heart. Long before your parents admired you or your friends acknowledged your gifts or your teachers, colleagues, and employers encouraged you, you were already “chosen.” The eyes of love had seen you as precious, as of infinite beauty, as of eternal value. When love chooses, it chooses with a perfect sensitivity for the unique beauty of the chosen one.” 

After reflecting on this quote, listen to this song and consider God’s call to you: “Who You Say I Am”.

Thursday

Read slowly verses 15-16.

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. 

Paul spent two years in Ephesus, so he knew the people to whom he was writing. He likely was imagining the faces of the individuals as he prayed to God with gratitude.

Spend time today considering your life. Who are the individuals God has used to help you get where you are? Who has shaped your heart and soul?

After a time of silence, picture those people, their faces, the places you encountered them, and go to God in thanksgiving.

(Afterwards, you might also consider thanking them in note, text or call as Paul did with this letter.)

Friday

Many scholars share that verses 3-14 is written like a song or a poem. Though it is lost on modern readers like us, the church of Ephesus would have seen this clearly.

Read this section 3-14 under that lens. 

If you were to write a song to God what would you say? 

Spend time writing this song to God.

If you have a difficulty in writing a song, write out a favorite hymn or song from memory and pray it out to God.

Saturday

In verses 18 and 19, Paul turns his prayer for the church towards specific requests. Read verses 18-19 slowly several times.

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. 

Paul longs for the church to have their hearts and souls opened to experience three things: hope, inheritance, and power. Journal about what each of these mean. Then consider your life. What do you need today? 

Go to God in prayer.