1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

A TIM EQUIPPING COURSE
HOW TO STUDY
THE BIBLE
Robert L. Samms
This 24-lesson workbook
in the inductive method of Bible study
will enable learners to develop
and lead group Bible studies.
© 2012 by Discipleship Overseas, Inc.
To purchase copies of this book,
or its Leader’s Guide, log on to:
TRAININGINMINISTRY.COM
or order dirctly from
TheBookPatch.com
Locate the title, then click on:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Robert Samms (MA in New Testament,
Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; DMin, Denver Seminary)
is the founder of Lay Action Ministry Program, Discipleship
Overseas, and Training In Ministry.
He and his wife Maryann served for over two decades as
missionary educators in the Philippines. They have five
grown children and eleven grandchildren.
TRANSLATION USED: TIM’s normal use of the English Standard
Version has been modified for this course, which uses the New
American Standard Version of the Bible. © The Lockman
Foundation. Used by Permission.
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TABLE
OF CONTENTS
For Study Leaders ....................................................................... 4
Curriculum of TIM Courses ...................................................... 5
1
Preparing for Bible Study .......................................................... 7
2
Gathering the Tools for Bible Study ...................................... 15
3
Discovering the Author’ s Purpose ........................................ 22
4
Discovering the Author’s Plan ............................................... 25
5
Examining the Historical Background ................................... 28
6
Studying Bible Portions ........................................................... 32
7
Observing Bible Portions: Eph. 1:1-14 ................................... 37
8
Understanding Bible Portions: Eph. 1:1-14 ........................... 41
9
Applying Bible Portions: Eph. 1:1-14 ..................................... 46
10 Teaching Bible Portions: Eph. 1:1-14 ...................................... 49
11 Eph. 1:15-23 Study (Part 1) ...................................................... 58
12 Eph. 1:15-23 Study (Part 2) ...................................................... 62
13 Looking for the Big Ideas: Eph. 2:1-10 ................................... 66
14
Observing the Text: Eph. 2:11-22 ........................................... 73
15
Asking the Text Questions: Eph. 3:1-13 ................................. 79
16
Studying in Context: Eph. 3:14-21 .......................................... 86
17 Using Cross-References: Eph. 4:1-16 ...................................... 92
18 Using a Concordance: Eph. 4:17-24 ........................................ 99
19 Using a Bible Atlas: Eph. 4:25-32 .......................................... 106
20 Using a Bible Dictionary: Eph. 5:1-20 ................................... 111
21 Using a Bible Commentary: Eph. 5:21-33 ............................ 117
22 Developing Discussion Questions: Eph. 6:1-9 ..................... 123
23 Beginning & Ending Bible Studies: Eph. 6:10-24 ............... 130
24 Leading Your Own Bible Studies ............................................ 137
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FOR STUDY LEADERS
Welcome to this significant opportunity to be involved in Jesus’
Great Commission to “make disciples” (Matthew 28:18-20). To help
you move forward, you are encouraged to:
1. Download a free copy of “DESIGN YOUR EQUIPPING MINISTRY” from:
TrainingInMinistry.com. Ch. titles in this key resource are:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
What in the World is the Church Doing?
The Biblical Mandate to Equip
Lay Ministry in the Mirror of History
How to Implement Change
How Adults Learn Effectively
How to Lead Effective Discussions
How to Develop Your Equipping Ministry
2. Download the free Leader’s Guide for Christianity 101.
This guide will be of much help to you as you lead each
weekly group session.
Educational Philosophy of TIM Courses
Every TIM course incorporates a head, heart, and hands approach to
learning. Head represents content to be learned, heart the application
of this truth to one’s own life, and hands, involvement in ministry
through using the course content.
Your Time Commitment
As the Group Study Leader, you should spend adequate time: 1)
Preparing the workbook lesson—just as thoroughly as you expect
your learners to prepare. 2) Reading the Leader’s Guide and marking
those questions and other items you want to emphasize during the
group session.
The Weekly Group Meeting
This 90 minute weekly meeting features a discussion of the lesson,
and focuses on integrative and application type questions found in
the Leader’s Guide. It should consist of an hour of interaction with
the lesson, as well as time for prayer and group fellowship.
Ministry Involvement
This ministry opportunity should be appropriate to the gifts and
ministry experiences of each learner; result in their growth; and
“build up” the Body of Christ.
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CURRICULUM OF TIM COURSES
TRAINING IN MINISTRY courses will enable you to “equip the saints for
the work of ministry and so build up the body of Christ.”
Grounding Courses
CHRISTIANITY 101 is designed to disciple new Christians, either in
small groups, or one-to-one. Application: Learners will lead another
person through this course.
A PANORAMA OF THE BIBLE features easy-to-remember visuals for
each of the 12 Bible periods. Learners will thrill to find that they can
remember the major themes of Bible content and message.
Application: With the aid of the Leader’s Guide, learners will lead
another person, or a small group through this course.
TRUTH THAT TRANSFORMS will provide learners with a solid
foundation in the major doctrines of Scripture, with an emphasis on
practical applications. Application: Learners will, with the aid of the
Leader’s Guide, lead another individual, or group of people through
this course.
A PANORAMA OF CHRISTIAN HISTORY provides a “big picture” view of
the Church from the 1st through the 20th century. It also emphasizes
practical lessons we can apply to our own ministry. Application:
Learners will teach this course to another person or group.
Growing Courses
WELCOME TO YOUR MINISTRY teaches the important truth that God
has called and gifted all believers for ministry and challenges them
to get involved in some basic ministries in the church. Application:
Learners will commit to getting additional training for ministry, and
getting involved in it.
HOW TO DISCOVER YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS will provide believers with
a better understanding of which spiritual gifts they may have, and
how to use their gifts in service for Christ. Application: A short-term
assignment will be given, wherein learners use one of their gifts in an
approved ministry.
LEARNING TO SERVE: JESUS AS ROLE MODEL teaches the servant lifestyle of Jesus in many ministry related contexts, and helps learners
put this into practice in their ministry. Application: Learners will be
given a ministry role wherein they demonstrate the servant-leader
style of Jesus.
GOING Courses
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YOUR MINISTRY OF PRAYER studies prayer in Scripture, and will help
learners become involved in a significant ministry of prayer.
Application: Participants will commit to a ministry of prayer as
suggested in the course content.
OUTREACH AS A LIFE-STYLE will train lay people to develop
friendships with people, leading to sharing Christ with them.
Application: Learners will practice this personal evangelism approach
in their lives of sharing their faith.
YOUR MINISTRY AT HOME provides practical principles in how to
establish and maintain a truly Christian home. Application: Applying
the principles week by week within the learner’s family, including
being consistent in reading the weekly schedule of verses and
journaling based on these verses.
TOUCHING TOMORROW BY TEACHING CHILDREN is a superb tool to
train more workers to serve in the exciting ministry of teaching
children. Application: Teaming up with an experienced teacher as an
assistant for one quarter or more.
CHRISTIANITY IN THE WORKPLACE relates faith to practical and ethical
issues on the job. Its focus is how to be like Christ in the work world.
Application: Learners will apply these biblical principles to their areas
of work.
CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH is a course on Christian apologetics,
which will equip learners to defend and share their faith, especially
among intellectual unbelievers. Application: Learners will engage in
an effective ministry of defending and sharing their faith.
A SURVEY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT is a 12-lesson survey of the New
Testament. It includes outlines of each book, background
information, and questions for individual study. Application:
Learners will be able to lead Bible studies in any New Testament
book.
HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE will give students an in-depth exposure to
the inductive method of Bible study and help them develop their own
outlines for leading Bible studies. Application: Based on their study,
learners will lead 10 Bible studies in the book of Ephesians.
YOUR MINISTRY OF LEADERSHIP will encourage, equip, and train
Christian men and women for increased effectiveness in leadership.
Application: Learners will demonstrate the skills taught in this
course in an assigned ministry position.
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Lesson 1
PREPARING FOR
BIBLE STUDY
Bible study resembles most things we do in life—the better we
are prepared for it, the greater our reward. Our spiritual lives,
as well as our Bible study experiences, will be greatly
enhanced if we pray by faith that God will prepare us in a
special way for Bible study. Pray for the “foundations” below:
Personal Foundations for Bible Study
A NEW HEART. Before personally receiving Christ, we were
dead to real spiritual understanding because of our sins.
Through Him we have been made alive, and a relationship
with the Lord has been established (Ephesians 2:1-10). One of
the blessings of this new relationship is that we now have the
capacity to understand the truths of Scripture (1 Corinthians
2:10-16).
The first foundation for Bible study is:
__________________________________________________________________________
Be prepared to share your Christian experience during your
next weekly group meeting. In the space below, tell how you
came to a personal faith in Christ.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
A HUNGRY HEART. Most new believers are blessed with a
desire to know more about God’s Word. While rebuking the
Devil, Jesus said, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on
every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Mt. 4:4).
In Psalm 42:1 we read, “As a deer pants for [longs for] the water
brooks, so my soul pants for Thee, O God.” And 1 Peter 2:2 that as
newborn babes we are to “long for the pure milk of the word.”
A person who is truly spiritually hungry is not easily turned
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away, for the human soul needs food just as does the body. Is
it not to this end that David urges, “O taste and see that the Lord
is good” (Psalm 34:8)?
The second foundation for effective Bible study is:
__________________________________________________________________________
What evidences of a hungry heart can you think of?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
What life-style activities encourage a hunger for spiritual
things?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
AN OBEDIENT HEART. Obedience to God is indispensable for
effective Christian living. In John 14:15 Jesus says, “If you love
Me, you will keep My commandments.” And in verse 21 He adds,
“He who has My commandments, and keeps them, he it is
who loves Me.” And again, in John 15:14, Jesus says, “You are
My friends, if you do what I command you.”
How is this truth about obeying God illustrated in James 1:2225?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
T. Norton Sterrett says: “The Bible calls for response, not just
analysis. If we are unwilling to act, we cannot reach the full
truth. A disobedient heart means a closed understanding. An
obedient heart finds the meaning of the Scripture opened.”
(The basic idea of this lesson was taken from Sterrett’s, How to
Understand Your Bible, © 1974 by Inter-Varsity Christian
Fellowship of the USA and used by permission of Inter-Varsity
Press, Downers Grove, IL 60515.)
What are some practical things you can do to increase your
obedience to God’s truth?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
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What commands do you find in Ephesians 4:22-24 and
Galatians 5:16 relating to practical obedience?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
The third foundation for effective Bible study is:
__________________________________________________________________________
A PERSISTENT HEART. Bible study will often be very thrilling as
the Lord shows you some new truth or application of truth. At
other times, however, such study may be somewhat difficult
and laborious. How we respond to these difficult times is
crucial. Many people begin worthwhile tasks, but never
complete them. Persistence in Bible study, as in life, is very
important. Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:7, 8 can help us here. We
need to keep on asking, seeking, and knocking as we try to
understand God’s Word. Ask God for a persistent heart as you
begin this study. It may be necessary at times to adjust the
how or when of your study, but never give up and just walk
away from it. The need for spiritual nourishment is just too
great for that; the work of Christ through you must not be
hindered.
The fourth foundation for Bible study is:
__________________________________________________________________________
What are some practical things you can do to develop greater
persistence in Bible study?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
A TEACHABLE HEART. A teachable heart wants to go on
learning. It never says, “I know enough.” King David
demonstrated a teachable spirit when he prayed, “Make me
know Thy ways, O Lord; Teach me Thy paths. Lead me in Thy truth
and teach me” (Ps. 25:4, 5; compare Ps. 86:11). In Psalm 32:23, 9
God says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you
should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. Do not be as the
horse or as the mule which have no understanding.”
A teachable heart is one of the most important qualities to pray
for as you approach Bible study. Each time you come to read
or study Scripture your prayer should be that of Psalm 119:18:
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“Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Thy
law.” How important it is to have a humble and teachable
heart! If you do, God will show you many wonderful things
from His Word.
The fifth part of a personal foundation for effective Bible study
is:
__________________________________________________________________________
We have discussed five foundational requirements for
effective Bible study. Reflect on them again: a new heart, a
hungry heart, an obedient heart, a persistent heart, a teachable
heart. Which of these attitudes would you like God to help
you cultivate in your life?
__________________________________________________________________________
The more we possess these attitudes, the more God will speak
to us from His Word. We can have more of them just by asking
. . . in simple faith. Ask God specifically about areas of need in
your practice of Bible study, as well as for His special blessing
on your participation in this course.
Assumptions About Bible Study
THE BIBLE IS GOD’S WORD. The Bible is uniquely inspired by
God. Though many different human writers were involved—
writing at different times in the history of Israel and the
Christian Church—nevertheless, God was able to use each of
these different individuals to write just what He wanted said.
Two verses are particularly clear about the divine inspiration
of Scripture. Read both of them carefully. For your group
meeting this week, memorize one of them. Write this verse on
the back of a calling card and carry it with you for memorizing
and reviewing.
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for
reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. (2 Tim. 3:16).
For no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men
moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. 2 Pet. 1:21).
Our first assumption is:
__________________________________________________________________________
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS OUR TEACHER. Let us praise God for the
word in John 16:13: “He [the Holy Spirit] will guide you into all
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the truth” (John 16:13). Also, Jesus promised that the Father
would send the Holy Spirit, who “will teach you all things”
(John 14;26; compare 1 John 2:20, 27). These are indeed
precious promises from God. As you come to the study of His
Word, ask the Holy Spirit to help you in your study.
This dependence on the Holy Spirit to teach us will guard us
against two wrong attitudes: placing too much confidence in
ourselves, and failing to trust the Lord for needed
understanding.
Of course, dependence on the Holy Spirit does not mean that
study is unnecessary. God may sometimes quickly give us
understanding of a particular passage, while at other times we
may have to study patiently for insight.
Our second assumption, ____________________________________________
will guard against the two dangers of:
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
TRANSLATIONS ARE CLEAR. The New Testament was originally
written in the simple, everyday language of the common
people of the first century. Little attempt was made to use the
more difficult and less known classical Greek of the educated
people. God wanted His Word in a form that could be clearly
understood by the common people, and this is still God’s plan
for the Bible today.
The very first translation of the Bible was of the Old
Testament, made for Greek-speaking Jews in the third century
before Christ. This translation, called the Septuagint, was
frequently used by Christ and the apostles. It is still in print
and read today.
Since the time of this first Bible translation, there have been
many other translations, of both the Old and the New
Testament. Some of the earliest of these translations were the
Syriac, Coptic, and Old Latin. In keeping with the evident
purpose of God that His Word be readily understandable in
the language of the common people, hundreds of other
language translations have since been made.
In recent years there has been a profusion of English language
translations—leaving many people wondering how these
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different versions can all equally be the Word of God. The
answer is that each translation is based upon the original
languages to a greater or lesser degree of literalness.
Translators are constantly faced with the difficult decision of
whether to translate only the words, or meanings as well. For
example, in Spanish there is a common expression that, if
translated word for word, would be rendered in English as:
“Don’t pull my hair!” But if you were translating the phrase
into English, wouldn’t you say, “Don’t pull my leg!”? You
would probably try to translate the English meaning of the
phrase. On the other hand, there are times when you would
want the exact word for word translation. Bible translations
can be categorized on the basis of whether they focus more on
translating Words, meanings, or a combination.
Dr. Donald Burdick, professor of New Testament at Denver
Seminary, classifies translations in four categories:
1. Word-for-word translations. Two examples using this literal
approach include the American Standard Bible and the New
American Standard Bible.
2. Paraphrase translations. On the opposite end of this
spectrum are translations following a free paraphrase of
meanings. While this method has the advantage of producing
a very readable text, Burdick notes that “the further it moves
from the wording of the original text the more danger there is
of misinterpretation and inaccuracy.” The Living Bible and
Phillips’s New Testament in Modern English are examples of this
translation approach.
3. Equivalence translations. The equivalence method seeks to
avoid both awkward literalness and unjustified
interpretations. The Today’s English Version and the New
International Version are examples using this approach.
4. Combination translations. A fourth approach seeks to retain
the word-for-word literalness of the original languages, but
shifts to an equivalence approach when necessary to translate
Hebrew and Greek idioms into our own culture, such as is
done in the English Standard Version.
For serious Bible study, you should use a fairly literal
translation (such as the ESV, or the New American Standard
Bible, which, because of its extensive cross-references, is used
with this course).
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The availability of the many English versions does not mean
that the study of Greek and Hebrew is unimportant. Such
study, especially with the aid of the many Bible study tools
available for Greek and Hebrew students, can be exceedingly
helpful. But since most Christians do not know these
languages, they can rejoice in the quality English translations
that are available, knowing that God’s truth can be adequately
understood through them.
Our third assumption is:
__________________________________________________________________________
How does the use of ordinary Greek of the New Testament
support the statement that God intends His Word to be clearly
understood?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
WE CAN GAIN ADEQUATE, BUT NOT PERFECT UNDERSTANDING.
We confess that we are but mortals; therefore, our capacity for
understanding God’s Word is sometimes less than adequate.
Even with the best of understanding (including knowledge of
the original languages), it will not be possible to understand
perfectly all the truths of Scripture. Even the apostle Peter
confessed that in Paul’s writings there were “some things hard
to understand” (2 Pet. 3:16). Many subsequent Bible students
have been forced to agree! For example, what does Paul mean
when he speaks about some who were “baptized for the dead”
(1 Cor. 15:29)? Or Peter, when he talks about Christ preaching
to
the
spirits
in
prison
(1 Pet. 3:19)? These, and other difficult passages, keep us
humble as we realize that, in this life, we will never
understand everything perfectly.
But don’t worry. There is more than enough that we can
understand to show us clearly the way to life and the way to
live. Someone has said that what troubled him was not the
passages of Scripture that he didn’t understand, but those that
he did! The great need is to live in the light—that is, to obey
those passages we do understand.
Our fourth assumption is that:
__________________________________________________________________________
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__________________________________________________________________________
SCRIPTURE INTERPRETS SCRIPTURE. The Bible serves as its own
best interpreter. Careful study of the clearer passages of
Scripture often sheds light on the more perplexing passages.
Here are some ways to apply this principle:
1. Discover the author’ s purpose for writing. At times this
will be critical to a correct interpretation.
2. Carefully examine the context. The immediate context
includes the verses (and sometimes paragraphs) found before
and after the verse under study. Many erroneous
interpretations of Scripture, leading to serious doctrinal errors,
have been the result of failure to observe the true context of a
passage.
3. Use cross-references. By finding verses that speak to the
same subject, you can get a fuller understanding of the passage
under study. (This approach, however, can be abused.
Sometimes the cross-reference verse only superficially alludes
to the same truth, and is not truly helpful.)
4. Use the New Testament to interpret the Old Testament.
Remember that New Testament Scripture is a fulfillment of the
Old Testament. The way Jesus and the apostles interpreted the
Old Testament is a reliable guide to how we should interpret it
as well.
Our fifth assumption is:
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
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Lesson 2
GATHERING TOOLS
FOR BIBLE STUDY
Craftsmen, such as carpenters, plumbers, and mechanics, can
only work effectively when they have the proper tools for their
trade. This is true of dentists, doctors, and lawyers as well. As
a student of the Bible, you, too, will need some basic tools in
order to enjoy success as a student of Scripture.
In this lesson you will examine several important reference
books. These are your Bible study “tools,” and you will need
to have regular access to them. Try to purchase them for your
own personal library. These books will be exceedingly helpful
to you throughout a lifetime of meaningful Bible study.
A Study Bible
A good study Bible is the most important Bible study tool that
you will ever purchase. Here are some tips in selecting one:
LOOK FOR A BIBLE WITH GOOD CROSS-REFERENCES AND
MARGINAL READINGS. Some Bibles also contain a concordance
(a list of important words used in the Bible, with
accompanying references). This can often be helpful in looking
for cross-references, but for most verse hunting you will need
a more complete concordance.
LOOK FOR A BIBLE WITHOUT INTERPRETIVE NOTES. Your
purpose in using a study Bible is to study the Scriptures for
yourself, without notes that lead you along the lines of
someone else’s thinking.
FIND A BIBLE WITH WIDE MARGINS. Use the margins for your
own personal study notes. (Make sure the paper is thick
enough for writing.) Your carefully written notes can prove
very helpful to you later on.
MAKE SURE THE BIBLE HAS A GOOD SET OF MAPS, WITH AN
ACCOMPANYING INDEX. Some Bible maps are so imprecise or
difficult to read that they are of little value.
TIM does not “recommend” one Bible translation or edition
over another. The New King James Bible may be an ideal
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choice for some. For a Bible with excellent cross-references and
additional margin space, it is hard to beat a study edition of
the New American Standard Bible. The Thompson Chain
Reference Bible contains a tremendous amount of study helps
and is now available in either the KIV or the NASB, or NIV.
Many other good study Bibles are also available. Your pastor
may have specific recommendations which will be helpful to
you.
Of the suggestions made for selecting a study Bible, the first
three are the most important. They are:
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
A Notebook
What you write down as you study your Bible—your
thoughts, observations, and other notes—these are of great
value to you. Not that they are all “gems” you will cherish
forever. But they are valuable because they have stimulated
your thought processes. When you come back to them in the
future, they may lead you into new avenues of study to
pursue, or give you ideas for developing good group
discussion questions.
Although a notebook for this course is not essential, you will
want one for your future Bible studies. We suggest that it be of
convenient size, and loose leaf. Its capacity for adding and
rearranging pages will prove very helpful. The 8 1/2 by 5 1/2
inch, three-ring notebook is a practical size to accompany your
study Bible and are available in stationery or other stores.
Bible Marking Pencils
You can use a few colored pencils to highlight aspects of the
truth you are studying. For example, use yellow to highlight
promises, and orange to note warnings in Scripture. Green can
suggest growth; blue for commands of God. Other colors can
be used according to the particular system you choose.
Whatever colors you use, follow a consistent system. That is, if
orange is used to note warnings in Scripture, this color should
always indicate warnings. (Caution: colored markers can bleed
through the paper; Colored pencils will not.)
16
Another helpful tool is a thin-line (0.5mm or 0.7mm)
mechanical pencil, with colored or regular lead. With it you
can carefully write in your own markings, notes, and brief
comments. Colored lead will not smudge, yet can be erased.
Regular ballpoint pens cannot be erased and sometimes later
bleed through thin Bible paper.
A Concordance
A good concordance is a very basic and important tool for
Bible study, but not essential to complete this course. The one
you may already have in the back of your study Bible is
sometimes helpful, but not adequate for most purposes. You
can use a concordance for a number of Bible study functions:
1. As a “verse finder.” You might, for example, remember a
passage, or just a part of a passage, and want to locate it in
your Bible. To do this, take a key word from the passage
(preferably, the least common word—one that is unlikely to be
found in a number of different passages) and look it up in the
alphabetically arranged concordance. You will find a list of all
the verses where this word is found.
2. To find cross-references. Concordances contain more crossreference material than do study Bibles. To use a concordance,
first select a key word from the passage, find it in the
concordance, then look up these other occurrences in
Scripture. Much additional material can often be found in this
way. Be careful though, not to take these cross-referenced
verses out of context.
3. To study topics and biographies. To use this method, select
the topic word, perhaps including related words, and study
each of them as they occur in the Bible. Then organize this
material, selecting important passages for a topical study.
4. As a dictionary. Concordances containing the original
Hebrew and Greek words give brief definitions, and also help
you distinguish between two or more of the original language
words that may be translated by only one English word.
Many different concordances are available today. The two
major differences in concordances are: the degree of
completeness, and the translation on which they are based.
Cruden’s has been a household word in Christian homes for
over 200 years. It is presently in print in several editions. If you
17
decide to purchase a Cruden’s Concordance, be sure to buy
the “complete” edition. Some editions are less than complete,
and, therefore, less useful. It is better to spend a little more and
get the edition that will be much more useful in your study.
Cruden’s is based on the King James Version.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance and Young’s Analytical
Concordance are both more complete concordances based on
the King James Version. These large volumes are indeed
exhaustive (and not just because of their sheer bulk and
weight!) because they note every occurrence of every word in
Scripture. They also list the Hebrew and Greek words, and
give their meanings. Strong’s lists these meanings in a section
at the end of the volume, and Young’s at the beginning of each
new word listing. Either is recommended for students most
familiar with the King James Version.
Other concordances are based on modern translations rather
than on the King James Version. If you are more familiar with
a modern version of the Bible, you may want a concordance
based on that version. For the NASB there is the New American
Standard Exhaustive Concordance, for the RSV there is Nelson’s
Complete Concordance, and for the NIV there is the NIV
Complete Concordance. The Zondervan Expanded Concordance
has additional word listings for several modern translations.
The New American Standard Exhaustive Concordance is
particularly recommended.
The two major differences in concordances are:
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Why may the modern language concordances be of particular
value to some students?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
A Bible Dictionary
A good Bible dictionary contains important information on
almost every topic mentioned in the Bible: studies on Bible
books, historical and cultural background, studies of doctrinal
subjects, and archaeological findings.
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There are several good Bible dictionaries in print, including
The New Bible Dictionary (Eerdmans); Pictorial Bible Dictionary
(Zondervan); Unger’s Bible Dictionary (Moody); and Davis
Dictionary of the Bible (Baker). Multi-volume Bible
encyclopedias serve the same purpose in more depth.
Why is a good Bible dictionary an important tool for Bible
study?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
A Bible Atlas
The Bible atlas helps you locate places named in the Bible.
Your study of almost any portion of Scripture will be
enhanced as you examine the place or places in their
geographical setting. How helpful it is, for example, to see
God’s leadership in the conquest of Canaan: Joshua first
divides the area into two parts, then sweeps to victory in the
south, following with campaigns in the north. Or, in the New
Testament, you can use your atlas to carefully observe the
missionary movements of the apostle Paul as he carried God’s
Good News to the Gentiles. Locating places in a Bible atlas
also affords an opportunity to note other relevant geographical
features, such as distances involved in travel, and the terrain
of the region. This helps you visualize where Bible events took
place, making Bible study more meaningful and interesting.
What should you look for in a Bible atlas? The following
guidelines may prove helpful.
• Maps should be clear and bright.
• Many names should appear on them in clear print.
• A gazetteer should accompany the maps, providing a code
to guide in locating Bible names on them.
• There should be a number of maps, covering each major era
of Bible history.
• Clear indications of elevations and rainfall are also
valuable.
One of the best, reasonably priced atlases is Hammond’s Atlas of
the Bible Lands. The Compact Bible Atlas with Gazetteer,
published by Baker, is also very good.
The primary value of a Bible atlas is:
19
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Bible Commentaries
Commentaries are just what the name implies: they comment
on a Bible passage to explain, illustrate, or even apply it’s
meaning. Commentaries are not a cure all for all problems of
understanding the text. For example, you may turn to a
particular commentary and find that it does not say anything
at all about the passage you need clarified. This is particularly
a problem with the one-volume commentaries covering the
entire Bible. But it may also occur in commentaries that cover a
single book. Then, too, coming as it does from the pen of mere
humans, the commentary may not always be entirely correct.
They do not always agree with each other (and they can’t all
be right!). Nevertheless, most commentaries were written by
mature, godly persons, and we should read them carefully,
with due respect.
The main differences in commentaries are: some are one
volume, others multivolume, and still others cover only one
Bible book. While some are exegetical (that is, dealing with the
meaning of the text), others are more devotional, dealing with
the application of Bible truth. While many have been written
by evangelical scholars, some have been written by scholars
not holding to a high view of the inspiration of Scripture.
Before buying any commentary, check with your pastor. He
will doubtless have some excellent suggestions. In the
multivolume sets, the Tyndale series of commentaries
provides a wealth of helpful information. For more complete
coverage, the New International Commentary series, or the
Expositor’s Bible Commentary series are excellent choices. Many
good single-book commentaries are also available. David C.
Cook offers the Basic Bible Series, which provides general
comment on Scripture portions, for individual or group study.
Two main differences in commentaries are:
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Should you decide to buy just one commentary on Ephesians
for this course, we suggest either the Tyndale series on
Ephesians, or John R. W. Stott’s God’s New Society. You will
20
need to consult a commentary on Ephesians throughout your
study in this course.
Time out! Have you been able to obtain your own copy of the
Bible study tools covered in this lesson? What are these tools
again?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
A good study Bible
Bible-marking pencils (and a notebook for later study)
Concordance
Bible dictionary
Bible atlas
Bible commentary
Every serious student of Scripture should purchase each of
these tools as soon as possible. They should be regarded as
indispensable basics for your study and preparation to
minister to others. The tools listed above (except the
concordance) are necessary to complete this course.
Where can you obtain these items? Visit your local Christian
bookstore. Probably all of these tools will be available there.
You should examine the various titles available before making
your purchase.
In the event a Bible book store is not near you, these books
may be ordered on line or by mail. If you are not able to
purchase books right away, consider one of the following
options in order to complete this course: 1) Consult your
church library. Some of these volumes may be available to
check out. 2) Check with your pastor or other people you
know who might have some of these books. Perhaps they
would be willing to lend them.
If you have access to the internet, The BlueLetterBible.org
contains a tremendous wealth of helpful resources.
21
Lesson 3
DISCOVERING THE
AUTHOR’S PURPOSE
Have you ever listened to a public speaker and been unable to
grasp his point? If you are like me, you became frustrated and
even a little exasperated. Your mind shouts out, “What’s he
driving at?” or, “If she would just clearly say what she
means!”
In order to understand what Scripture is teaching, you must
first discover the author’s purpose for writing a particular
Bible book. This will help you see the original context, and
indicate the direction and theme of the book’s message.
Approaches to Finding the Author’s Purpose
Occasionally the writer of a Bible book clearly states his
purpose for writing. The apostle John does this, both in his
gospel, and in his first epistle. Study the following Scripture
passages. What is the author’s stated purpose in each case?
John 20:31
____________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
1 John 5:13
___________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Luke 1:1-3 ____________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Jude 3 __________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
More often, however, the author’s purpose is not clearly
stated, but may be implied from certain statements he makes.
Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians is an example of this. Read
1 Corinthians 1:11, 7:1. What provided the “agenda” for this
letter?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
22
Notice how other agenda items are alluded to in 5:1, 8:1, 12:1,
and 16:1. From this information you can easily develop an
outline of the book, consistent with Paul’s purpose.
Most of the time, however, the best way to discover the
author’s purpose is to carefully read the text—looking for the
major idea or ideas developed by the writer. What do you see
as Paul’s major purpose for writing the Book of Galatians,
based on Galatians 1:6-9; 3:1-5; and 5:1-6?
Three ways to discover the author’s purpose are:
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Steps to Discovering the Author’s Purpose in Ephesians
Now let’s put into practice what you have learned so far, by
discovering the author’s purpose and plan in the Book of
Ephesians. To complete this assignment you will probably
need to spend longer than the usual one hour. But reading and
rereading Scripture for better understanding will be some of
your best-spent time.
Whoops! Remember, it’s a “no-no” to look at any other source
for this study except the Bible itself. An outstanding Bible
teacher, James M. Gray, maintained that one’s own
independent study of Scripture, as imperfect as it might be, is
of far more practical value than the most perfect outline
prepared by someone else.
Jot down what you find as you complete the following steps:
STEP ONE. Skim quickly through the Book of Ephesians,
looking for obvious indications of the author’s purpose.
Write anything you notice in the space below.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
23
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
STEP TWO. Now read Ephesians much more carefully. Look at
each of the subjects covered. Write down several of the
important ideas or topics as you see Paul presenting them.
Look for evidences of purpose from your list of specific
subjects dealt with in the epistle.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
STEP THREE. Combine the information gathered in steps one
and two, and state what appears to you to be the author’ s
overall purpose (or purposes) in writing.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Finding the author’s purpose is both very important, as well as
very rewarding. It is an approach that can be used with any
book of the Bible.
24
Lesson 4
DISCOVERING THE
AUTHOR’S PLAN
Dr. Nelaton, the great French surgeon, once said that if he had
four minutes to perform a lifesaving operation, he would take
at least one minute to consider how best to do it. In surgery, as
with any endeavor of life, prior planning helps assure the
intended outcome.
But what about the Bible? Did the authors of the Bible also
have a plan as they wrote their books? Yes! Through the
special guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Bible has come about,
not as a hodgepodge of disjointed writings, but as an orderly
whole. And within each Bible book itself, one can discern a
logical order and purpose in thematic development. In fact,
interpreting Bible passages begins with discovering this inner
framework of the entire Bible book.
In this lesson your goal is to divide the Book of Ephesians into
segments of appropriate length for group Bible studies. Build
on what you learned in Lesson 3 about the overall theme and
major topics from Ephesians.
Develop an Outline
Let’s begin by illustrating this approach from 1 Corinthians. It
seems clear that Paul based the first part of his letter on
information received about problems in the church (see 1
Corinthians 1:11). Segments which would be appropriate for
individual studies in 1 Corinthians are:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
A problem of divisions in the church, 1:10-31
Paul’s example regarding this problem, 2:1-16
A problem of church carnality, 3:1-23
A problem of spiritual pride, 4:1-21
A problem regarding immorality, 5:1-13
A problem regarding lawsuits, 6:1-11
The immorality problem continued, 6:12-20
Paul then states in 7:1, “Now concerning the things about
which you wrote.” In the second half of 1 Corinthians Paul
responds to matters brought to his attention in their letter.
25
Segments appropriate in length for individual Bible Studies
are:
• The question of marriage, 7:1-40
• The Christian response to food offered to idols (discussed
in chap. 8; illustrated in 9:1-10:22; and concluded in 10:23-33)
• Spiritual gifts for the Church, chapter 12
• Spiritual gifts versus love, chapter 13
• The practice of tongues versus prophecy, chapter 14
• Teaching about the Resurrection, chapter 15
Now it’s your turn. Read through the Book of Ephesians once
again. In the space below, write down in greater detail the
main ideas you find. Note where topics begin and end, and
how these topics relate to the overall theme. Try to let one
segment (i.e., a Bible study) focus on one primary topic. Keep
in mind that paragraph divisions often aid in seeing the larger
picture in the book.
Passage /Main Idea
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
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__________________________________________________________________________
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__________________________________________________________________________
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26
Make Adjustments
The work you have just completed should “fit in” with what
you learned in Lesson 3 about finding the author’s purpose. To
put this another way, your outline of the book should be a
development, or expansion, of this purpose. Each part of the
outline should cover a particular aspect of the author’s overall
purpose so that all the points of the outline will add up to a
concise summary of the content. Does your outline do this?
Look back to page 24 to see your first statement of the author’s
purpose. Write it again here.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
At this point you may want to change parts of your outline to
better fit your statement of purpose. On the other hand, if you
feel that your outline reflects the content of Ephesians quite
well, you may want to adjust the wording of your statement of
purpose to better fit your outline. Make any improvement you
can in the space below.
Purpose
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Passage/Main Idea
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
27
Lesson 5
EXAMINING THE
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Before traveling to a foreign country many tourists find it
helpful to study the culture and values of the people they will
visit. Doing this usually makes for a more meaningful and
enjoyable visit—both for the tourists, and for the host people.
Something of this same situation exists as we come to the
study of Scripture. As we study the Bible we are walking into
a culture that existed over 2,000 years ago! Obviously, if we
are to understand and apply God’s Word correctly, we must
understand the historical setting in which it was written.
Kinds of Background Information
The events of the Bible took place at particular points in time,
in specific places, and within various cultural situations. This
background information will help us better understand,
appreciate, and even interpret a book or passage of Scripture.
Let’s look at this by way of a few illustrations:
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND. Daniel was made the “third ruler”
in the kingdom of Babylon (Daniel 5:16) because of the ability
God had given him to interpret the king’s dreams. Many
readers of Scripture have asked, “Who then was the ‘second
ruler,’ in rank between Daniel and the king?” From a study of
history we learn that this person was doubtless Belshazzar
himself because his father Nabonidus was still alive and
technically the first ruler in the kingdom.
GEOGRAPHICAL BACKGROUND. In John 4:4, Jesus “had to pass
through Samaria.” Why? Was it because He knew the woman of
Samaria was there and that she needed his ministry?
Doubtless this was an important reason. But by looking at a
map of the area, we can see another factor: geographically
Samaria separated Galilee from Judea.
CULTURAL BACKGROUND. The request of one of Jesus’ disciples
to “let me first go and bury my father” (Matthew 8:21)—before
committing to follow Jesus may seem reasonable enough—
until learning that this cultural expression meant “Let me care
28
for my father until he passes away.”
List three types of background information that you should
look for in Bible study.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
When to Look for Background Information
As indicated in previous lessons, you should first carefully
observe the text by reading it carefully, and “in-depth”. Glean
from it all that you can, making notes of your observations.
Only after completing this initial study, should you look
elsewhere for background information.
The right time to look for background information is:
__________________________________________________________________________
Where to Look for Background Information
1. The first place to look is in the cross-references of your study
Bible. Frequently the New Testament refers to things that
occurred in the Old. Knowing this information can
significantly help you understand the New Testament passage
under study. Or, the New Testament may in turn help explain
or apply the truth of the Old Testament.
For example, suppose you are studying John chapter 3. In
verse 14 you read: “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the
wilderness.” You ask yourself, to what does this refer? Your
study Bible may list Numbers 21:9 as a cross-reference.
Reading this verse, you learn that Moses made a bronze image
of a serpent and set it on a pole. Those bitten by “fiery
serpents”, by looking at it were healed.
Let’s take another example, this one from Ephesians 1:1. Look
for a small letter immediately before the word “Ephesus” Is
there a cross-reference to Acts 18:19? If not, find it on page 37
of this book. The word “Ephesus” in Acts 18:19 also has of
cross-references to other places in the New Testament,
including Acts 19. This chapter records important events from
Paul’s ministry in Ephesus. Read this chapter now.
List the main points that are relevant to Paul’s mission and the
29
establishment of a Christian work in that city.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
The first place you should look for information on the
historical background is:
__________________________________________________________________________
2. The second place to look for background information is the
geographical references on the maps in your Bible atlas. For
example, by reading the Book of Joshua, together with a
period map of the land of Palestine, you can increase your
appreciation of how God led Joshua to a brilliant military
conquest of Caanan. Similarly, locating the “cities of refuge”
(Joshua 20) will reveal the wise strategic placement of each of
these cities.
On a Bible map, locate the province of Asia. Using the map
below, write the name of this province, and color the area that
it covers.
Next, note the size of this province, using the scale given on
the Bible map. It is approximately ______ miles North to South,
and ________ miles East to West.
30
Background information can also be obtained from:
__________________________________________________________________________
3. The third place to look for background information is your
Bible dictionary. For example, in a study of the book of
Ephesians you would read the article on “Ephesus” in your
Bible dictionary. Read this article now. Note in the space
below the things you learned about its geographical
importance, its religions, and other features that add to what
you learned from Acts 19.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Reflect: how can the information you just wrote be useful as
you lead Bible studies?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
31
Lesson 6
STUDYING BIBLE
PORTIONS
HEAD
You are now ready to learn about the HEAD, HEART, and
HANDS approach to Bible study, which will be covered in
Lessons 6—10.
HEAD. Your first concern should be to develop a correct and
adequate understanding of what the passage says. This lesson
will help you to carefully observe what the text says, and
guide you in learning what it means. (The HEAD aspect of Bible
study is covered in lessons 6 through 8.)
HEART. Your second concern is the application of truth to your
own heart and life. Like a good cook, you want not only to
prepare a good meal, but to enjoy it as well. Each of your
study periods should include a time when you let the Word
speak to your own heart and guide your life. (The HEART aspect
of Bible study is covered in Lesson 9.)
HANDS. Finally, you are being equipped to share with others
what you have learned. The goal of this course is to prepare
you to lead 10 discussion-type Bible studies in the book of
Ephesians. Your study group can meet in a home, an office, or
a Sunday school class, or anywhere else. It can include friends
and neighbors, or just your own family. In order to accomplish
this, you will need to set aside at least one additional hour
each week for personal study and preparation. (The HANDS
aspect of Bible study will be covered in Lesson 10.)
Describe the HEAD, HEART, and HANDS approach to Bible
Study:
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
The HEAD approach to Bible study is based on the following
five steps. By following these steps, each time you study a
Bible portion, you will come to understand both what the
32
passage says, and what it means:
1. Read Prayerfully
Keep an open mind to receive God’s message for you. The
Bible is a spiritual book and can only be understood with the
aid of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10). Each time we come to
study the Bible our prayer should be along the lines of Psalm
119:18: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of
your law.”
2. Read Repeatedly and Thoughtfully
Time spent just reading the text—reading and reading it
again—can be the most worthwhile time you spend in study.
One well-known Bible teacher reads a Bible book as much as
50 times before he feels ready to teach it. You may not be able
to read it that many times, but the more you read it the more
fruitful will be your Study.
3. Mark and Notate the Text
You can also make various kinds of markings (such as
underlining, arrows, asterisks, and any number of brief
comments) to help you highlight portions of the text. The
important thing is to make sure these symbols actually help
you observe the text with a more discerning eye—rather than
confuse or distract. (As suggested in Lesson 2, a fine-line
mechanical pencil can help do this neatly.)
Other Bible markings can be done with colored pencils, either
by highlighting words (with lighter colors, such as yellow and
orange), or by underlining or circling. A consistent color code
is important. For example, if yellow is chosen to emphasize
God’s promises, it should have this meaning throughout your
study Bible.
4. Record Your Observations
The “observations” section on page 39 is designed for your
personal notes, questions, and markings.
What to look for and record:
ILLUSTRATIONS AND COMPARISONS. Such illustrations often
bring out the author’s meaning. An example of this is James
3:6-12, where the tongue is compared to a fire.
CONTRASTED IDEAS. The connective “but” often introduces a
33
contrast. See Galatians 5:16-24.
REPEATED IDEAS. Repetition is used in Scripture for emphasis.
For examples, see 1 Corinthians 13; Matthew 5:21-48; and
James 2:14-26.
CAUSE-AND-EFFECT RELATIONSHIPS. The Old Testament
prophets frequently first speak warnings, then what will
happen if these warnings go unheeded. Key words such as:
“because”, “for”, “in order that”, “therefore”, and “if”, usually
indicate cause and effect relationships.
What cause-and-effect relationship do you see in:
1 John 1:5-7? __________________________________________________________
James 3:13-18?
______________________________________________________
GENERALIZATIONS AND SUMMARIES. These statements may
come either at the beginning, or at the close of a discussion.
Paul for example, frequently makes a general assertive
statement, then develops it in detail.
PROGRESSION OF THOUGHT AND ARRANGEMENT OF MATERIAL.
Note this progression in Hebrews Ch. 11.
__________________________________________________________________________
THE AUTHOR’S QUESTIONS. Usually these questions either
introduce a problem, or provide a summary. (They are often
rhetorical questions, with the answer implied in the context.)
Which of these two purposes do you find in:
Romans 6:1-4 ________________________________________________________
James 3:13-18 ________________________________________________________
GRAMMATICAL CONSTRUCTIONS. Though this subject can turn
off some people, it is helpful to note the following in any given
passage: the subject of the sentence, the action words, and the
objects of the action. Further, the tense of the action words
(verbs) is very important. Adjectives and adverbs describe
other words, as do the longer phrases and clauses. The
author’s choice of prepositions, such as: “in”, “through”,
“with”, “by”, “to”, and “of”, often significantly influence the
meaning of a passage. This is also true of connectives, such as:
“because”, “therefore”, “yet”, “however”, and “likewise”.
Eight observations that help to understand the meaning of the
34
text are:
1. _______________________________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________________________________
4. _______________________________________________________________________
5. _______________________________________________________________________
6. _______________________________________________________________________
7. _______________________________________________________________________
8. _______________________________________________________________________
5. Ask the Text Questions
Asking questions will sharpen your understanding of the text.
In her book, The Joy of Discovery, Oletta Wald has the following
helpful list of questions for probing deeper into the meaning of
the text:
• Meaning questions: What is the meaning of this word,
phrase, or statement? How can this word be defined? Is
there a deeper meaning in the idea than appears on the
surface?
• Significance questions: What is the significance of a key
word, phrase, or statement in the passage? What is the
significance of the verb-tenses, connectives, and grammatical
constructions? What is the significance of the literary
patterns, such as comparisons, contrasts, illustrations, and
repetitions, structure of the passage? Why has the author
used this particular term? Would it make any difference if
this idea were left out? Or stated differently?
• Implication questions: What is implied by the use of this term
or phrase? What is implied by the use of a question, an
illustration, etc.?
• Relationship Questions: What is the relationship of words to
other words? One part of a verse to another part? Verses to
verses? Paragraphs with paragraphs? Chapters with
chapters? Relationship of the beginning and end of a chapter
or section?
• Progression questions: Is there any progression in the thought
35
pattern? Does it move toward a climax? Is one idea built
upon another? Is there any significance in the order of a
series of words or ideas?
• Literal or figurative questions: Is this term or statement to be
considered literally or figuratively?
Describe the five key steps to follow to better understand Bible
portions.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
36
Lesson 7
OBSERVING BIBLE
PORTIONS:
HEAD
Often the best way to learn something is to do it! Following the
sequence of steps discussed in the previous chapter, carefully
study Ephesians 1:1-14.
Remember the Steps!
1. Pray for God’s blessing before you begin, and during your
reading.
2. Read the verses repeatedly, and thoughtfully.
3. Make your own markings—underlinings, arrows, and brief
comments—anything that is helpful to your understanding of
the message of these verses.
4. Go through the list of observation suggestions (pp. 33 and
34) and record relevant comments on your observations page.
5. Ask the text questions—things that you do not yet
understand—or questions that help identify key issues or
points crucial to understanding or applying the text. Record
these questions on page 39 and 40.
Remember, this part of your study should be your own work.
Don’t look (yet) at any other source. Allow yourself an hour,
or more, for this study.
Carefully record all you findings, beginning with your
“Observations”, on page 39.
Ephesians 1:1-14
PAUL, aan apostle of bChrist Jesus 1cby the will of God, to
the2dsaints who are 3at eEphesus, and fwho are faithful
in bChrist Jesus:
2 aGrace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus
Christ.
3 aBlessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has
blessed us with every spiritual blessing in tithe heavenly places in Christ,
37
4 just as aHe chose us in Him before bthe foundation of the world, that
we should be choly and blameless before 1Him. dIn love
5 1He apredestined us to badoption as sons through Jesus Christ to
Himself, caccording to the 2kind intention of His will,
6 ato the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed
on us in bthe Beloved.
7 aIn 1Him we have bredemption cthrough His blood, the dforgive- ness
of our trespasses, according to ethe riches of His grace,
8 which He llavished upon 2us. In all wisdom and insight
9 He lamade known to us the mystery of His will, baccording to His
2
kind intention which He cpurposed in Him
10 with a view to an administration lsuitable to athe fulness of the times, that
is, bthe summing up of all things in Christ, things 2in the heavens and
things upon the earth. In Him
11 lalso we 2ahave obtained an inheritance, having been bpredestined
c
according to His purpose who works all things dafter the counsel of
His will,
12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in 1Christ should be ato
the praise of His glory.
13 In 1Him, you also, after listening to athe message of truth, the gospel of
your salvation—having also 2believed, you were bsealed in 1Him with
c
the Holy Spirit of promise,
14 who is lagiven as a pledge of bour inheritance, with a view to the
c
redemption of God’s own possession, e to the praise of His glory.
Cross references for Ephesians 1:1-14
1 1Lit., through 2i.e., true believers; lit., holy ones 3Some ‘ancient mss.
omit, at Ephesus a2 Cor. 1:1bEph. 2:6, 7, 10, 13, 20; 3:1, 6, 11, 21; Col.
1:4; 2:6; 4:12; Rom. 8:1; Gal. 3:26 Cor. 1:1 PActs 9:13; Phil. 1:1; Col.
1:1 cActs 18:19 fCol. 1:2
2 aRom. 1:7
3 a2 Cor. 1:3 bEph. 1:20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12; Phil. 3:20
4 1Or, Him, in love a2Thess. 2:13f.; Eph. 2:10 bMatt. 25:34
c
Eph. 5:27; Col. 1:22; 2 Tim. 1:9 dEph. 4:2, 15, 16; 5:2
5 1Lit., having predestined 2Lit., good pleasure aEph. 1:11; Rom.
8:29f.; Acts 1.3:48 hRom. 8:14ff.; Gal. 4:5 cLuke 12:32;
38
1 Cor. 1:21; Gal. 1:15; Phil. 2:13; Col. 1:19
6 aEph. 1:12, 14 bMatt. 3:17
7 1Lit., whom aCol. 1:14 bEph. 1:14; 1 Cor. 1:30; Rom. 3:24 cActs
20:28; Rom. 3:25 dActs 2:38 cRom. 2:4; Eph. 1:18; 2:7; 3:8,16;
Col. 1:27
8 1Lit., made abundant toward 20r, us, in all wisdom and insight
9 1Lit., making known 2Lit., good pleasure aRom. 11:25; 16:25; Eph.
3:3 bLuke 12:32;1 Cor. 1:21; Gal. 1:15; Phil. 2:13; Col. 1:19
c
Eph. 1:11: Rom. 8:28
Observations
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For Next Class Hour
1. Be prepared to share with the group the particular system of
symbol and color-code markings that you have adopted. Then
share examples of how you used them in this lesson.
2. Be prepared to share the observations you noted as you
repeatedly read the text.
3. Be ready to share questions you asked the text. Your own
questions can contribute to the learning experience of others in
the group.
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Lesson 8
UNDERSTANDING
BIBLE PORTIONS
HEAD
Martin Luther said, “I study my Bible as I gather apples. First,
I shake the whole tree that the ripest might fall. Then I shake
each limb, and when I have shaken each limb, I shake each
branch and every twig. Then I look under every leaf.”
Your study of just the text, without other helps, was the first
important phase in your lesson preparation.
But you can dig deeper. The second phase of your preparation
consists of using your Bible study resource books to develop
your first study in Ephesians.
Using Bible Study Tools
LOOK UP THE WORDS IN A DICTIONARY. It may surprise you to
know how helpful a good dictionary can be, even in Bible
study! For example, look up the following words in a
dictionary and write down the definition you find for them.
Grace __________________________________________________________________
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Blessed ________________________________________________________________
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Predestinate __________________________________________________________
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READ AT LEAST ONE OTHER TRANSLATION. Sometimes looking
at a newer translation, such as the ESV, can clear up an
obscure word or phrase.
After reading Ephesians 1:1-14 from a newer translation, write
down words or phrases that have become clearer to you.
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EXAMINE THE CROSS-REFERENCES. For example, upon reading
Ephesians 1:1, suppose you want to know what an apostle is,
or what it means to be an apostle “by the will of God.” The small
“a” before “an apostle” in the NASB cross-reference column
lists 2 Corinthians 1:1. Turn to this verse and locate the word
“apostle” Now look in the cross-reference column to find
additional references to “an apostle.” Looking through these
references, find Galatians 1:1. What does this verse teach you
about the meaning of the word “apostle”?
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Looking further in Galatians 1:1, we locate the small “b” before
“not.” Find “b” in the cross-reference column, where it lists
Galatians 1:11f. Now read Galatians 1:11-24. What important
things about his apostleship does Paul tell us in this passage?
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Helpful indeed are the cross-references in your study Bible!
Now it’s your turn. Locate at least two more cross-references
from Ephesians 1:1-14 and show how they shed additional
light on the meaning of these verses. Note: the bold-faced
numbers in the cross reference column are the verse numbers
correlating with the verses in Ephesians 1:1-14.
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LOOK UP LOCATIONS IN A BIBLE ATLAS. Your atlas gives you a
better understanding of Bible land geography and related
circumstances. In Ephesians 1:1 Paul mentioned Ephesus.
Locate this city in your atlas and mark its location on the map
on page 31. Do you think the location of Ephesus had an effect
on Pau1’s strategy for evangelizing the area? In what way? To
prepare your answer, read Acts 19:10.)
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LOOK UP MEANINGS IN A BIBLE DICTIONARY. A good Bible
dictionary is the place to find additional information on the
many interesting topics your study will suggest to you. Use a
Bible dictionary to find and record information on one or more
of the following topics: Paul, apostle, saints, Ephesus, grace,
predestine, adoption, mystery, redemption, blood, inheritance,
seal.
Write down important highlights from what you learned
about this topic or topics. Be prepared to share this
information in your group discussion.
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CONSULT A COMMENTARY. One famous Bible teacher said that
students of Scripture may fall into one of two errors. Either
they will depend solely on a commentary to learn the meaning
of Scripture, or, they will look at one not at all. Commentaries
contain a wealth of valuable information. However, they
should be read near the end of your study. This way you will
significantly increase your understanding of Scripture. And
because you have studied the passage for yourself first, you
will be confident about sharing it with others.
Now read the section covering Ephesians 1:1-14 in your
commentary. As you do, write down important additional
information and helpful insights.
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Answering the Questions
With the information gathered from these six sources, you
should be able to answer most or all of the questions you had
from the previous lesson. Briefly answer these questions here:
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Lesson 9
APPLYING BIBLE
PORTIONS
HEART:
There is a form of deafness known to physicians ,in which the
persons affected are able to hear everything except words. In
such cases, the ear, as an apparatus for hearing, may be so
perfect that the tick of a watch or the song of a bird is clearly
heard. But owing to an injury in the brain itself, all spoken
words are as unintelligible as those of a foreign language.
Every word verbally addressed to them reaches their
consciousness only as a sound, not as a word. (W. H.
Thompson)
Hearing the Message
Because it is possible to have a “spiritual hearing” defect, the
purpose of this lesson is not merely to gain additional
information about what the Bible says or means. Rather, we
now ask: What is God saying to me from this passage? Am I
actually hearing God’s message to me? What lessons of
guidance, encouragement, or warning do I need to hear from
this passage? In other words, God’s Word must go deeper
than my ears; it must reach my heart!
This HEART aspect of learning is the key to Christian growth. It
is one thing to observe food for example, and even to analyze
carefully. It is quite another however, to accept that food, chew
and digest it, until it literally becomes a part of your body. Just
so with God’s Word, our spiritual food.
The purpose of this lesson then, is to help you internalize
God’s Word more effectively—until it becomes a part of your
spiritual life.
Use one of the following lists of questions to share heart
application from today’s Scripture passage. Make it personal.
Then learn to ask questions like these when reading your
Bible:
1. Is there a promise for me to claim?
2. Is there a command for me to obey?
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3. Is there a sin for me to avoid?
4. Is there a principle for me to apply?
Another list of devotional-type questions, prepared by Dr.
Terry Powell in Christianity 101 are these:
1. What words, phrases, or ideas are repeated in this passage?
What is the significance of this repetition?
2. What commands does the passage contain? Which ones
represent a timeless command for all believers? Which
command speaks most personally to me? Why?
3. What can I learn from either the negative or positive
examples of personalities mentioned in the passage?
4. What promises to claim can I find here?
5. What sin or shortcoming does the passage expose in my
life?
6. What reasons for praising God are suggested by the
content?
7. What truth or principle encourages me? Why?
8. How should what I’m reading affect my prayer life?
9. How does this passage increase my appreciation for Jesus
Christ? God the Father? Or the Holy Spirit?
Still another way you may wish to apply Scripture is to ask
how the passage Speaks to a number of different kinds of
relationships, such as:
1. Relationships in my home?
2. Relationships at work?
3. Relationships in society?
Applying the Message
Keep in mind that you may not find applications for all of
these questions in any passage. The applications appropriate
will depend on the subject and writer’s purpose.
Now read Ephesians 1:1-14 devotionally. Record the personal
applications you find in this passage. Be prepared to share
them at the next group session.
Personal Applications:
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This passage is filled with all that God has done for us in
Christ! Obviously it is not possible to find responses to all of
the questions suggested, but the following are some examples
of possible applications from this Scripture portion.
A PROMISE TO CLAIM: Since I have received God’s grace
through Christ, I can experience His peace in every area of my
life.
A PRINCIPLE TO APPLY: It is God’s purpose that I should live
“holy and blameless” before Him. It is not enough that I
appear upright before others. He sees my heart. I pray Psalm
19:14 today: “Let he words of my mouth and the meditation of my
heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my
redeemer.”
ANOTHER PRINCIPLE TO CLAIM: It is God’s purpose that my
life be “to the praise of His glory”—not my own glory. In light
of all God has done for me, how appropriate that my heart be
filled with praise to Him!
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Lesson 10
TEACHING BIBLE
PORTIONS
HANDS
Dr. Howard Hendricks tells of a professor who made an
impact on his life. He passed godly man’s home many times,
early in the morning and late at night, often noticing him
pouring over his books. One day Hendricks asked him,
“Doctor, I’d like to know, what is it that keeps you studying?
You never cease to learn.”
His answer: “Son, I would rather have my students drink from
a running stream than from a stagnant pool.” (Christian
Teacher)
Regular Bible study is key. It keeps us close to the Lord,
constantly finding fresh insights from God’s Word. But to
study only for our personal benefit is not the ultimate goal. We
want to become a “running stream” of Biblical learning for the
benefit of others.
This brings us to the HANDS aspect of Bible study: preparing
to share Scripture truth with others.
Preparing Bible Questions
A most effective way to prepare a lesson for teaching is to
make a list of “leading” questions for the group discussion.
Not only is this usually the easiest type of Bible study to
prepare for, but also for most people it is also the easiest to
lead.
Write down what you feel would make good questions for
discussing your passage. There are several sources from which
you can develop these leading questions. The first, of course, is
from your own study of the passage. Looking at the questions
you asked on your study work sheet is a good place to begin.
Restate these questions as needed and write them below.
Secondly, you may be able to add to these questions as you
focus your attention on them now. Finally, devotional guides
and Bible commentaries may suggest additional questions. Try
to develop your own questions first, then draw from other
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sources only as needed.
Discussion Questions
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Three Kinds of Questions to Ask
The quality of questions you ask will greatly influence the
quality of discussion in your Bible study. These questions run
parallel to the aspects of study you have already experienced,
namely: 1) observing the significant facts of the passage; 2)
learning the meaning of these facts; and 3) applying these facts
to your personal life. Let’s look at these.
FACT questions draw attention to a particular verse, concept,
phrase, or word that you wish to develop.
These questions seek information directly from the Scripture
text; they ask: what, who, when, where, why, how?
MEANING questions follow fact question. They can expand on
the meaning of the passage. They can focus on interpreting the
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facts and adding more information. Meaning questions can be
answered either directly from the verse, from the context, or
from appropriate cross-references. Sometimes a fuller or richer
meanings can come from your additional study resources.
APPLICATION questions ask questions like: “How does this
Bible truth affect my own life, or that of the world around
me?” In some ways these are the most important questions of
all.
Here are some examples from Ephesians 1, illustrating these
three types of questions:
FACT QUESTION: How does Paul introduce himself in verse 1?
(“an apostle”)
MEANING QUESTION: What is an apostle? (See Gal. 1:1.)
APPLICATION QUESTION: Is there a sense in which God calls us
to be apostles? (Share your answer.)
FACT QUESTION: How does Paul describe the Ephesian
Christians? (“saints,” “who are faithful,” “in Christ Jesus”)
MEANING QUESTION: What does the word “saint” mean? (See
margin: “holy one.”)
APPLICATION QUESTION: In what way does Paul’s description
of the Ephesians Christians apply to your life?
Notice the two series of three questions focused on the same
subject matter. This was by design. The meaning question is an
expansion of the fact question. The application question brings
out the relevance of the fact for our Christian living.
Remember however, that not all fact questions will lend
themselves to relevant applications. Choosing fact questions
that can lead to meaningful application questions is a key skill
to be developed.
Look at another example from Ephesians 1:
FACT QUESTION: Why does Paul begin this letter (after the
introduction) with the joyous, “Blessed be the God and Father”?
MEANING QUESTION: How does Paul describe the blessings we
have in verse 3? (“spiritual,” “in the heavenly places,” “in Christ,”
“has blessed”—i.e., past tense)
APPLICATION QUESTION: In what ways is it important that
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these blessings are written about in the past tense? (We don’t
work for them; we do worship and praise God for them, as
Paul did.)
As you can see, we have taken one basic fact question, brought
out the meaning, and applied a part of it to our lives.
Now it’s your turn. Read Ephesians 1:1-14 again and note key
ideas for discussion. These ideas should relate to the main idea
of this passage. The main idea of Ephesians 1:1-14 is:
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Pick out a number of important facts that bear on this main
idea. Then compose questions that help develop the meaning
of these facts Finally develop other questions asking how these
facts apply to our lives or circumstances as Christians. Work
on these questions for at least 20 minutes before going on.
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How did you do? If you found this difficult, take heart. With
further experience you can increase your skills in asking good
questions. Good questions will bear fruit in lively discussions!
After completing your personal study, you may get some
additional help from studying the following examples:
VERSE 4. This passage lists a number of God-given spiritual
blessings. What is the first of these? (God chose us) When did
this occur? (Before the foundation of the world) Why is this
significant to us? (It shows God’s wisdom; and that He took
the initiative in salvation) What response should this evoke in
us? (Praise and worship)
There are other ways this verse could be handled as well.
Consider the following: What was God’s purpose in choosing
us? (That we should be holy and blameless before Him) Is this
something that occurs “in Christ” or in daily practical living as
well? How can this occur in greater measure in my life?
VERSES 5-8. What is the relationship we now have with God?
(We are adopted as sons and daughters) How did this
relationship take place—so far as God is concerned? (by the
kind intention of His will) So far as Christ is concerned? (His
death) What is the appropriate response to what God has
done? (We can offer our praise, and live for His praise) What
else do Christians have? (Redemption) How does this occur?
(Through His blood, i.e., His death) What is the result of
redemption, according to verse 7? (The forgiveness of our
trespasses) Notice how this was done. (vs. 7 and 8) What
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should be our response in light of the grace that Christ has
lavished upon us? (Love, fidelity, and service to Him) (Note:
You can briefly touch on the subject of the mystery of His will,
or pass over it entirely since it occupies a central place later in
this epistle.)
VERSES 11-14. Why did God give us this wonderful
inheritance? (That we should be “to the praise of His glory”)
How, do you think, did the Ephesian Christians understand
this would happen in their lives? How is it to occur in our
lives?
This passage is so filled with the wonderful things God has
done for us. Yet in v. 13 there is something we must do. What
is it? (Believe) What does this word mean? (The meaning of
this term can be discussed as needed) Have you made a
decision to believe in Christ as your Savior?
This final section could also be handled in the following way.
‘What happens after we hear the Gospel and believe in Christ?
(We are sealed with the Holy Spirit) How is the meaning of
this term brought out in verse 14? (It is a pledge of our
inheritance.) Notice the last phrase in v. 14: “to the praise of
His glory.”
A possible lesson conclusion would be: Let’s close this study
by thinking about ways your life can be “to the praise of His
glory” this week. Share some possibilities.
Preparing the Introduction
Your purpose in an introduction is to set the stage for the
lesson discussion. To do this for this lesson in Ephesians, you
might, in a sentence or two, reference the importance of
written communications. How carefully such documents are
often examined for their exact meaning and interpretation!
Then, moving right into the Ephesians study, you can say: “As
we begin this study of Ephesians ,we will want to give even
greater attention to the words of this inspired message from
Scripture.”
Use your friendliness to promote an informal atmosphere.
During these opening moments it will set the tone for
discussion and profitable Bible study.
Look for a current event or other topic to use in the opening
class moments—comments that will tie in with the lesson
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content. Use this as a bridge to turn the attention of the group
to the lesson, and with it to begin the lesson.
Often the best way to begin the lesson itself will be to have
someone (or several) read portions of the Scripture passage to
be covered.
Write below your introduction to the Ephesians 1:1-14 study:
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Concluding the Lesson
As with the introduction, there is no one best way to conclude
a discussion Bible study.
• Sometimes a summary statement will be appropriate
• At other times the concluding verse can become a good
conclusion.
• At still other times one or two in the class can share the most
important things from the lesson that helped them.
• At other times it may be good to simply close with prayer.
• At times you might ask for a personal life response to the
lesson. You might pass out slips of paper and ask each one to
write down a personal decision they are making as a result of
the lesson.
• The way God impressed hearts during the study will often
determine its conclusion.
Record below your plan for concluding your Bible study of
Ephesians 1:1-14.
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Congratulations! You have now completed a Bible study
which you can use to teach others! It should now be complete
with an introduction; questions of fact, meaning, and
application; and your conclusion.
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Lesson 11
EPHESIANS 1:15-23 STUDY
PART 1
During this lesson and next you will develop your second
Bible study from Ephesians 1:15-23. As you do this, you will
again work through the Bible study steps that were covered in
Lessons 6-10.
Remember to follow these five Bible study steps:
1. Pray for God’s blessing, and read prayerfully.
2. Read the passage repeatedly, and thoughtfully. Try to read
the passage in at least one other translation, such as the ESV,
and note any helpful alternate readings. (Record these under
“Observations.”)
3. Mark and notate the text. Look first for the theme of the
passage and record this in the space below. Now use colored
pencils to highlight important concepts. Make other markings
that will help you clarify and emphasize the text in a way
meaningful to you. During the weekly meeting, share with
others your approach to observation and marking.
4. Record your observations from this passage on page 60.
5. Ask the text questions. You may want to review the
suggestions in lesson 6 for asking questions. List your
questions from Ephesians 1:15-23 and its cross-references in
the space below.
Here are the verses for this lesson, from the NASB translation:
Ephesians 1:15-23
15. For this reason I too ahaving heard of the faith in the Lord
Jesus which exists among you, and 1your love for ball the 2saints
16 ado not cease giving thanks for you, bwhile making mention of
you in my prayers;
17 that the aGod of our Lord Jesus Christ bthe Father of glory, may
give to you a spirit of cwisdom and of drevelation in the
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knowledge of Him.
18 I pray that athe eyes of your heart 1may be enlightened, so that
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you may know what is the bhope of His ccalling, what are dthe riches
of the glory of eHis inheritance in fthe 2saints,
19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who
believe. These are in accordance with the working of the bstrength
of His might
a
20 which He brought about in Christ when He araised Him from the
dead and bseated Him at His right hand in cthe heavenly places,
21 far above aall rule and authority and power and dominion and
every bname that is named not only in cthis age, but also in the one to
come.
22 And He aput all things in subjection under His feet and gave
Him as bhead over all things to the church,
23 which is His abody the bfulness of Him who cfills dall in all.
Cross references for Ephesians 1:15-23
15 1 Many ancient mss. omit, your love 2Note 2, vs.1 aCol.1:4;
Philem. 5; Rom. 1:8 bEph. 3:18; Eph. 1:1
16 Col. 1:9; Rom. 1:8f. bRom. 1:9
17 1Or, true knowledge aJohn 20:17; Rom. 15:6 bActs 7:2;1 Cor. 2:8
c
Co1.1:9 dl Cor. 14:6
18 1Lit., being i.e., true believers; lit., holy ones aActs 26:18;
2 Cor. 4:6; Heb. 6:4 bEph. 4:4 cRom.11:29 dEph.1:7 e Eph.1:11
f
CoI. 1:12; Acts 9:13
19 aEph. 3:7; Phil. 3:21; Col. 1:29 bEph. 6:10
20 Acts 2:24 bMark 16:19 cEph.1:3
21 aCol. 1:16; Eph. 3:10; Rom. 8:38; Matt. 28:18 bPhi1.2:9; Heb. 1:4;
Rev. 19:12; John 17:11 cEph. 2:2; Matt. 2:32
22 a1 Cor. 15:27 (fr. Ps. 8:61 bEph. 4:15; 5:23; Col. 1:18; 2:19; 1 Cor. 11:3
23 aEph. 4:12; 5:30; Col. 1:18, 24; 2:19; 1 Cor. 12:27 bJohn 1:16; Eph. 3:19
c
Eph. 4:10 dCol. 3:11
Theme of Ephesians 1:15-23:
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Observations:
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In the space below, list individual verses, followed by your
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Now, list below these same verses, followed by your answers
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Lesson 12
EPHESIANS 1:15-23 STUDY
PART 2
This week you will complete your study of Ephesians 1:15-23.
The following steps will guide your study:
Keep Studying!
1. Find at least two cross-references from this passage and
indicate how they help enrich your understanding of it.
Record this information under “Cross-Reference Study”
below.
2. There are no locations to look up in a Bible atlas in this
study. But keep this step in mind. It can be very helpful to
know the location of the places you are studying about.
3. Look up key words from this passage in your Bible
dictionary. Some words which can add to your understanding
of this passage are: faith, love, wisdom, revelation, hope,
inheritance and church. Briefly note significant information
you find in the dictionary on page 63. Plan how you will
integrate significant material in your lesson plan for teaching.
4. Read from the commentary, both for general information on
these verses, and to answer your previous questions. Record
brief notes of your findings under “Commentary Notes.”
5. Write down applications of truth to your own heart and life.
(These applications may also be useful in leading a Bible
study later.)
Cross-Reference Study: _____________________________________________
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Preparing to Lead Your Bible Study
Plan to spend additional time developing key questions that
you will ask your group during the Bible study period. Begin
by looking back to your observations, and the questions you
had as you studied this passage. From words, phrases, or
verses, you feel are significant, write your questions—
beginning with fact, then meaning, and finally application
questions. The following examples from this passage will get
you started.
FACT QUESTION: What two virtues characterized the Ephesian
Christians? (faith and love) What was the object of their faith?
(Answer: the Lord Jesus—not merely a creator-God, or a false
“god.) How far was their love expressed? (Answer: “for all the
saints”)
MEANING QUESTION: What correlation is there between faith
and love in the Christian life?
APPLICATION QUESTION: What if I say, “I am trusting in Christ
as my Savior,” yet I struggle to love others?
Or take another example, based on verse 16.
First ask a fact question—to focus on the aspects of Paul’s
prayer life. (Such as: What two aspects of Paul’s prayer life do
you see in this verse?)
The meaning of these two aspects of Paul’s prayer life
(constancy and thanksgiving) can be clarified and emphasized.
You may also add information about these two words, either
from cross-references you look up, or from a Bible dictionary.
Applications are readily apparent to our ministry of prayer.
Following from the examples above, continue working
through the verses in this passage, writing out your own fact,
meaning, and application questions. Include the ones
suggested above if you wish.
Record these questions on the “Lesson Plan” draft on the
following two pages.
Then, bringing together you study from lesson 11 and this one,
complete your lesson plan for leading a Bible study on
Ephesians 1:15-23, including introduction and conclusion.
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Lesson Plan for Ephesians 1:15-23
Theme: ________________________________________________________________
Introduction: _________________________________________________________
Discussion Questions:
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Lesson 13
LOOKING FOR
THE BIG IDEA
EPHESIANS 2:1-10 STUDY
There’s an old expression, “You can’t see the forest for the
trees”? Imagine a man walking in a forest. Because there are so
many trees near him, he becomes lost in the forest. He needs to
climb to some high spot in order to get his bearings.
This concept also applies to Bible study. Getting our “bird’seye view” of Ephesians—seeing it as a whole—will give us
our bearings as we study it in detail. You can accomplish this
by reading through Ephesians several times, and in this
process develop your own outline for it.
First, Let’s Review
You learned earlier that the first step in Bible study was to
discover the author’s purpose (Lesson 3). You learned that some
biblical writers state their purpose (as in the Gospel of John
and 1 John); and others provide clear indications of it (such as
1 Corinthians).
More often, however, the purpose of the writer can be found
only by a focused reading of the book. This will first yield its
major ideas—and through these, its overall purpose.
Based on your discovery of these major ideas, (Lesson 4)
divide the book into appropriate lengths for individual Bible
studies.
Your next step was to discover the historical background of
Ephesians (Lesson 5). You were able to get this information by
examining cross-references to other passages, and from your
Bible dictionary.
After completing these steps, you are ready to learn the steps
of inductive study for each Bible section. Look back to Lesson
6 and review what you learned about these five steps in the
HEAD aspect of Bible study. Then summarize them below.
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Briefly describe the HEART aspect of Bible study, and tell why
it is important (Lesson 9).
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The HANDS aspect of this study was:
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Notice: each chapter title in lessons 13-23 is actually a “lesson
emphasis”—featuring one aspect of the Bible study process.
Remember to work through each of the six steps of inductive
study as you continue your study in Ephesians.
Look for the Big Idea
Look for the main point of the verses under study. Write down
what you see as the overall theme in 2:1-10
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Now, compare this with what you wrote in Lesson 4.
Notice that although each paragraph may contain a separate
subject, a single overall theme may continue through several
paragraphs. Look for the overall point in each study as well as
the sub-points within it.
Now look for a sub-point in 2:1-3. The key thought here is:
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In the second sub-point, verses 4-9, Paul emphasizes:
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And in the third, in verse 10, he tells us:
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Our spiritually dead condition without Christ is Paul’s topic in
verses 1-3. Our being made alive in Christ is emphasized in
verses 4-9. And our response now that we are in Christ is the
main point in vs. 10.
Look for overarching ideas like these as you begin each of your
studies in Ephesians. Write these main points down for each
lesson in the ‘Observations” section beginning on page 70.
Proceed now to develop your observations of Ephesians 2:110, following the five steps of inductive Bible.
•
•
•
•
•
Read prayerfully
Read repeatedly and thoughtfully
Mark and notate the text
Record your observations
Ask the text questions
As you prepare to lead your Bible study in Ephesians in 2:1-10,
plan an additional hour preparing your teaching outline (on
pages 76 and 77).
Your questions should move from fact, to meaning, to
application. For a review of this concept, see Lesson 10.
Ephesians 2:1-10
AND you lwere adead 2in your trespasses and sins,
2 in which you aformerly walked according to the lcourse of bthis world,
according to cthe prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now
working in dthe sons of disobedience.
3 Among them we too all aformerly lived in bthe lusts of our flesh,
1
indulging the desires of the flesh and of the 2mind, and were cby nature
d
children of wrath, eeven as the rest.
4 But God, being arich in mercy, because of bHis great love with
which He loved us,
5 even when we were adead lin our transgressions, amade us alive
together 2with Christ b by grace you have been saved),
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6 and araised us up with Him, and bseated us with Him in cthe
heavenly places, in dChrist Jesus,
7 in order that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing ariches
of His grace in bkindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
8 For aby grace you have been saved bthrough faith; and lthat not of
yourselves, it is cthe gift of God;
9 anot as a result of works, that bno one should boast.
10 For we are His workmanship, acreated in bChrist Jesus for egood
works, which God dprepared beforehand that we should ewalk in
them.
Cross references for Ephesians 2:1-10
1 1Lit, being 20r, by reason of aEph. 2:5; Col. 2:13; Luke 15:24.32
2 ILit., age aEph. 2:3, 11, 13; 5:8; Col. 3:7; Rom. 13:13; 1 Cor. 6:11; 1
Pet. 4:3 bEph. 1:21 cEph. 6:12; John 12:31 dEph. 5:6
3 1Lit., doing 1Lit., thoughts Eph. 2:2 bGal. 5:16f. (Rom. 2:14;
Gal. 2:15 dRom. 5:10; Col, 1:21; 2 Pet. 2:14 cRom. 5:12, 19; 1
Thess. 4:13; 5:6
4 aEph. 1:7 bJohn 3:16
5 10r, by reason of 2Some ancient mss. read, in Christ. Eph. 2:1 bEph.
2:8; Acts 15:11
6 aCol. 2:12 bEph. 1:20 cEph. 1:3 dEph, 1:1; 2:10, 13
7 aRom. 2:4; Eph. 1:7 bTitus 3:4
8 11.e., that salvation aEph. 2:5; Acts 15:11 bl Pet. 1:5 cJohn 4:10;
Heb. 6:4
9 a2 Tim. 1:9; Titus 3:5; Rom. 3:28 bl Cor. 1:29
10 aEph. 2:15; 4:24; Col. 3:10 bEph. 1:1; 2:6, 13 cTitus 2:14 dEph. 1:4
e
Eph. 4:1
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Ephesians 2:1-10 Study Notes
Observations:
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Cross-Reference Study: _____________________________________________
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Lesson Plan for Ephesians 2:1-10
Theme: ________________________________________________________________
Introduction: _________________________________________________________
Discussion Questions:
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Lesson 14
OBSERVING
THE TEXT
EPHESIANS 2:11-22 STUDY
A zoology professor brought several preserved fish to class.
He told the class: “Observe and note every feature you can
find about your specimen.” He then promptly walked out. The
students were puzzled, but went ahead and observed with
great care, noting everything they saw. The next day, the
professor examined their notes and exclaimed, “Is that all?
Look some more”—and walked out again.
The students probed with renewed vigor, adding greatly to
their lists. But when the professor returned the next day, he
was still dissatisfied. He then proceeded with numerous other
observations, which, if they had looked with greater care,
could have been seen by each of them!
Be Alert!
You should plan to spend at least the first 20 minutes of each
lesson observing and making notes in the “Observations”
section. Using your marking pencils, underline, note
relationships, and mark the text in any way that will help you
understand what it says and means.
To get started, notice the repeated words in 2:11-22. Circle
these words, then draw lines from one to the other. Do
whatever will help you understand the main idea of Paul’s
teaching in this passage. Notice that he first talks about “you,
the Gentiles” in verses 11-13, and 19. Who is it that is contrasted
with the Gentiles? Clearly, the Jews—the “so-called
‘Circumcision’ “ (v. 11). Later Paul talks about “the two” and
“both” (vs. 15, 16, 18). He is saying that the two groups—Jews
and Gentiles—are made one in Christ, are “fellow-citizens”.
As you proceed, notice the beginning “Therefore”. It has been
well said, “When you see a ‘therefore,’ ask what it’s there for.” A
“therefore” usually looks back to the previous verses.
How do you see it relating to the previous verses in this case?
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Ephesians 2:11-22
11 Therefore remember, that aformerly byou, the Gentiles in the flesh,
who are called “cUncircumcision” by the so-called “cCircumcision,”
which is performed in the flesh by human hands—
12 remember that you were at that time separate from Christ,
1a
excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to bthe
covenants of promise, having cno hope and dwithout God in the
World.
13 But now in “Christ Jesus you who bformerly were cfar off 1have
‘been cbrought near 2dby the blood of Christ.
14 For He Himself is aour peace, bwho made both groups into one, and
broke down the 1barrier of the dividing wall,
15 1by “abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is bthe Law of
commandments contained in ordinances, that in Himself He might
c
make the two into done new man, thus establishing peace,
16 and might areconcile them both in bone body to God through the
cross, 1by it having cput to death the enmity.
17 AND aHE CAME AND PREACHED bPEACE TO YOU WHO WERE cFAR
c
AWAY, AND PEACE TO THOSE WHO WERE NEAR;
18 for through Him we both have aour access in one Spirit to the
Father.
19 So then you are no longer astrangers and aliens, but you are
b
fellow-citizens with the lsaints, and are of cGod’s household,
20 having been abuilt upon bthe foundation of cthe apostles and
prophets, dChrist Jesus Himself being the cornerstone,
21 ain whom the whole building, being fitted together is growing into
b
a holy 1temple in the Lord;
22 in whom you also are being abuilt together into a bdwelling of
God in the Spirit.
Cross-references for Ephesians 2:11-22
11
.a
Eph. 2:2, 3,13; 5:8; Col. 3:7; Rom. 13:13; 1 Cor. 6:11; 1 Pet. 4:3b
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l Cor. 12:2; Eph. 5:8 cCol. 2:11, 13; Rom. 2:28f.
12 1Or, alienated aRom. 9:4; Col. 1:21 bGal. 3:17; Heb. 8:6
c
1 Thess. 4:13 dGal. 4:8; 1 Thess. 4:5; Eph. 4:18
13 1Lit., became, or, were made 2Or, in aEph. 1:1; 2:6, 10 bEph. 2:2, 3, 11;
5:8; Col. 3:7; Rom. 13:13; 1 Cor. 6:11; 1 Pet. 4:3 cEph. 2:17; Acts
2:39; Is. 57:19 dCol. 1:20; Rom. 3:25
14 1Lit, the dividing wall of the barrier aEph. 2:15; Col. 3:15; Gal. 3:28;
Col. 3:11; Is. 9:6 bl Cor. 12:13
15 1Or, the enmity, by abolishing in His flesh the Law Lit., create aEph.
2:16; Col. 1:21f. bCol. 2:14; 2:20 cEph. 2:10; 4:24; Col. 3:10 dGal.
3:28; Col. 3:10f. eEph. 2:14; Col. 3:15; Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11; Is. 9:6
2
16 1Or, in Himself aCol. 1:20, 22; 2 Cor. 5:18 bEph. 4:4; 1 Cor. 10:17
c
Eph. 2:15
17 aIs. 57:19; Rom. 10:14; Eph. 4:21 bActs 10:36; Eph. 2:14 cEph. 2:13;
Acts 2:39; Is. 57:19
18 aEph. 3:12; Rom. 5:2 bEph. 4:4; 1 Cor, 12:13 cCol. 1:12
19 1I.e., true believers; lit., holy ones aEph. 2:12; Heb. 11:13;
1 Pet. 2:11 bPhil. 3:20; Heb. 12:22f. cGal. 6:10
20 a1 Cor. 3:9 bMatt. 16:18; Rev. 21:14; 1 Cor. 3:10 c1 Cor. 12:28; Eph.
3:5 d 1 Cor. 3:11 cLuke 20:17 [Ps. 118:22]; 1 Pet. 2:6 [Is. 28:16]
21 1Or, sanctuary aEph. 4:15f.; Col. 2:19 b1 Cor. 3:16f.
22 a1 Cor. 3:9, 16; 2 Cor. 6;16 bEph. 3:17
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Ephesians 2:11-22 Study Notes
Observations:
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Cross-Reference Study: _____________________________________________
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Lesson Plan for Ephesians 2:11-22
Theme: ________________________________________________________________
Introduction: _________________________________________________________
Discussion Questions:
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Conclusion:
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Lesson 15
ASKING THE TEXT
QUESTIONS
EPHESIANS 3:1-13 STUDY
Asking questions is a great tool for learning. Parents are all
too familiar with the seemingly endless questions our small
children ask. And as adults, we too appreciate being able to
ask questions. Questions can guide us through important
bottlenecks in our understanding.
Asking the Bible Questions
Asking questions of the Bible itself helps us focus on what it
means—and, often results in a surprising amount of learning!
Here’s how.
First, the very process of formulating a question can help us see
its answer in the text.
Writing down questions reminds us to research their answers,
using our resource books, or asking them during the group
discussions.
As you complete this lesson, review Lesson 3 for the kinds of
questions to ask: e.g. fact, meaning, and application.
Next, carefully read Ephesians 3:1-13. Record your questions
and their answers on page 84-85. Here are some suggestions:
VERSE 1: Was Paul literally in prison? Why does he say,
“prisoner of Christ Jesus”? Who are “Gentiles”? In what way
was Paul’s imprisonment “for the sake of” the Gentiles? (The
cross-references make clear that Paul was literally in prison.
Yet he was able to see a divine purpose in this experience. Not
only was he innocent of any wrongdoing, but his presence
there was fulfilling God’s purpose to reach the Gentiles.)
VERSE 2: What is a steward? What is “the stewardship of God’s
grace”? (Webster’s dictionary says that a steward is “one
employed in a large household or estate to manage domestic
concerns.” This helps explain Paul’s meaning. He was called of
God to manage “God’s grace.” Paul’s concern was that he
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would manage it well.)
VERSE 3: What is a “revelation”? When and how did it occur?
What is a “mystery” in the Biblical sense? Bible cross-references
lead
us
to
Paul’s
testimony
regarding
this
revelation (see Acts 22:17, 21; 26:16ff; Gal. 1:12). This mystery
is spoken of more later in this passage, in Eph. 6:19 and in
other cross-references.
VERSE 4: What does Paul ask the Ephesians to refer to? What
did this writing contain? (This letter was available to the
Ephesians but has since been lost. Paul indicates that it
contained an elaboration of his stewardship of the Gospel to
the Gentiles.)
VERSE 6: What does Paul mean by “fellow-heirs”? With whom?
Why is this important? (The answer to this question can be
understood from the larger picture of the composition of the
church up to that time. Jesus and all the early disciples were
Jews; the early Christian church was composed entirely of
Jews. God’s promises throughout the Old Testament were to
these people. Paul spoke in chapter 2 of how both Jews and
Gentiles are united in one spiritual body through Christ.)
VERSE 7: How did Paul become a minister? (Paul became a
minister as a result of the gift of God’s grace —not because of
anything he could have earned or worked for.)
VERSE 8: How did Paul respond to this position? What did he
mean that he was “the least of all saints”? What are the
“unfathomable riches” of Christ? (Paul’s response was one of
deep humility. See the cross-reference in 1 Corinthians 15:9 for
an explanation of “the least” of all saints.)
VERSE 9: What does Paul mean about the “administration” of
the mystery? Why was it “hidden in God” for ages? (Paul seems
to use the word “administration” in the same way as he does
“stewardship”. Some things are inexplicable. We only know
that it was in “the fullness of the time” [Galatians 4:4]. Paul’s
point, however, is that God’s reaching out to the Gentiles was
not a second-best plan.)
VERSE 10: What does “manifold” mean? Who are the “rulers
and the authorities” in the heavenly places? Why is it
important for them to know about this? (For the definition of
manifold, Webster Says: “marked by diversity or variety.”)
Eph. 6:12 is listed as a cross-reference for rulers and
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authorities. This clear speaking regarding spiritual powers
doubtless helped dislodge them from the minds of the
Ephesian believers.
VERSE 11: Of what significance is it that this was God’s “eternal
purpose”? (Answered above.)
VERSE 12: Why can we have “boldness” and “confident access”
through faith in Christ? (The preceding verse answers this
question.)
VERSE 13: How do Paul’s circumstances work for the
Ephesians’ glory? (Perhaps this is answered in the second half
of Ephesians 3.)
Ephesians 3:1-13
FOR this reason I Paul athe prisoner of bChrist Jesus cfor the sake of
you dGentiles—
2 if indeed you have heard of the a stewardship of God’s grace
which was given to me for you;
3 athat bby revelation there was cmade known to me dthe
mystery, eas I wrote before in brief.
4 lAnd by referring to this, when you read you can understand
a
my insight 2into the bmystery of Christ,
5 which in other generations was not made known to the sons of
men, as it has now been revealed to His holy aapostles and
prophets lin the Spirit;
6 to be specific, that the Gentiles are a fellow-heirs and bfellowmembers of the body, and cfellow-partakers of the promise in
d
Christ Jesus through the gospel,
7 aof which I was made a bminister, according to the gift of cGod’s
grace which was given to me d according to the working of His
power.
8 To me, a the very least of all l saints, this grace was given, to
b
preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable criches of Christ,
9 and to bring to light what is the administration of the amystery
which for ages has been bhidden in God, cwho created all things;
10 in order that the manifold a wisdom of God might now be
b
made known through the church to the crulers and the authorities
in dthe heavenly places.
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11 This was in a accordance with the l eternal purpose which
He 2carried out in bChrist Jesus our Lord,
12 in whom we have a boldness and lb confident caccess through
faith 2in Him.
13 Therefore I ask lyou not ato lose heart at my tribulations bon
your behalf, 2for they are your glory.
Cross references for Ephesians 3:1-13
1 . aActs 23:18; Eph. 4:1; 2 Tim. 1:8; Philem. 1, 9; 23 bGal. 5:24 cEph.
3:13; 2 Cor. 1:6 dEph. 3:8
2 .Col. 1:25; 1 Tim. 1:4; Eph. 1:10; 3:9
3 aActs 22:17, 21; 26:16ff. hGal. 1:12 cEph. 1:9; 3:4, 9 dEph. 3:4, 9; 6:19;
Col. 1:26f.; 4:3; Rom. 11:25;16:25 eEph. 1:9f. [Heb. 13:22; 1 Pct. 5:12]
4 1Lit., to which, when you read 2Lit., in
a
2 Cor. 11:6 bEph. 3:3, 9; 6:19; Col. 1:26f.; 4:3; Rom. 11:25; 16:25
5 10r, by a1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 2:20
6 aGal. 3:29 bEph. 2:16 cEph. 5:7 dCal. 5:24
7 aCol. 1:23, 25 bl Cor. 3:5 cEph. 3:2; Rom. 12:3; Acts 9:15 dEph. 1:19;
3:20
8 1i.e., true believers; lit., holy ones a1 Cor. 15:9 bEph. 3:1f.;
Acts 9:15 cEph. 3:16; 1:7; Rom. 2:4
9 .Eph. 3:3, 4; 6:19; Col. 1:26f.; 4:3; Rom, 11:25; 16:25 bCol. 3:3
c
Rev. 4:11
10 aRom. 11:33; 1 Cor. 2:7 bl Pet. 1:12; Eph. 1:23 cEph. 1:21 ; 6:12; Col.
2:10, 15 dEph. 1:3
11 1Lit., purpose of the ages 20r, formed aEph. 1:11 bGal. 5:24;
Eph. 3:1
12 1Lit., access in confidence 2Lit., of Him aHeb. 4:16; 10:19, 35;
1 John 2:28; 3:21 b2 Cor. 3:4 cEph. 2:18
13 10r, that I may not lose 2Lit., which are a2 Cor. 4:1 bEph. 3:1
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Ephesians 3:1-13 Study Notes
Observations:
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Cross-Reference Study: _____________________________________________
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Lesson Plan for Ephesians 3:1-13
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Lesson 16
STUDYING
IN CONTEXT
EPHESIANS 3:14-21 STUDY
A troubled man was in desperate need of guidance. At last he
decided to go to the Bible. Opening it at random his eyes fell
on these words: “Judas went out and hanged himself.” He quickly
closed the Bible and decided to try again. On opening it with
eyes closed, he read: “Go and do likewise.”
Scripture in Context
Reading the Bible out of context, can likewise have disastrous
results! The Bible is a historical book, with applications that
are relevant for any period in history.
Now hear this most important rule in Bible study: studying
Bible passages in context is the single most important and useful
principle of interpretation.
Up to this point we have dealt with other principles of
interpretation, including: understanding the author’s purpose,
studying the background, interpreting Scripture with
Scripture, and understanding its words and grammar. Of these
principles, however, none is more important than is studying
Scripture in its context.
What do we mean by “context”? The context can be a verse,
paragraph, chapter, or section, to which the verse or topic
applies. Sometimes the entire Bible book, and even the
historical background of the book, may be properly called the
context—if this sheds light on the passage under study.
Usually however, the context is the verses immediately before,
and or after, the one being studied.
Looking Closer
Looking at Ephesians 3:14-21, here are some examples of the
importance of contextual study.
In verse 14 Paul says, “For this reason, l bow my knees before the
Father.” For what reason? Clearly Paul is talking about prayer.
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But why did he suddenly break into prayer? The context will
tell us. In this instance we need to back all the way up to verse
1, where a similar phrase occurs: “For this reason I Paul, the
prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles . . . .” But before
beginning his prayer, he first explained what he has just said.
“For the sake of you Gentiles” reminded him of the “stewardship
of God’s grace,” which had been given to him. Now this: his
“stewardship” is “that the Gentiles are fellow-heirs and fellowmembers of the body.” This was Paul’s mission—to the Gentiles
(cf. Acts 9:15). It was in this connection that he is now a
prisoner. These verses explain why he is praying for them.
As we move closer to verse 14 we see another reason for his
prayer. The relationship of these Gentile believers’ to Christ
means they now “have boldness and confident access through faith
in Him.” A direct line—into God’s very presence!
This example of interpretation from the context can also serve
to introduce this lesson. (For more on how to develop
introductions for Bible Studies, see Lesson 23.)
Another example is in verse 17, in connection with the word
“dwell”. What does this term mean? Here again, the context
helps us.
In verse 16 Paul prays that the Ephesian believers be
strengthened through the power of the Holy Spirit in the
“inner man.” The goal of this strengthening is that Christ may
dwell in their hearts—in a full way. This emphasis is also seen
through as Paul speaks of their being “rooted” and “grounded”
in love— enabling them to comprehend the vastness of the
love of Christ for them and to be filled with all the fullness of
God.
Scripture abounds with examples of the importance of
studying the context for a proper interpretation.
Look at 1 Corinthians 10:13, as another example. This promise
should be understood in light of the verse immediately
preceding: “let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he
fall”. God’s promise to keep us from falling is certainly not a
justification for careless living.
Promises in the Old Testament cannot be divorced from the
conditions (found in the context). For example, “the Lord will
continually guide you” (Isaiah 58:11) must not be separated from
the prior “if” clauses, found in the context.
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With this focus in mind, turn now to your study of:
Ephesians 3:14-21
14 For this reason, I abow my knees before the Father,
15 from whom 1 every family in heaven and on earth derives
its name,
16 that He would grant you, according to athe riches of His glory,
to be b strengthened with power through His Spirit in cthe inner
man;
17 so that aChrist may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that
you, being brooted and cgrounded in love,
18 may be able to comprehend with aall the lsaints what is the
b
breadth and length and height and depth,
19 and to know athe love of Christ which bsurpasses knowledge,
that you may be cfilled up to all the dfulness of God.
20 aNow to Him who is bable to do exceeding abundantly beyond
all that we ask or think, caccording to the power that works within
us,
21 ato Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all
generations lforever and ever. Amen.
Cross references for Ephesians 3:14-21
14 .Phil. 2:10
15 10r, the whole
16 aEph. 3:8; 1:18 bPhil. 4:13; Col. 1:11; 1 Cor. 16:13 cRom. 7:22
17 aJohn 14:23; Rom. 8:9f.; 2 Cor. 13:5; Eph. 2:22 bCol. 2:7; 1 Cor. 3:6
c
Col. 1:23
18 1Note vs. 8 aEph. 1:15 bJob 11:8f.
19 aRom. 8:39; 8:35 bPhil. 4.7 cCol. 2:10 dEph. 1:23
20 aRom. 16:25 b2 Cor. 9:8 cEph. 3:7
21 ILit., of the age of the ages 2Rom. 11:36
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Ephesians 3:14-21 Study Notes
Observations:
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Lesson Plan for Ephesians 3:14-21
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Lesson 17
USING
CROSS-REFERENCES
EPHESIANS 4:1-16 STUDY
In the “Green Room of Dresden,” Saxon princes for centuries
stored their gems and treasures. One of these was a silver egg.
When you touch a spring, it opens, revealing a golden yolk.
Within the yolk is a chicken. Press the wing, and the chicken
opens, disclosing a splendid gold crown, studded with jewels.
Nor is this all. Touch another secret spring and you find
hidden in the center a magnificent diamond ring! (Christian
Teacher)
This is a beautiful illustration of the way you can find hidden
treasure by searching through Bible cross-references. Go to
one cross-reference and it may reveal a new truth—which may
lead you to another reference—more Bible “gems” opening
up before you. Studying cross-references is very rewarding.
Let’s Review
Paul makes a complete change in the focus beginning with
chapter 4. Chapters 1—3 can be summarized with the
statement: The Believer’s Position in Christ. We saw this
emphasis in chapter 1, where Paul spoke about the resources
we have in Christ. He then prayed that this truth be experienced
in the lives of these Gentile Christians. In the first part of
chapter 2 he sets forth the truth of what we are apart from
Christ, and how to come to Him. In the second half of chapter
2, he teaches the great truth that Gentiles can also be a part of
the Church, the Body of Christ. In chapter 3, Paul teaches that
he is the minister of this “mystery,” The first half of Ephesians
then (chaps. 1-3), concludes with the prayer that these truths
about our position in Christ be applied in daily living.
This brings us to the second half of the book, Chs. 4—6. First,
review your own outline of these chapters (from Lesson 4).
Then, note how Paul’s opening statement in 4:1 provides the
theme for chapters 4—6: The Believer’s Walk in Christ.
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As you prayerfully begin this study, read the passage
repeatedly, marking the passage for your own clarification.
Then work through the other steps in your inductive study, in
preparation for your weekly class meeting.
Why Study Cross-References?
The reason is simple. Very often another passage of Scripture
will provide additional insights to it. It is affirming when we
find that our understanding of what a verse teaches is
supported by other related passages.
One of the general rules of interpretation is that if our
interpretation of a word or passage is correct, then we may
expect to see this elsewhere in Scripture.
However, there has been abuse in cross-references studies.
To avoid this, each cross-reference must also be studied in
context. If the cross-reference is a true cross-reference, in its
context it must teach the same thing, or be compatible with the
message of the verse under study. This simple rule applies to
every true cross-reference. It has been well said that a text,
taken out of its context, is nothing more than a pretext. Such
pretexts have been used to teach just about anything since the
days of the early church. (Read Peter’s complaint in this
regard, in 2 Peter 3:14-18.)
Here are some cross-reference study examples from today’s
Scripture portion. Study them carefully, then try your own
cross-reference study with verses 7-16.
VERSE 1: How the believer is to “walk” is stated quite plainly in
Ephesians 2:10. Colossians 1:10 and 2:6 are also helpful
passages, illuminating the same idea.
VERSE 3: The term “bond” is also used in Colossians 3:14 to
describe the unity of believers.
VERSE 4: The term “one body” is further clarified in 1
Corinthians 12. The cross-reference in this case led us to a
major passage dealing with this subject.
VERSE 6: We receive help here by following the cross-reference
to Romans 11:36, and from there to 1 Corinthians 8:6; 11:12;
Colossians 1:16 and Hebrews 2:10.
Remember this important lesson in cross-reference study:
don’t give up too soon! Sometimes a cross-reference will lead
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to another passage, which then leads to a cluster of verses,
from which you may gather much additional information on
the subject. Our study of verse 6 above is an example.
Ephesians 4:1-16
I, THEREFORE, athe prisoner of the Lord, bentreat you to cwalk in a
manner worthy of the dcalling with which you have been ecalled,
2 with all ahumility and gentleness, with patience, showing
forbearance to one another bin love,
3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the abond of
peace.
4 There is aone body and Spirit, just as also you were called in one
b
hope of your calling;
5 aone Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 one God and Father of all awho is over all and through all and in
all.
7 But ato each one of us bgrace was given caccording to the measure
of Christ’s gift.
8 Therefore 1it says, “aWHEN HE ASCENDED ON HIGH, HE bLED CAPTIVE
A HOST OF CAPTIVES, AND HE GAVE GIFTS TO MEN.”
9 (Now this expression, “He aascended,” what 1does it mean except
that He also 2had descended into bthe lower parts of the earth?
10 He who descended is Himself also He who ascended afar above all
the heavens, that He might bfill all things.)
11 And He agave bsome as apostles, and some as prophets, and some
as evangelists, and some as pastors and dteachers,
12 afor the equipping of the 1saints for the work of service, to the
building up of bthe body of Christ;
13 until we all attain to athe unity of the faith, and of the bknowledge
of the Son of God, to a cmature man, to the measure of the stature
2
which belongs to the dfulness of Christ.
14 1As a result, we are ano longer to be children, btossed here and
there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the
trickery of men, by ccraftiness 2in ddeceitful scheming;
15 but 1speaking the truth ain love, we 2are to bgrow up in all aspects
into Him, who is the chead, even Christ,
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16 from whom athe whole body, being fitted and held together 1by
that which every joint supplies, according to the 2proper working of
each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building
up of itself bin love.
Cross references
1 aEph. 3:1 b Rom . 12:1 cCol. 1:10; 1 Thess. 2:12; Eph. 2:10; Col. 2:6
d
Rom. 11:29 eRom. 8:28f.
2 aCol. 3:12f. bEph. 1:4
3 aCol. 3:14f.
4 aEph. 2:16, 18; 1 Cor. 12:4ff. bEph. 1:18
5 a1 Cor. 8:6
6 aRom. 11:36; Col. 1:16
7 a1 Cor. 12:7, 11 bEph. 3:2 Rom. 12:3
8 1Or, He aPs. 68:18 bJudg. 5:12; Col. 2:15
9 1Lit., is it except 2Some ancient mss. read, had first descended aJohn
3:13 bIs.44:23; Ps. 63:9
10 aHeb. 4:14; 7:26; 9:24; Eph. 1:20f. bEph. 1:23
11 aEph. 4:8 bl Cor. 12:28; cActs 13:1 (Acts 21:8 dActs 13:1
1211.e., true believers; lit., holy ones a2 Cor. 13:9 bEph. 1:23;
1 Cor. 12:27
13 1Or, true knowledge 2Lit., of the fullness aEph. 4:3, 5;
b
Eph. 1:17; Phil. 3:10; John 6:69 cHeb. 5:14; 1 Cor.14:20; Col,
1:28 John 1:16; Gal. 4:19; Eph. 1:23
14 1Lit., that we may no longer be 2Lit., with regard to the scheming of
deceit a1 Cor. 14:20 bJames 1:6; Jude 12 c1 Cor. 3:19;
2 Cor. 4:2;11:3 dEph. 6:11
15 1Or, holding to, or, walking in Lit., may grow up a Eph. 1:4 b Eph.
2:21 c Eph.1:22
2
16 1Lit., through every joint of the supply 2Lit., working in measure
a
Col. 2:19; Rom. 12:4f.; 1 Cor. 10:17 bEph. 1:4
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Ephesians 4:1-16 Study Notes
Observations:
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Lesson Plan for Ephesians 4:1-16
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Lesson 18
USING A
CONCORDANCE
EPHESIANS 4:17-24 STUDY
Suppose you wanted to find the Greek root for the word
“righteousness” in Ephesians 4:24. How would you go about
getting this information? You would use a Bible concordance!
An Invaluable Tool
Among its other uses, a concordance may also be used to
locate cross-references when an important word is not listed in
the cross-reference column of your Bible. You may look up
this word in your concordance and examine other verses
where it is found. Looking at these other references to that
word, especially those from the same book or by the same
author, will frequently shed light on the passage at hand.
The exhaustive concordances (Strong’s, Young’s, and
particularly the New American Standard Exhaustive
Concordance) are even more helpful at this point because they
also reveal and define the particular Greek or Hebrew word
behind the English translation.
Using Your Concordance
Here are some other ways to use your concordance:
AS A VERSE-FINDER. You will often use your concordance for
this purpose. By looking up a key word of the verse, you can
usually find the verse’s reference number in the concordance..
If you fail to find it, pick out another key word and look it up.
I recommend a concordance based on the version of the Bible
with which you are most familiar. For this course the New
American Standard Exhaustive Concordance is clearly the best
choice.
AS A TOOL FOR DOING WORD STUDIES. Such studies look at how
a particular word is used in a Bible book, by a Bible author, or
throughout the entire Bible in general. Your concordance will
show you the various contexts in which your word is found.
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AS A TOPICAL STUDY RESOURCE TOOL. This usage is similar to
the word study except that it deals with all the words used in
connection with a particular topic. For example, a study of
“falsehood” would also include a study of “lie,” “deceive,”
and their cognates.
AS A FIRST STEP IN THE STUDY OF THE ORIGINAL WORDS OF
SCRIPTURE. In this course we do not deal with the original
languages. Those who do wish to get involved in such study
will need one of the exhaustive concordances that indicate
original words and their meanings. For New Testament
studies, Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words is
a very useful tool.
Delve into Doctrine Through Word Study
The word “grace” (occurring in the previous lesson) may be
used as an example of doing a word study with your
concordance. The many New Testament references indicate
that grace is a key New Testament concept. Beginning with the
Gospels, look up a number of references indicating why the
concept of grace comes through so clearly in the New
Testament.
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To develop your word study, list all references containing the
word grace, followed by a phrase indicating the main idea
about grace contained in each verse.
Next, begin making notes about the different aspects and
applications of grace. Gradually you will be able to form a
logically arranged outline of this subject, which can be used as
the basis for a group Bible study.
Some key concepts which might appear in your study of grace
include the following:
JOHN 1:17. John distinguishes the Old Testament Law from the
“grace and truth” that has come to us through Jesus Christ.
ROMANS 3:22-24; 4:16. This grace has been abundantly
distributed to both Jews (who must be made righteous
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through faith in Christ) and to Gentiles (who must also be
made righteous through faith in Christ).
Now that is good news. That is great news! But there is, from
the practical standpoint, something even better—look at
Romans 5:17.
ROMANS 5:17. The “abundance of grace” we have received
means we are gloriously unshackled from sin’s tyranny. We
can also now live in that glorious freedom.
ROMANS 5:2. Because of our standing through grace, we “exult
in hope of the glory of God.”
ROMANS 6:14. Not that we now have license to sin; rather, we
are freed up to serve God out of gratitude for our salvation.
GALATIANS 1:6. The Galatian church was tempted to forsake
the grace of God. While the Galatian Christians may have
agreed that they were saved by grace through faith (compare
Ephesians 2:8, 9), they soon began “deserting Him who called . . .
[them] by the grace of Christ.”
GALATIANS 2:1; 5:4. In so doing they were nullifying the grace
of God. Paul is forced to shock them as he says, “You have been
severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you
have fallen from grace.”
GALATIANS 5:12. Paul then indicates that he is speaking
primarily of “those who are troubling you.”
GALATIANS 6:18. He then closes his letter with “The grace of our
Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren.”
Ephesians 4:17-24
17 aThis I say therefore, and baffirm together with the Lord, cthat you
walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the dfutility of their
mind,
18 being adarkened in their understanding, lexcluded from bthe life of
God, because of the cignorance that is in them, because of the dhardness of
their heart;
19 and they, having abecome callous, bhave given themselves over to
c
sensuality, lfor the practice of every kind of impurity with
greediness.
20 But you did not alearn 1Christ in this way,
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21 if indeed you ahave heard Him and have bbeen taught in Him, just
as truth is in Jesus,
22 that, in reference to your former manner of life, you alay aside the bold
l
self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the clusts of deceit,
23 and that you be arenewed in the spirit of your mind,
24 and aput on the bnew lself, which 2cin the likeness of God has been
created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
Cross references for Ephesians 4:17-24
17 aCol. 2:4 bLuke 16:28 cEph. 2:2.4:22 dRom. 1:21; Col. 2:18; 1 Pet. 1:18;
2 Pet. 2:18
1810r, alienated aRom. 1:21 bEph. 2:1,12 cActs 17:30; Heb. 5:2; 9:7;
1 Pet. 1:14; Acts 3:17; 1 Cor. 2:8 dMark 3:5; Rom. 11:7, 25; 2 Cor. 3:14
19 10r, greedy for the practice of every kind of impurity
a
1 Tim. 4:2 bRom. 1:24 cCol. 3:5
20 1I.e., the Messiah aMatt. 11:29
21 .Rom. 10:14; Eph. 1:13; 2:17; Col. 1:5 bCol. 2:7
22 1Lit., man aEph. 4:25, 31; Col. 3:8; Heb. 12:1 [Gr.]; James 1:21;
1 Pet. 2:1 bRom. 6:6 c2 Cor. 11:3; Heb. 3:13
23 aRom. 12:2
24 1Lit., man 2Lit., according to God aRom. 13:14 bCol. 3:10; Rom. 6:4; 7:6;
12:2; 2 Cor. 5:17 cEph. 2:10
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Ephesians 4:17-24 Study Notes
Observations:
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Lesson Plan for Ephesians 4:17-24
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Lesson 19
USING A
BIBLE ATLAS
EPHESIANS 5:25-32 STUDY
Do you know how far it is from Galilee to Judea, or Bethlehem
to the Sea of Galilee? Do you know the extent and boundaries
of the land originally promised to the Israelites? You can find
these facts—and so much more—with your Bible atlas.
Take a Look at the Setting
A Bible atlas can be invaluable when studying Bible passages
that refer to geographical settings. For example, tracing the
path of the Israelites’ wanderings in the wilderness, Joshua’s
conquest of Palestine, seeing how far Jesus traveled on his
Galilean preaching tours, or Paul’s missionary journeys can
increase your understanding of the events.
For this lesson, review what you discovered about the location
of the city of Ephesus, and its strategic value for evangelizing
all of Asia (see Lesson 8).
Using a Bible atlas, locate the city of Ephesus on the map
below. Then, for further practice, locate the city of Antioch in
Syria, from which Paul began his journey to Ephesus. Show its
location on the map as well.
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Ephesians 4:25-32
25 Therefore, alaying aside falsehood bSPEAK THE TRUTH EACH ONE
of you, WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are cmembers of one another.
26 aBE ANGRY AND yet DO NOT SIN; do not let bthe sun go down on
your anger,
27 and do not agive the devil an 1opportunity.
28 Let him who steals steal no longer; but rather let him labor,
b
performing with his own hands what is good, cin order that he may have
something to share with him who has need.
29 Let no launwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only
such a word as is good for bedification 2according to the need of the
moment, that it may give grace to those who hear.
30 And ado not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, lby whom you were
b
sealed for the day of redemption.
31 aLet all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be
b
put away from you, along with all cmalice.
32 And abe kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other,
b
just as God in Christ also has forgiven 1you.
Cross references for Ephesians 4:25-32
25 aEph. 4:22, 31; Col. 3:8; Heb. 12:1 [Gr.]; James 1:21; 1 Pet 2:1 bZech.
8:16; Col. 3:9; Eph. 4:15 cRom. 12:5
26 aPs. 4:4 bDeut. 24:15
27 1Lit., place aJames 4:7; Rom. 12:19
28 aActs 20:35; 1 Cor.4:12; Gal. 6:10 bl Thess. 4:11; 2 Thess. 3:8,
11f.; Titus 3:8, 14 eLuke 3:11; 1 Thess. 4:12
29 1Lit., rotten 2Lit., of the need aEph. 5:4; Col. 3:8; Matt. 12:34
b
Rom.14:19; Col. 4:6; Eccl.10:12
30 1Lit., in aIs. 63:10;1 Thess. 5:19 bEph.1:13; John 3:33
31 aCol. 3:8,19; Rom. 3:14 bEph. 4:22 el Pet. 2:1
32 ‘Some ancient mss. read, us aCol. 3:12f.;1 Cor.13:4; 1 Pet. 3:8
b
Matt. 6:14f.; 2 Cor. 2:10
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Ephesians 4:25-32 Study Notes
Observations:
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Lesson Plan for Ephesians 4:25-32
Theme: ________________________________________________________________
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Discussion Questions:
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Lesson 20
USING A
BIBLE DICTIONARY
EPHESIANS 5:1-10 STUDY
Do you know what the word corban (Mark 7:11) means? If you
have a Bible dictionary, you can quickly find out. (See the
Illustrated Bible Dictionary.)
Here’s another example. What do you know about the city of
Corinth? Why did the church there struggle with sexual
immorality? For insight, consider this entry in The New Bible
Dictionary : “The town is dominated by the Acrocorinth (1,857
feet), a steep, flat-topped rock surmounted by the Acropolis,
which in ancient times contained . . . a temple of Aphrodite,
goddess of love, whose service gave rise to the city’s
proverbial immorality.”
Look It Up!
A good Bible dictionary will provide information on most
topics mentioned in the Bible. With a Bible dictionary you can
research Bible characters, get background information on Bible
books, discover important archeological information, and
much more. Many Bible dictionaries also contain helpful
pictures and drawings, as well as maps and charts.
Select a topic from Ephesians 5:1-20 and, from a Bible
dictionary, jot down your findings about that topic. Be
prepared to share these findings during the group meeting.
Suggested topics from this passage are: love, the sacrifice of
Christ, idolatry, light, wisdom, wine, filling of the Spirit.
Ephesians 5:1-20
a
THEREFORE be imitators of God, as beloved children;
2 and awalk in love, just as Christ also bloved lyou, and cgave Himself
up for us, an doffering and a sacrifice to God 2as a efragrant aroma.
3 But do not let aimmorality 1or any impurity or greed even be
named among you, as is proper among 2saints;
4 and there must be no afilthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting,
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which bare not fitting, but rather cgiving of thanks.
5 For this you know with certainty, that ano limmoral or impure person
or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom
b
of Christ and God.
6 aLet no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things
b
the wrath of God comes upon cthe sons of disobedience.
7 Therefore do not be apartakers with them;
8 for ayou were formerly bdarkness, but now you are light in the Lord;
walk as cchildren of light
9 (for athe fruit of the light consists in all bgoodness and righteousness
and truth),
10 latrying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.
11 And ado not participate in the unfruitful bdeeds of cdarkness, but
instead even ldexpose them;
12 for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by
them in secret.
13 But all things become visible awhen they are lexposed by the light,
for everything that becomes visible is light.
14 For this reason fait says, “BAWAKE, SLEEPER, AND RISE FROM cTHE
d
DEAD, AND CHRIST WILL SHINE ON YOU.”
15 Therefore lbe careful how you awalk, not bas unwise men, but as
wise,
16 lamaking the most of your time, because bthe days are evil.
17 So then do not be foolish but aunderstand what the will of the Lord
is.
18 And ado not get drunk with wine, lfor that is bdissipation, but be
c
filled with the Spirit,
19 aspeaking to lone another in bpsalms and chymns and spiritual dsongs,
e
singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;
20 aalways giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ to lbGod, even the Father;
Cross references for Ephesians 5:1-20
1 aEph. 4:32; Luke 6:36; Matt. 5:48
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2 1Some ancient mss. read, us 2Lit., for an odor of fragrance aRom.
14:15; Col. 3:14 bJohn 13:34; Rom. 8:37 cEph. 5:25; Gal. 2:20; Rom.
4:25; John 6:51 dHeb. 7:27; 9:14; 10:10, 12 e2 Cor. 2:14; Ex. 29:18, 25
3 1Lit., and all 2i.e., true believers; lit., holy ones aCol. 3:5
4 aEph. 4:29; Col. 3:8; Matt. 12:34 bRom. 1:28 cEph. 5:20
5 1I.e., one who commits sexual immorality
a
1 Cor. 6:9; Col. 3:5 bCol. 1:13
6 aCol. 2:8 bRom. 1:18; Col. 3:6 cEph. 2:2; Col. 3:6
7 aEph. 3:6
8 aEph. 2:2 bActs 26:18; Col. 1:12f. cLuke 16:8; John 12:36; Rom.
13:12
9 aGa1. 5:22 bRom. 15:14
10 1Lit., proving what aRom. 12:2
11 lOr, reprove a1 Cor. 5:9; 2 Cor. 6:14 bRom. 13:12 cActs 26:18; Col.
1:12f. dl Tim. 5:20
13 1Or, reproved aJohn 3:20f.
14 1Or, He aIs. 26:19; Is. 51:17; 52:1;60:1 bRom . 13:11 cEph. 2:1
d
Luke 1:78f.
15 1Lit., look carefully aEph. 5:2 bCol. 4:5
16 1Lit., redeeming the time aCol. 4:5 bEph. 6:13; Gal. 1:4
17 aRom. 12:2; Col. 1:9; 1 Thess. 4:3
18 1Lit., in which is aProv. 20:1; 23:31f.; Rom. 13:13;1 Cor. 5:11;
1 Thess. 5:7 bTitus 1:6; 1 Pet. 4:4 cLuke 1:15
19 1Or, yourselves aCol. 3:16; James 5:13 bl Cor. 14:26 cActs 16:25
d
Rev. 5:9 el Cor. 14:15
20 1Lit., the God and Father aEph. 5:4; Col. 3:17; Rom. 1:8
b
l Cor. 15:24
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Ephesians 5:1-20 Study Notes
Observations:
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Lesson Plan for Ephesians 5:1-20
Theme: ________________________________________________________________
Introduction: _________________________________________________________
Discussion Questions:
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Lesson 21
USING A
BIBLE COMMENTARY
EPHESIANS 5:21-33 STUDY
“The Bible has been known to shed great light
on the commentaries. “
This rather tongue-in-cheek comment points to the danger of
over-using Bible commentaries—to the neglect of the study of
the text itself! However, used wisely, the right commentary
can shed much light on the Bible.
Commentaries Can Help
Books that comment on, develop the ideas of, and generally
help interpret Scripture, have existed for centuries. However,
the earliest forms of Bible commenting were strictly oral rather
than written. Jewish religious leaders would give their oral
explanations of the law to their private students, or in public
gatherings, or after the reading of Scripture in the synagogue
meetings. One of the earliest written references to this type of
Bible “commentary” is in Nehemiah, where Ezra and other
religious leaders “helped the people to understand the Law” and
“gave the sense” (Nehemiah 8:7, 8, ESV).
The earliest Christian commentaries were frequently letters
written to churches. Their approach to interpretation was often
“allegorical”. That is, the writers saw in the Biblical events
hidden spiritual meanings that transcended the literal
meaning of the text. (For a valid example of this approach,
though found rarely in the New Testament, look at Galatians
4:21-27.)
By the time of the Reformation, commentaries began
emphasizing a literal interpretation. The allegorical approach
was gradually being abandoned because it lacked firm rules
for interpretation, and was open to significant abuse.
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When to Use Your Commentary
By using the resource tools taught here you can become a
competent student, and thereby capable teacher, of Scripture.
Thus, turn to the commentary last. After all, it’s your work
that counts most!
How to Use Your Commentary
Use a commentary only to supplement your own study. Turn to
passages where you want additional help understanding the
meaning of the text. Sometimes, however, you will be
disappointed in the commentary because it fails to comment
on the word or passage of concern to you. (If possible, consult
a more complete commentary.) Assuming that some
explanation of the passage is given, read it carefully,
comparing it with your own understanding, based on your
own study.
You do not necessarily need to agree with the commentary,
although the insights and explanations given are generally
helpful. Frequently, references to Hebrew or Greek texts, to
other passages of Scripture, or to historical matters, will aid
your understanding of the text.
The type of commentary you have will of course determine the
kind of help you will get from it. Devotional commentaries
will give you help applying the passage. Expository
commentaries, and some exegetical ones, will be of much more
practical help in aiding your understanding of what the text
says and what it means.
Ephesians 5:21-33
21 laand be subject to one another in the 2bfear of Christ.
22 aWives, be subject to your own husbands, cas to the Lord.
b
23 For athe husband is the head of the wife as Christ also is the bhead of
the church, He Himself cbeing the Savior of the body.
24 But as the church is subject to Christ so also the wives ought to be to
their husbands in everything.
25 aHusbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church
and bgave Himself up for her;
26 athat He might sanctify her, having bcleansed her by the cwashing
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of water with dthe word,
27 that He might apresent to Himself the church 1in all her glory, having no
spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she should be bholy and blameless.
28 So husbands ought also to alove their own wives as their own bodies.
He who loves his own wife loves himself;
29 for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it,
just as Christ also does the church,
30 because we are amembers of His bbody.
31 aFOR THIS CAUSE A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER, AND
SHALL CLEAVE TO HIS WIFE; AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH.
32 This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ
and the church.
33 Nevertheless let each individual among you also alove his own wife
even as himself; and let the wife see to it that she 1brespects her
husband.
Cross references for Ephesians 5:21-33
21 1Lit., being subject 20r, reverence aGal. 5:13;1 Pet. 5:5; Phil. 2:3
b
2 Cor. 5:11
22 aEph. 5:22 to Eph. 6:9; Col. 3:18 to 4:1 bl Cor. 14:34f.; Titus 2:5;
1 Pet. 3:1 cEph. 6:5
23 a1 Cor. 11:3 bEph. 1:22 c1 Cor. 6:13
25 aEph. 5:28, 33; 1 Pet. 3:7 bEph. 5:2
26 aHeb. 10:10, 14, 29; 13:12; Titus 2:14 b2 Pet. 1:9 cTitus 3:5;
Acts 22:16; 1 Cor. 6:11 dJohn 15:3; 17:17; Eph. 6:17; Rom. 10:8f.
27 1Lit., glorious a2 Cor. 11:2; Col. 1:22; 2 Cor. 4:14 bEph. 1:4
28 aEph. 5:25, 33; 1 Pet. 3:7
30 a1 Cor. 6:15; 12:27 bEph 1:23
31 aGen. 2:24; Matt. 19:5; Mark 10:7f.
33 1Lit., fear aEph. 5:25, 28; 1 Pet. 3:7 bl Pet. 3:2, 5f.
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Ephesians 5:21-33 Study Notes
Observations:
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Lesson Plan for Ephesians 5:21-33
Theme: ________________________________________________________________
Introduction: _________________________________________________________
Discussion Questions:
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Lesson 22
DEVELOPING YOUR
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
EPHESIANS 6:1-9 STUDY
A young man came to Socrates to learn the art of oratory. On
being introduced to the philosopher, he talked so incessantly
that Socrates charged a double fee. “Why charge me double?”
said the man. Socrates replied, “Because I must teach you two
sciences: the one how to speak, and the other how to hold your
tongue.” (Signs of the Times)
Socrates was a master at teaching through the use of questions
alone. Jesus also often used this method (for example, see
Mark 8:14-21; Luke 10:25, 26, 36; 20:2, 3, 41-44), and you can,
too. Actually, leading a successful Bible study will depend less
on your ability to speak than on your ability to design and ask
the right discussion questions. Good questions uncover truth
and apply it to the lives of the members of your group. You
will
also
stimulate
lively
discussions—making
your job as study leader considerably easier!
How to Use Questions
In Lesson 10 of this course we talked about the kinds of
questions you can develop and use in leading effective Bible
studies. (It may be helpful to review this lesson now.) Three
types of questions were suggested.
First, the study leader asks a question of fact, focusing on a
particular Scripture portion for discussion.
Second, he or she builds on this by asking a question to
discover and develop the meaning of that fact.
Third, questions are asked to focus on the application of that
meaning to those in the study. Even inexperienced study
leaders can use this approach.
Let’s use Ephesians 6:1-9 as an example. We could begin by
saying, “In today’s passage, we are told that children are to
obey their parents. According to Ephesians 6:1-3, why should
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children obey their parents? (An examination of the passage
should reveal three reasons: because it is “right”; because it is
a command; and because a promise is given to those who do.)
We can follow up with a meaning question, such as, “What do
you suppose Paul means when he says that it is ‘right’ for
children to obey their parents?” (Perhaps the discussion here
will point out that obedience in children is recognized as a
“given” in virtually every culture of the world.)
Since this is a three-part question, we can go on to develop the
second and third parts of this question before making
applications. The following are possibilities:
Fact: “What was the second reason Paul gave for children
needing to obey their parents?” (Because it is commanded.)
Meaning: “Why do you think Paul quotes this Old Testament
command? Is it still valid today?” (Hopefully this discussion
will lead to the conclusion that, while we are not “under the
law” in the sense which Paul teaches in Galatians, yet the
principles of God’s Law are eternally valid.)
Fact: “What two promises are connected with this command?”
(“That it may be well with you” and “that you may live long
on the earth.” See Deuteronomy 5:16.)
Meaning: “What is Paul teaching about obedience by quoting
these Old Testament promises?”
Application: On a practical level, where does this teaching
about obeying our parents speak to you? Consider: (1,
pressures from today’s society, including the media, schools,
government agencies, and our friends and neighbors; (2, Are
there exceptions to a child’s obedience? Consider incest, or
being asked to steal for example. (3, aspects of obedience
which you see need for greater emphasis in your own family.)
Right now, spend some time developing more application
questions from this passage. Try to make these questions very
practical, so that they touch the everyday life concerns of Bible
study group members.
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As you prepare questions for leading Bible studies, remember
that each series of questions should first focus on a fact, then
draw out its meaning, and finally make application. There are
many different ways this can be done. Your own work of
developing questions will certainly be best. The development
of your own skills, both as a student of the Scriptures and as a
Bible study leader, remains the exciting and rewarding goal of
this course. Your practice in developing fact, meaning, and
application questions is an important part of attaining this
goal. Record your questions under the “Key Discussion
Questions” section below.
Ephesians 6:1-9
1 aCHILDREN, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
2 aHONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (Which is the first commandment with a promise),
3 aT HAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU , AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE
LONG ON THE EARTH .
4 And, afathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bbring them
up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
5 aSlaves, be obedient to those who are your lmasters according to the flesh,
with bfear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, cas to Christ;
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6 anot 1by way of eye service, as bmen-pleasers, but as cslaves of
Christ, doing the will of God from the 2heart.
7 With good will lrender service, aas to the Lord, and not to men,
8 aknowing that bwhatever good thing each one does, this he will
receive back from the Lord, cwhether slave or free.
9 And, masters, do the same things to them, and agive up threatening,
knowing that bboth their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is cno
partiality with Him.
Cross references for Ephesians 6:1-9
1 aCol. 3:20; Prov. 6:20; 23:22
2 aEx. 20:12; Deut. 5:16
3 aEx. 20:12; Deut. 5:16
4 aCol. 3:21 bGen. 18:19; Deut. 6:7; 11:19; Ps. 78:4; Prov. 22:6;
2 Tim. 3:15
5 i.e., earthly masters, with fear. aCol. 3:22;1 Tim. 6:1;
Titus 2:9 bl Cor. 2:3 cEph. 5:22
6 1 Lit., according to 2Lit., soul
a
Col. 3:22 bGal. 1:10 c1 Cor. 7:22
7 1 Lit., rendering aCol. 3:23
8 a Col. 3:24 b Matt. 16:27; 2 Cor. 5:10; Col. 3:24f. c1 Cor. 12:13;
Col. 3:11
9 aLev. 25:43 b Job 31:13ff.; John 13:13 c Acts 10:34; Col. 3:25
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Ephesians 6:1-9 Study Notes
Observations:
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Cross-Reference Study: _____________________________________________
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Questions:
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Answers:
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Lesson Plan for Ephesians 6:1-9
Theme: ________________________________________________________________
Introduction: _________________________________________________________
Discussion Questions:
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Lesson 23
BEGINNING AND ENDING
A BIBLE STUDY:
EPHESIANS 6:10-24 STUDY
An authority on public speaking once made this salient point:
“Communication does not even begin until you get into their
world.”
Getting into “their world” can be facilitated with an
introduction—that grabs their attention and focuses them on
the Bible study.
How to Begin a Good Bible Study
Both a good introduction and a good conclusion will make a
difference in how a Bible study is received.
The introduction:
• Captures attention.
• Directs that attention to the subject.
Speakers often begin with a story. But good speakers use
stories which: 1) get the attention of the audience and 2) brings
them to the subject.
A good introduction accomplishes two things, namely:
1. ______________________________________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________________________________
Good introductions come from such things as: a real-life
situation; a current event; asking a question.
Keep in mind however, that introductions to Bible studies
should be brief—not more than 3-4 minutes.
How to End a Bible Study
The “bottom line” purpose of all Bible study is to apply what
the Bible teaches to our hearts and lives. It should affect the
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way we think, as well as the way we live.
The use of fact, meaning, and application questions will lead
your people to the application of Bible truth. The lesson
conclusion should complement what you have already
accomplished. Here are some ways to do it:
• Summarize important points in the lesson by asking
participants to share what they learned.
• Distribute 3” by 5” cards and ask learners to write down
key issues or concerns that spoke to them from the passage.
Then ask them to commit to praying about these concerns.
• Ask, “What truth from this passage spoke to your heart
most?” “Why?” “How will it affect you in the future?”
• Focus on a key verse. Ask members to write down a key
verse that spoke most clearly to them. Have them plan to
memorize it.
• Divide into groups to pray, focusing on the application of
the lesson.
Ephesians 6:10-24
10 Finally, a be strong in the Lord, and in b the strength of His
might.
11 aPut on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand
firm against the bschemes of the devil.
12 For our astruggle is not against lbflesh and blood, but cagainst
the rulers, against the powers against the dworld-forces of this
e
darkness, against the fspiritual forces of wickedness in gthe
heavenly places.
13 Therefore take up athe full armor of God, that you may be able
to bresist in cthe evil day, and having done everything, to stand
firm.
14 Stand firm therefore, A HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH
TRUTH , AND HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOSNESS ,
15 and having a SHOD YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATIO OF THE
GOSPEL OF PEACE ;
16 1in addition to all, taking up the ashield of faith with which
you will be able to extinguish all the bflaming missiles of cthe evil
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one.
17 And take the ahelmet of salvation, and the bsword of the Spirit,
which is cthe word of God.
18 With all aprayer and petition 1bpray at all times cin the Spirit,
and with this in view, 2dbe on the alert with all eperseverance
and fpetition for all the saints
19 and apray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me bin
the opening of my mouth, to make known with cboldness
d
the mystery of the gospel,
20 for which I am an aambassador bin 1chains; that 2in proclaiming
it I may speak cboldly, das I ought to speak.
21 aBut that you also may know about my circumstances, how I
am doing, aTychicus, bthe beloved brother and faithful
minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you.
22 lAnd aI have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you
may know 2about us, and that he may bcomfort your hearts.
23 a Peace be to the brethren, and b love with faith, from God
the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ 1 with a
love incorruptible.
Cross references for Ephesians 6:10-24
10 a 1 Cor. 16:13; 2 Tim. 2:1 b Eph. 1:19
11 aEph. 6:13; Rom. 13:12 b Eph. 4:14
12 1 Lit., blood and flesh1 1 Cor. 9:25 bMatt. 16:17 c Eph. 1:21; 2:2; 3:10
d
John 12:31 eActs 26:18; Col. 1:13 f Eph. 3:10 gEph. 1:3
13 aEph. 6:11 b James 4:7 c Eph. 5:16
14 aIs. 11:5; Luke 12:35; 1 Pet. 1:13 b Eph. 6:13; Rom. 13:12 cIs.
59:17; 1 Thess. 5:8
15 a Is. 52:7; Rom. 10:15
16 1Lit., in all a 1 Thess. 5:8 bPs. 7:13; 120:4 c Matt. 5:37
17 a Is. 59:17 bHeb. 4:12; Is. 49:2; Hos. 6:5 cHeb. 6:5; Eph. 5:26
18 1Lit., praying 2 Lit., being a Phil. 4:6 b Luke 18:1; Col. 1:3; 4:2;1
Thess. 5:17 e Rom. 8:26f. d Mark 13:33 e Acts 1:14 [Gr.]
f
l Tim. 2:1
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19 aCol. 4:3;1 Thess. 5:25 b 2 Cor. 6:11 cl Cor. 3:12 d Eph. 3:3
20 11,4., a chain 2Some ancient mss. read, I may speak it boldly
a
2 Cor 5:20; Philem. 9 marg. b Acts 21:33; 28:20; Col. 4:3; Eph. 3:1;
Phil. 1:7 c2 Cor. 3:12 d Co14:4
21 aEph. 6:21, 22: Col. 4:7-9 bActs 20:4 cCol. 4:7
22 1Lit., whom I have sent to you Lit., the things about us a Co1. 4:8
b
Col. 2:2; 4:8
2
23 aGal. 6:16; 2 Thess. 3:16; 1 Pet. 5:14; Rom. 15:33 bGal. 5:6;
1 Thess. 5:8
24 1Lit., in incorruption
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Ephesians 6:10-24 Study Notes
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Lesson Plan for Ephesians 6:10-24
Theme: ________________________________________________________________
Introduction: _________________________________________________________
Discussion Questions:
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Lesson 24
LEADING YOUR OWN
BIBLE STUDIES:
TEN STUDIES IN EPHESIANS
Congratulations! You are commended! You have completed a
most noteworthy task.
The final goal of this course is for you to now lead others in a
10-lesson series in Ephesians. If you have not already done so,
together with your Pastor or Study Leader, you should finalize
this plan now.
These studies can be done in a small-group setting, or simply
one on one—say at lunch hour with someone at work; or at a
friend’s house at other times. If you can do this in a small
group at church, that would be great. Just remember not to let
the group get too large, not more than 10-12 people. Better
interaction can take place in a smaller group.
As you begin this study, pray, prepare afresh, and claim the
promise: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my
power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the
more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest
upon me.” 2 Cor. 12:9
Guidelines for Leading Bible Studies
The following ten guidelines for leading Bible studies will help
you in your important ministry.
1. GIVE PRIORITY TIME TO PREPARATION. You will be amazed at
how comfortable you feel after you have carefully done your
homework.
2. BE ENTHUISIASTIC, OPEN, AND FRIENDLY. Practicing these
attitudes with your group will promote good discussion.
3. LIMIT YOUR OWN COMMENTS. A good discussion leader will
talk only 20%—30% of the time. Your previously prepared
questions should be sufficient to guide the discussion.
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4. DON’T BE OVERLY CONCERNED ABOUT PAUSES. People do
important thinking during these times. But if the silence
continues, rephrase the question or make a clarifying
comment.
5. DON’T IMMEDIATELY RESPOND TO EVERY QUESTION. Ask,
“Does anyone want to respond to this question?” If no one
does, rephrase it. Or direct the group to a relevant Scripture
and ask how it speaks to this question. Or an illustration can
help set the stage for further discussion. Give your own
response only after the group has first grappled with the
question.
6. KEEP THE DISCUSSION ON THE PASSAGE. If someone gets
sidetracked, courteously let the class know that it has strayed
from the question or discussion. The three types of questions
covered in Lesson 10 will go a long way toward keeping the
discussion relevant.
7. DRAW ALL MEMBERS OF THE GROUP INTO THE DISCUSSION.
Study groups can contain people who tend to dominate
discussion, as well as those who say very little. The Study
Leader should move toward a balance in participation. Say: “I
would also like to hear from others.” Or, “These have been
interesting comments; what do the rest of you think?” Or even
directly addressing “Shy Gilmore” with, “Shy, what are your
thoughts about this question?”
8. USE TACT IN HANDLING WRONG RESPOBSES. Avoid making
a negative response to a wrong answer. Simply say, “Thank
you for that comment,” or “I’ve never heard it stated that way
before.” But don’t leave the group with a wrong impression
about crucial Bible content or doctrine. You may ask others to
share their opinions. If the correct response does not surface in
this way, it may sometimes be necessary to be quite direct.
Jesus certainly was.
9. LISTEN CAREFULLY. By listening you will become better
acquainted with learners’ thought processes—thus better
equipped to help them. And, they will gain valuable
experiences by expressing their thoughts. In due course, they
too will be able to “teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).
10. DON’T BE AFRAID TO SAY, “I DON’T KNOW.” Your group will
appreciate your honest comment: “I don’t know the answer,
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but I will try to find out before our next class.” Then review
your notes, study your resource tools, or consult a
knowledgeable person, before the next group session.
May you be blessed as you courageously take on one of the
most important tasks in the world—leading Bible studies.
Final Thought
You now have the tools of inductive Bible study—and you
know how to use them. You can use them with virtually any
book of the Bible.
May you be blessed as a servant of God, teaching His Word—
and blessing others.
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