(These outlines were prepared for teaching groups and are suitable for Group Bible Studies and personal Bible Study. They are offered in the hope that they can help busy people get the “over-all message” of blocks of scripture. They are attempts to “rightly divide the word of truth”. There are Notes on individual verses below, and some suggested Questions for consideration.)
EPHESIANS CHAPTER 1:1-14. WHO WE ARE (AND WHAT WE HAVE) IN CHRIST
WHO WE ARE. Saints and faithful in Christ. Eph 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
WHAT WE HAVE IN CHRIST. Every spiritual blessing in Him.
- Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, (Note:- A specific Christian description of God)
- who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, Note:- In verse 3, we have the same word used in three different ways. (“Blessed be” = adjective, “eulogētos”). (“Blessed us” = verb, “eulogeō” which can mean to praise). (“Blessing” = a noun, “eulogia”.) Our praise to God comes from recognising that He has blessed us in Christ with His blessings.
- Verses 3 to 14 are one long sentence in the NT Greek. The passage enumerates the blessings God had bestowed on us. The blessings are from the Father, through the Son and imparted by the Holy Spirit).
- Note how the section has 3 recurring themes under A, B, and C.
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(A). CHOSEN BY THE FATHER Eph 1:4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love |
(A). CHOSEN BY THE FATHER Eph 1:11 In him we were also chosen, |
(A). CHOSEN BY THE FATHER Eph 1:13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. |
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(B). PREDESTINED TO BELONG Eph 1:5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,
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(B). PREDESTINED TO BELONG Eph 1:11 … having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,) | (B). PREDESTINED TO BELONG Eph 1:13 … When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit |
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(C). FOR WHAT PURPOSE? Praise! Eph 1:6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, Eph 1:8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight Eph 1:9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ Eph 1:10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. |
(C). FOR WHAT PURPOSE? Praise! Eph 1:12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. |
(C). FOR WHAT PURPOSE? Praise! Eph 1:14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession–to the praise of his glory. |
NOTES:-
| 1:1.“Saints”. More in Ephesians than any other book. From “holy”. Means “The separated ones”.1:4. The significance of our identity in Christ. When did it happen? Why? 1:4.“Blameless’ also in 5:27, of the church.1:5.“Predestined” = proorizō. Pro = before. Horizō= determine. Only in Ac 4:28, Rom 8:29,30, Eph 1:5, 11.• To “sonship”, by adoption. (All believers are children of God by being born of the Spirit, Jn 1:12-13. All are adopted into full “sonship” by God.)• “According to the purpose of His will.” God’s will is not negotiable, nor questionable. Eudokia = good pleasure, eg., Php 2:13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. | 1:6. Rich meaning of verse. “Grace” = charis. “Blessed” = charitoo from charis. (Graced with grace.) 1:7. Some of the many blessings “In Christ”. Redemption. Forgiveness. Grace. 1:9, Understanding of His mysterious will (an open secret in Christ). 1:10,“Union” with Christ and with one another in Him, “anakephalaioō “= to bring under one head. (Also only in Rom 13:9, summing up the latter half of the 10 Commandments.)1:12. “to the praise…”. Same words as in verse 14.1:13. We believe. God seals. “Sealed” (also in 4:30 “for the day of redemption”.)Signifies ownership and permanence.1:14. “Deposit” = pledge, 2 Cor 1:22, 5:5. In Modern Greek is an engagement ring. |
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:-
1). How can meditating and acting on the words of Ephesians 1:3 to 5 help change our attitudes when we are feeling rejected, neglected, or alone?
2). What help can verses 6 and 7 give us when we are feeling unclean, guilty or out of fellowship with God?
3). Why do we find it difficult sometimes to praise God when God has shown us He wants us to praise Him (verses 6, 12, 14)? How can we change to become more and more a people of praise?
4). Do we have an assurance of our salvation? If not, how might the promise in verse 13 help us to have a greater assurance?
5). How would we answer (from this passage) someone who said to us, “If there is a God then it seems that He has lost control of the world. What do you think?”
(Further Outlines on Ephesians can be found by clicking on these these links for Eph 1:15-23, Eph 2, Eph 3 summary, Eph 3:1-6, Eph 3:7-13, Eph 3:14-21. )
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