Ephesians Curriculum jethrotools.org
Teaching Text: Ephesians 3:14-21
Teacher Study Notes:
Copyright © 2020 Ken Gibbs jethrotools.org
Teaching Text: Ephesians 3:14-21
Teacher Study Notes:
- In the end of chapter 2 through chapter 3 Paul discusses the body of Christ (the church) and how the Jewish and Gentile believers are connected and united because of Christ. Notice the similarities and connecting thought through the whole section. This section of verses is a conclusion or wrap up to the whole first half of the book and the previous chapter and a half. Conclusions are a way for a writer to summarize all that they wanted to say. Pay attention to Paul’s summary and look for the way that he wraps up his thoughts.
- In some ways this may seem like a difficult passage to work through. Notice that Paul uses these last verses as a way to pray for the Ephesian church. In his prayer he repeats much of what he has said earlier in chapters 1-3. He wants the Ephesians to know about Christ and grow in that understanding.
- As you think about this passage pay attention to the way that God’s grace has been used to bring the necessary changes in the lives of the Ephesians. Notice that the focus is on God and not on the condition of the people. There is a powerful application here in the way that Paul is praying for the Ephesian believers. Think through the content of Paul’s prayer and relate that to how we as believers can pray for one another.
- Attraction of the audience to your Bible lesson with an illustration.
Tell the group about someone who regularly prayed for you. It may be a mother or a grandparent. How do you know that they prayed for you? What impact did their prayers have on your life?
Transition: In this passage we will see Paul’s concern for people that he knows. We will get to listen in to his prayer for them to understand God’s work on their behalf. - Read the Bible passage
Read the Bible passage out loud or ask someone else to read it out loud, open in prayer Make general important observations about the passage and the context.
Briefly review by telling what has been presented up to this point in the book. Summarize for the group what will be covered in this section. - Examination of the Bible passage with the group
(These questions are to guide your thinking and development of your Bible lesson.) What is the reason in verse 14?
Note the involvement of the Trinity in the prayer.
What is the similarity between this and Ephesians 1:15-23? What does Paul request in verse 16?
How does he expand that request in the following verses?
Think about what he does not ask for.
Do you see a key verse or verses that help identify the main point? How does Paul close these verses? Where is his focus?
How do these closing verses relate to chapter 1-3? - Application of the Bible lesson
Think about your relationship with other believers.
How can God use you to build up and bless other believers around you?
Think of one or two other believers and pray for them. Use Paul’s prayer as a model.
Copyright © 2020 Ken Gibbs jethrotools.org
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