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Ephesians Study 12 Looking Over the Letter Again Ephesians 1–6

12 Looking Over the Letter Again  Ephesians 1–6


Purpose: To review the whole letter, looking for its main themes and the main application Ephesians has for us.

At the end of a journey we can look back with satisfaction at having reached our destination and at having learned much along the way. We may also have painful memories, however, of problems or obstacles we had to overcome. But whether the trip was easy or difficult, we are different for having made the trek. Likewise with Paul's letter to the Ephesians, whether our study was easy or difficult, we are different now. This last study offers an opportunity to reflect on the major themes of the book and on how we have changed (and will change) because of it.


1.  Look throughout the letter for the words “in Christ” or “in him” (referring to Christ). From these passages, what do you learn about being “in Christ“?



2.  How do you feel about being in union with Christ in so many ways?





3.  Often in this study we have referred to 1:9–10. How has your vision of God's plans and purposes for the universe been expanded through Ephesians?





4.  Ephesians 1:22–23 and 3:10–11 focus on the theme of the church which is implicit throughout the rest of the letter. How has your view of the church been altered through your study?





5.  What is the most important thing you have learned about the unity of the body of Christ in this letter? Explain.





6.  What steps are you taking to strengthen your oneness with other Christians?





7.  While Paul focuses on the spiritual forces in the universe most obviously in 6:10–18, he has also referred to the heavenly places and spiritual forces of evil in 1:3, 20; 2:2, 6; and 3:10. How has your awareness of spiritual realms been expanded through Paul's letter?





8.  What step might you take to stand more firmly against your spiritual opponents?





9.  How do the first three chapters of Ephesians lay a foundation for the practical instructions of the last three?





10.  What does 6:21–24 reveal about Paul?





11.  How are the words grace and peace, which lead off verses 23–24, a fitting conclusion to Paul's letter?





12.  What have you enjoyed most about your study of Ephesians?
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