Parkside Mission

1 The New Community - Christ and the Church    Ephesians 1–3 Purpose: To gain an overview of the main aspects of Paul's letter to the Ephesians. To gain a greater love for God's word. Everyone needs community. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit have enjoyed community in their relationship for all eternity. Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians reveals the amazing fulfillment of the once hidden plan of God for His glory through His beloved people, the church…the new community of God. In this study we'll look over the first half of the letter to orient us to some of the basic issues that will come up in later studies. Most importantly, it will help us put those issues in the context. 1.   What do you think real community should be like? What have been your experiences with community?   2.   Read Ephesians 1–3. What are some of the main topics Paul covers in this letter? 3.   Although virtually nothing is stated directly about the people...

2 Blessing Him for blessing us. Ephesians 1:1–14 Purpose: To know God better and praise Him for His glory and grace This letter launches right into praising God. But Paul is not trying to write a formal essay on the glory of God, this is a letter to you about God and us. 1.   Complete the following statement. God is:                 In light of these things, why do you think we still struggle to consistently worship God? 2.   Read Ephesians 1:1–14. According to verses 3–6, what blessings are ours from the Father? What other blessings, according to verses 7–12, do we have in Jesus Christ? 3.   Which of these is most significant to you? Explain. 4.   Ephesians 1:1–14 uses words like the will of God , chose , predestined , according to the plan and the purpose of his will . Much emotion can surround the discussion of such words. What is Paul's emotional reaction to being chosen ...

3 “I Keep Asking” Ephesians 1:15–23 Purpose: To view the model of prayer Paul offers us as he intercedes for the church. To know and be filled by God. Sometimes prayer can be like pushing a full wheelbarrow—with no wheel. At other times it's like rushing down the rapids of a mountain river. What makes the difference? In this study we'll see why Paul's prayers overflow with praise and thanksgiving. 1.   When you pray for fellow Christians, how do you usually pray for them? Give some specific examples. 2.   Read Ephesians 1:15–23. In verses 15–16 Paul says, “For this reason … I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” Why is Paul so thankful in his prayers for the Ephesians? 4.   Why do you think Paul's prayers focus on wisdom, revelation and knowledge? 5.   Compare and contrast Paul's prayers with those you mentioned in answering the first question in this study. 6.   What does Paul tell us about the tremend...