BIBLE STUDY – FRIDAY, 26TH OCTOBER, 2018
THEME FOR THE YEAR: “UNLIMITED RICHES OF GOD’S GRACE” (Ephesians 2:8-10)
TOPIC: APPRECIATE THE MYSTERY
TEXT: EPHESIANS 3:14-21
AIMS:
- To help us to understand and appreciate God’s divine plan for humanity.
- To help us understand the reasons why we need to appreciate God.
INTRODUCTION:
In Apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he describes the mystery of the church including the knowledge, timing, nature, and reason of this mystery that was revealed. In today’s study, He prays to God the Father in appreciation and thankfulness for the provisions of God for all believers, Jew and Gentile. Because as believers, the Gentiles now have a new identity in Christ, once spiritually dead and now spiritually alive (Eph. 2:4-5). As believers, we are fellow members of God’s family and household (Eph. 2:19). As believers and as a church, we are the dwelling place and the temple of God. (Eph. 2:22) Paul says that he bows his knees before the father, suggesting an act of humility and submission before God. Additionally, Paul prays for God’s family in heaven and on earth. Those in heaven would include Angels and those believers who are dead and those on the earth. In Paul’s conclusion of this chapter, he provides adoration and praise to God, understanding that we exist to glorify Him. This he did by saying that God is able to do abundantly more than we can ask, think or comprehend.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
- What was the reason Paul prayed to the Father Eph. 3:14
- In verse 20 of our text, what does Paul mean by God is able to do abundantly more than we can ask, or think.
- What did Paul ask God to grant the believers, in Eph 3:16-19?
- From your own experience in life, give reasons why it was necessary for you to appreciate God
- What are those factors that hinder Christians from thanking God?
CONCLUSION
Just as Paul prayed and appreciated God, that the Ephesians church may be strengthened by the Holy Spirit, so that they might begin to understand the mighty love God has for His own, We should also learn to pray and appreciate God for the gift of the Gospel which He made possible through His Son Jesus Christ, and so many blessings upon our lives. Do you appreciate the love that was displayed in order to procure the Gospel of our salvation? I pray that we all make it our life’s goal to always be amazed by God’s Grace upon us.
TALKBACK
MEMORY VERSE: Eph. 3:14-15. “For this reason, I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name”