Explore More: Ephesians, Week 3

May 30-June 5, 2010; Week 3

KNOW | Personal Study
Set aside 30 minutes and read Ephesians... AGAIN.  Surprise, surprise!  By the third time through you will begin to pick-up on common phrases; Paul's writing style; and how different parts of his letter connect, build upon, and relate to one another.

GROW | Discussion Option #1
Why did God choose a nation, Israel, to be His people?  Read Genesis 12:2-3 and reflect on God's mandate for Abram/Israel.  How does this passage illuminate the question above?  The Church (literally 'called out ones') is the redeemed nation of God's children through Christ Jesus.  Keeping Israel's calling in mind, what do you think is the Church's calling/responsbility?

GROW | Discussion Option #2
What is the glory of God?  Read Isaiah 42:7 and Colossians 1:27.  What does the person and work of Jesus do for our reason for being?  Out of context, this reason for being seems incredible selfish of God.  Why or why not is this selfish?

SOW | Application
John Piper (Pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church) often makes the observation, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him."  Take time this week and reflect on your relationship with God.  Ask yourself the question, "Am I satisfied in Him?"  After you've taken time to do that, consider how your satisfaction in Him affects your life.  Tell someone this week how Jesus has satisfied you...