Explore More: Ephesians, Week 5

June 13-19, 2010; Week 5



KNOW | Personal Study
Read Colossians.   It's a short letter by Paul where he develops some of the same thoughts in Ephesians but with subtle changes in emphasis.  The changes in emphasis usually occur when the writer has changed audience (i.e. a different church or culture).

GROW | Discussion - Option #1
Paul talks about how we were (before Christ) by nature objects of God's wrath.  How is the wrath of God a good thing for both the believer and the unbeliever?  Paul then describes the even better news... that Jesus took the wrath of God upon Himself and died in our place!  God was both just and loving.... and, He did it all!  If a relationship with God was dependent on works, how would that change how you see and respond to God and His design?

GROW | Discussion - Option #2Jonathan Edwards, an 18th century preacher in America, preached a sermon called "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God".  You can read it online at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/edwards/sermons.sinners.html.  Take some time to read it and discuss its ideas and  implications.

SOW | Application
Take time this week and reflect on Ephesians 2:8-9.  Allow God's grace to trickle down into the deepest corners of your life.  Allow God's forgiveness to invade your deepest, most darkest, parts of your life.  Then, forgive yourself and let the crutch that you use, be Jesus and not your shame.  Jesus is liberating, joyful, and meaningful!  Take that sense of freedom and joy and do a good work in response to what Jesus has done!  Volunteer for something, encourage someone... but, most importantly, ask God what He would have you do!