Bible Study Methods

Institute of Biblical Studies

WorksheetsSummer 2013

Ephesians Working Copy (ESV)1:1-14

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

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1:15-23

15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

2:1-10

1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may

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boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

2:11-22

11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16

and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17

And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20

built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

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3:1-13

1 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. 13

So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

3:14-21

14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is

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able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

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4:1-16

1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” 9 (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

4:17-32

17 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. 19 They have become

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callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!— 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. 25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.5:1-21

1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not associate

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with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16

making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

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5:22-33

22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. 25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

6:1-9

1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. 5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, 6 not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7

rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. 9 Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and

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yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.

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6:10-24

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. 21

So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts. 23 Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.

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Worksheet #1 – Book Summary

Getting to Know You

Name:Email:Cell phone:

In a couple sentences, describe your present experience with studying the Scriptures.

What do you hope to gain from this class?

What would you like your coach to know about you (perhaps how you learn best, what motivates you, etc.)?

How can I pray for you?

Instructions for Book Summary (10 points)Using your working copy, complete the Ephesians Book Summary: First, skim Ephesians to familiarize yourself with the book. Don’t spend more than about 15 minutes. Then read through the letter again and ask yourself, “What’s the big idea?” for each section. Write a descriptive phrase(s) that summarizes the “big idea” of each section as you go. Then list the sub points or key thoughts (using bullet-points) to describe what each section says about the “big idea.”

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1) Use the language of the passage as much as possible when you summarize.2) Keep the assignment in third-person.

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Ephesians Book Summary Grade _____/ 10 points

1 2 3 4 5 61:1-14

Praise to God for every spiritual blessing in Christ· Chosen to be

holy and blameless

· Predestined to adoption

· Redeemed through Christ’s blood

· Forgiven· Inheritance· Sealed with the

Holy Spirit· God did all this

for the praise of his glory

2:1-10 3:1-13 4:1-16 5:1-21 6:1-9

6:10-20

2:11-22 4:17-32

1:15-23 3:14-21 5:22-33

6:21-24

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Worksheet #2 - ContextName: ___________________________ Grade _____/ 10 points

Part I: Using the Biblical Text Read through Ephesians and, without consulting commentaries or notes in your study Bible, write down anything you discover regarding the historical and redemptive context. (Each question is worth one point unless otherwise noted.)

Historical-cultural Context

1. What can you learn about the author? (Look for first-person statements, “I,” “my,” etc.) Try to be exhaustive. Cite verse references.

2. What can you learn about the audience to whom this letter was written? (For example, were they Jews, Gentiles, or a mix?) Cite verse references.

3. Ephesians was written in a cultural context different from our own. What examples of cultural elements in this letter require explanation for contemporary readers?

Redemptive Context

4. Where does this letter fit within the biblical timeline? (See God’s Big Picture, p. 157 or 167 in updated edition).

5. Think about the story of God in the whole of Scripture. To what redemptive events (or eras) in the plot of God’s story does Paul refer in Ephesians? Answer below with verse references. (1 pt)

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a. What events or eras does Paul refer to prior to Christ’s coming? (1/4 pt)

b. What events or eras does Paul refer to during the time of Christ’s ministry on earth (i.e., during the “present kingdom”)? (1/4 pt)

c. What events or eras does Paul refer to during the time following Christ’s ascension and prior to return (i.e., during the “proclaimed kingdom”)? (1/4 pt)

d. What events or eras does Paul refer to following Christ’s second coming (i.e., during the “perfected kingdom”)? (1/4pt)

6. How does the book of Ephesians help us better understand God’s story? What light does it shed on God’s plan to create a community of redeemed people for his glory through the gospel? (Be sure to consult 2:11-22 and 3:1-13.)

Part II: Consult Outside ResourcesMuch important background information can be gleaned from secondary sources such as commentaries and Bible dictionaries. Read the introductory section (pp. 17-31) of the NIV Application Commentary on Ephesians.

7. Whom do scholars identify as the original recipients of this letter?

8. A number of contemporary scholars deny the Pauline authorship of Ephesians. (a) What reasons do these scholars give for rejecting Paul’s authorship of Ephesians? (In your own words, list at least three reasons.) (b) Why do you believe Paul wrote Ephesians?

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9. One of the historical-cultural issues in this letter is slavery (6:5-9). What light does Snodgrass shed on the practice of slavery in the Roman Empire that would be important for contemporary readers to understand? Read Snodgrass, 326-329.

10. Write the context portion for your small group study (Eph 2:11-22). See the section called “Survey the Big Picture” in the sample study at the end of the worksheets. Write a brief context that will orient your small group participants to your study as if this were a stand-alone bible study from Eph 2:11-22.

In [brackets] give a brief description of your anticipated participants (ie, young professionals in Seattle, military and civilian personnel at the Pentagon, a female mix of Christian and non-Christian students at USC, etc).

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Worksheet #3 – StructureName: ___________________________ Grade _____/ 10 points

The purpose of a structural layout is to recopy the text as it appears in the ESV in a way that exposes the structure of the passage. (You can download the ESV text electronically. Do a Google search for ESV text.) This assignment must be typed using a computer.

1. Following the steps in the lecture notes, create a structural layout for your passage. Be sure to put the main subject/verb of each sentence in bold typeface. Press the return key where necessary to place each main clause on the left-hand side of the page. (10 points)

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Eph 2:11-22 Structural Layout

11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands—12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

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Worksheet #4 – ObservationName: ___________________________ Grade _____/ 10 points

This assignment involves making detailed observations on your structural layout and describing their significance. You may want to use colored pencils or markers. Do this assignment by hand. Keep your paper clean and readable.

1. Using the “Observation Key” in your lecture notes, make observations on your structural layout. You might begin by praying through your passage.

a. Begin by drawing a circle around any key words or phrases in your passage. (1/2 point)

b. What are two of the most important words or phrases in your passage? Why are they important? Cite the verse references. (1/2 point)

c. Next, draw a box around the connective words on your structural layout. (Examples of connectives include "therefore", "finally", “but,” “for this reason,” “in order to”. You do not have to draw a box around “and.”) (1/2 point)

d. In the space below, discuss one of the most important connectives in your passage. How does it function? Why is it important? Cite the verse references. (1/2 point)

e. Spend at least 30 minutes making observations on your structural layout using your “Observation Key.” List at least 15 observations on the back side of this page. Be sure to cover the entire passage and consult all the observation categories, using all the categories to guide your observations. (4 points)

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Example: In Philippians 3:5-7, Paul describes seven things in which he used to place confidence.

Observations:

Key Words/Phrases

ConnectivesContrasts

ComparisonsRepetition

Advice, Commands, Warnings or

PromisesReasonsResults

Cause/EffectProgression of

IdeasIllustrationsQuestions

Grammar

ToneCultural

DiscontinuityPivot Point

Literary Structure

Other

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2. When you are finished with question 1, describe three significant observations you made in this passage below (1 point).

Observation #1

Observation #2

Observation #3

3. Drawing upon Q.2, compose three questions you could use for a small group Bible study to help participants discover the three important observations you listed above. Be sure to read article “Asking Good Questions.” Make sure each of these questions can be answered affirmatively about the questions you create: (1) Is it answerable from the text? (2) Does it point participants to important discoveries in the passage? (3) Is it appropriate for a group of freshmen/your particular audience? (4) Does it communicate well? (3 points)

Observation question for observation #1:

Observation question for observation #2:

Observation question for observation #3:

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Example: In Phil 3:1-11, Paul offers a vivid contrast between the things he used to value prior to knowing Christ and the treasure he presently has in Jesus Christ.

Example: What differences exist between the factors that shaped Paul’s life prior to his conversion and the things that shaped his life following his conversion?

Mid-course Evaluation

1. What has been most helpful to you about our coaching group?

2. What could I do differently as a coach?

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Worksheet #5 – InterpretationName: ___________________________ Grade _____/ 10 points

Compare Versions

Using www.BibleGateway.org or another website, compare the ESV translation of Eph 2:14-16 with the NIV and NLT translations of these same verses. Place in 3 columns, print and attach with your worksheet.

1. What differences exist between the way the ESV translates Eph 2:14-16 and the way the NIV and NLT translations render them? (Differences could include the words, phrases, grammar, etc.) Use the back page if you need more space. (1 point)

Investigate Key Words

2. Investigate the word “peace” (eirene) in v .14. Vines Expository Dictionary in the IBS library. What did you learn about this word regarding its possible meanings? List those meanings.

Which of those meanings best fit this specific verse? Try to summarize its meaning in your own words. (1 point)

****Note: For the rest of this worksheet you may be working with your entire passage (Eph 2:11-22), not just Eph 2:14-16.

Consult Commentaries

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Read the “Original Meaning” section of the NIV Application Commentary for Eph 2:11-22. (Be sure to read the questions below before you begin reading the commentary. These questions should guide your reading.)

3. What does Snodgrass say about the structure of Eph 2:11-22? Into what smaller units does he divide Eph. 2:11-22? (1 point)

4. What does Snodgrass say about the word “peace”? (1 point)

5. One of the reasons why we consult commentaries is to see how others interpret Scripture and how their own background and experience might make them more sensitive to details or intent of the original author.

Consult Snodgrass and the Yusufu Turaki in The African Bible Commentary on Ephesians 2:11-22. What are two or three of the most helpful insights Snodgrass and Turaki offer regarding the meaning of Eph 2:11-22? (1 point)

Compare with Other Biblical Passages

6. Compare Ephesians 2:14-22 with Colossians 1:15-22. (1 point)

What similarities exist between the content of Ephesians 2:14-22 and Colossians 1:15-22?

What differences exist between the content of Ephesians 2:14-22 and Colossians 1:15-22?

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7. From all your work so far in Eph 2:11-22, list three significant interpretive points that help participants discover the meaning of the passage. You can use insights from what you have learned on this worksheet or so far in the process of studying Ephesians. You could ask yourself, “What have I learned that has changed the way I see the passage?” or “What interpretive points are significant for understanding Eph 2:11-22?” It might be the meaning of a word or some aspect of the culture that sheds light on the passage’s meaning.

a. Significant interpretive point 1:

b. Significant interpretive point 2:

c. Significant interpretive point 3:

8. Compose three questions you could use in a Bible study to help participants discover the meaning of key points your passage. These questions should correspond to and be answered by #7’s interpretive points above. (3 points; 1 point for each question)

Question 1:

Question 2:

Question 3:

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Example: Who are the “dogs” to whom Paul refers in Phil. 3:2? [The “dogs” appear to be “Judaizers” (similar to the problem in Galatians) who were attempting to put believers back under the law.]

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Worksheet #6 - Textual OutlineName: ___________________________ Grade _____/ 10 points

1. Following the five steps outlined in your lecture notes, create a textual outline of your passage and type it up on a separate sheet. (5 points)

2. List (only) the main points from your textual outline below (i.e., every sentence with a Roman numeral: I, II, III, etc.)

3. In one sentence summarize the “author’s big idea” (ABI) of the passage. (This will involve combining the ideas you have outlined above into one sentence.) (2 points)

4. What are three of the most important questions you would want to ask participants in a small group Bible study to help them summarize the main points and discover the big idea of your passage? Following your questions, put your expected answer in brackets. (3 points)

Question answered by main point #1:

Question answered by main point #2:

Question answered by main point #3 or the ABI:Worksheets - 28

Example: What did Paul want to make sure these believers understood about the Christian life by telling his story? [Paul wants them to see that Christ is infinitely more valuable than any treasure they could possess. Compared to what we have in Him, everything else in the whole world is “dung.”]

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Worksheet #7 – Theological Analysis

Name: ___________________________ Grade _____/ 10 points

Understanding Where We Are in God’s Story

God gave us his Word in order to help us understand how we are to participate meaningfully in His story. In order to discover how we are to live out a particular passage, we must first consider where the passage fits in God’s story. In the following section, you will learn more about the “Proclaimed Kingdom” and reflect on the implications of this chapter for how we apply Ephesians. Be sure to read God’s Big Picture, chapter 7 before you respond to these questions. 1. With what event does the “Proclaimed Kingdom” begin? (Note: you may

want to review and consult p.25.) (1 point)

2. What role(s) does the Holy Spirit play in the “Proclaimed Kingdom”? (1 point)

3. What does Roberts mean when he says that “The kingdom of God is both ‘now’ and ‘not yet.” (p. 124)? (1 point)

4. Why is it important that we understand this tension between the “now” and the “not yet” as we think about how to apply the New Testament to our lives? See pp. 132-33 (139-142 in updated). (Hint: What might

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happen if we overemphasized one of these elements to the exclusion of the other?) (1 point)

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Consult Your Commentary

Read the “Bridging Contexts” section of the NIV Application Commentary for Eph 2:11-22 (pp. 139-1147) before you respond to the questions below. NOTE: The purpose of the “Bridging Contexts” section is to build a bridge between the world of the Bible and our world by distinguishing the time-bound elements (discontinuities) in your passage from the timeless elements (continuities). “Because we share a common humanity with the people of the Bible, we discover a universal dimension in the problems they faced and the solutions God gave them. The timeless nature of Scripture enables it to speak with power in every time and in every culture” (NIVAC, 8).

5. According to Snodgrass, what questions and issues do we face in Eph 2:11-22 as we move from ancient text to modern world? (1 point)

Personal Reflection

At this point you will have the opportunity to reflect theologically on Eph 2:11-22 by drawing together insights from your study and reading. Here you are not just restating the words of the passage but considering the theological implications of what you have studied. The “Bridging the Gap” article in your notes should aid your theological reflection.

6. Summarize the primary theological truths in this passage (3 points)

a. In your own words summarize what this passage teaches about the nature and attributes of the triune God.

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b. In your own words, summarize what this passage teaches about humanity (both in our fallen and redeemed states)

c. In your own words, summarize what this passage teaches about the gospel and the nature of God’s saving work. What does Eph 2:11-22 help us understand about the gospel?

7. Reading Paul’s description of reconciliation with God and between people, someone might be tempted to think that Paul is suggesting that Christians cannot experience strife or division. How does the distinction between the “now” and the “not yet” help us understand how Paul intends us to apply this description to our lives? (1 point)

Determine the Theological Big Idea

8. Summarize the Theological Big Idea of Eph 2: 11-22 in a single sentence. (This will involve restating your Author’s Big Idea using the criteria outlined in the article entitled “Bridging the Gap between the World of Scripture and our World.” (1 point)

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Worksheet #8 – ApplicationName: ___________________________ Grade _____/ 10 points

Understanding the Redemptive Focus of Scripture

1. Read the article entitled “Understanding Scripture’s Fallen Condition Focus”

a. How does Chapell define the “fallen-condition focus” (FCF) of Scripture? (1/2 point)

b. What is the “redemptive solution” (RS) and how does it relate to the FCF? Is “Jesus” always the right answer? Why/why not? (1/2 point)

Consult Your Commentary

2. Read the “Contemporary Significance” section of the NIV Application Commentary for Ephesians 2: 11-22 and then respond to the question: In Snodgrass’ judgment, what contemporary situations/issues does your passage address? According to Snodgrass, what changes (in character, attitude, belief, or action) does this passage call for in our lives? (1 point)

Identify Fallen Condition and Redemptive-Solution for Ephesians 2:11-22

3. From 2:11-22, describe a significant fallen condition, with which you resonate most?

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Share a specific example of how you see this fallen condition expressed in your life? (1 point)

4. From Eph 2: 11-22, what is the grace in this passage? Remember your redemptive solution will correspond to the FC above.

Describe how God’s grace in Christ in Eph 2: 11-22 is Good News to you. (1 point)

Identify Personal Response

5. In light of what you have written in the previous questions, how is God leading you to respond to Him in and through Ephesians 2: 11-22? Take some time to read the passage slowly. You might pray through the passage as you consider your response. (2 points)

Discuss Your Response

6. Meet with one other person to discuss how God led you to respond to Him through this passage and pray together. ________ Initial here upon completion. (1 point)

Questions for your Bible Study

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7. Compose three application questions that you could use to lead others to respond to God through this passage. Before you compose these questions, be sure to read the article entitled “Asking Christ-Centered Questions that Target the Heart” and consult your small group lesson template card on application. (Example: Paul discovered that all the things he deeply treasured were rubbish compared to knowing Christ. What are you tempted to treasure more than Christ?) (3 points)

Fallen Condition Question:

Redemptive Solution Question:

Life Application Question:

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Bible Study ProjectName: ___________________________ Grade _____/ 20 points

Instructions Following the process outlined in the class notes, create a leader’s guide for a one hour Bible study designed for your ministry audience (e.g., if you will be working with the Campus Ministry, this Bible study should be designed for college students). Your Bible study will focus on the passage in Ephesians that you have been studying in the class. Criteria can be found on the following page. As you work on this study, be sure you apply what you learned about asking good questions.

Grading Sheet

Item PointsClear learning objectives that connect to the participants’ world, are rooted in the passage and woven through the Bible study.

_____ / 2 points

Introductory question that cultivates interest in the topic under investigation.

_____ / 2 points

Study reflects proper interpretation of the passage and effectively leads participants to see the big picture, explore the details and discover the big idea.

_____ / 12 points

Study leads participants in meaningful and relevant response to God through the passage.

_____ / 4 points

TOTAL _____ / 20 points

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Briefly your target audience or group participants:

Criteria for the Bible Study Project Your Bible study should be typed. (Because this is a leader’s guide,

only the person leading the study will see it. You do not need to include any pictures or graphics.)

Your Bible study should have a title and verse reference at the top of the first page.

Your Bible study should contain the following clearly marked sections:

o Statement of Learning objectives What’s the big idea? (ABI/TBI) What’s the problem? (FCF) What’s the solution? (RS) What’s our response? (LA)

o Launcho Exploreo Apply

Your Bible study should follow the example given on the following pages. Any notes for the leader related to your questions should be put in brackets.

Your Bible study should point people toward Christ and lead them to see and savor his glory. (Be sure to consult the article entitled “Asking Christ-Centered Questions that Target the Heart.”)

Your Bible study should reflect the principles you learned in chapter 8 of The Ultimate Road Trip about composing good questions.

Your Bible study should creatively involve the participants in the discovery of truth.

Your Bible study should show appropriate and creative use of questions and illustrations (in the “launching” section), that foster learning by discovery.

Your Bible study should demonstrate good exegesis of the text and clearly communicate the big idea of the passage.

Your Bible study should contain enough information to help someone who has not studied the passage like you have lead an effective Bible study. Any comments to the leader should be put in parentheses or brackets (see sample below).

Your Bible study should be no more than two pages in length. Your study should use correct grammar and communicate clearly.

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Small Group Study“Discovering a Treasure of Infinite Worth”

Philippians 3:1-11

LESSON OBJECTIVES Big idea: I want them to understand that there is no greater treasure

than Christ. Problem: I want them to see their default “prizing” is often in what

will rot, disappoint, or be taken away; we naturally treasure anything but Christ.

Solution: I want them to see Christ as their all-sufficient treasure in which they delight.

Response: I want them to identify what they are tempted to prize more than Christ, turn from these idols and embrace Christ in a deeper way.

LAUNCH Imagine for one week if someone who knew little or nothing about

Christianity was to follow us around and watch the ways we express our Christian faith. If, after a week, we were to ask this person, “What do you think the Christian life is all about?,” what might he (she) say? If his sentence began, “The Christian life is about _____________,” how might he fill in the blank?

Tonight we are going to look at a passage in which the Apostle Paul reminds us what the Christian life is all about.

EXPLORESurvey the Big Picture: Philippians is one of Paul’s most personal letters. He wrote this letter while imprisoned in Rome. The Christians in Philippi (whom he had not seen for many years) sent him a financial gift during his imprisonment (cf. 4:10-20). Paul wrote this letter back to express his appreciation and encourage them in their Christian faith. In 3:1-11 Paul describes how he found in Jesus Christ a treasure of infinite worth that made his past accomplishments seem like rubbish.

Explore the Passage [You might read the whole passage aloud before you investigate the individual sections]Read 3:1-3

How would you describe Paul’s tone in these verses (especially in light of v.2)? What concerns led Paul to use such strong language?

In v. 2 Paul refers to certain Jews as “dogs.” It appears that these individuals wanted to put Christians back under the Law of Moses. What made these “dogs” so dangerous? [Be sure to encourage your participants to look at the end of v. 3 and the end of v.4 The “dogs” to

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whom Paul refers appear to be “Judaizers” (similar to the problem in Galatians) who were attempting to put believers back under the law. “Circumcision” was the defining mark for them of embracing the law. To learn more about the historical background of this problem, you may want to consult a commentary. In vv.3-4 it is clear that their central problem as “putting confidence in the flesh.” ]

The other group to which Paul refers is the “true circumcision”? How does he describe them? [Make they see the positive characteristics—“worshipping by the Spirit of God and glorying in Christ”—as well as the negative characteristic—“not putting confidence in the flesh.” These two characteristics frame the rest of the passage. In vv. 4-6, Paul describes what it looks like to place confidence in the flesh. In vv.7-11 he describes what it means for them to glory in Christ.]

Read 3:4-6 What does Paul mean when he speaks of “putting confidence in the

flesh”? How does “putting confidence in the flesh” relate to the “dogs” to whom Paul refers earlier? How can this problem be seen in Paul’s own life prior to Christ?

Why is “placing confidence in the flesh” so problematic? What does this tendency reveal about our fallen condition?

Read 3:7-11 Why did Paul regard his previous religious accomplishments as

“dung”? [Make sure they see the strong language Paul uses.] What did Paul discover in Christ that was infinitely more valuable

than anything he previously possessed? [This represents one of the keys to understanding this passage. You might want to spend some extra time on this question.]

In v.3 Paul claims that one of the distinguishing marks of a Christian “glorying in Christ Jesus.” In light of vv.7-11, what does it look like to “glory in Christ”?

How would you summarize Paul’s understanding of the “gospel” in light of vv. 7-11?

Discover the Big Idea: What did Paul want to make sure these believers understood about

the Christian life by telling his story? Summary statement (ABI): Paul wants them to see that Christ is infinitely more valuable than any treasure they could possess. Compared to what we have in Him, everything else in the whole world is “dung.”

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APPLY Think back to the opening question. If someone were to follow you

around for a week, what might they conclude the Christian life was about from watching you? How does this passage challenge you to reorient your life? How are you tempted to center your life on something other than Christ? (FCF)

Paul discovered that all the things he deeply treasured were rubbish compared to knowing Christ. What are you tempted to treasure more than Christ? (FCF)

Is Christ most often an “end”—the object of your enthrallment and interest—or is Christ a “means”—someone who is pursued to get you something else? Why is this the case? (RS/FCF)

What is it that is uniquely beautiful about Christ and his redemptive work for you which, if you fully embraced it, would lead you to treasure Christ in the way Paul describes? (RS/LA)

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