THE STUDY OF EPHES IANSIntroduction:

The book of Ephesians is part of four letters Paul wrote to the Church in Ephesus, a port city in Asia minor (modern day Turkey), on the Aegean Sea (Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon and Philippians) while in prison. He wrote Ephesians in Rome AD 60 – 62, during his first imprisonment - where he was put under house arrest and the letter was hand delivered by Tychicus, an associate of Paul (Ephesians 6:21-22).

Ephesus was a fast and moving cosmopolitan society where people took pride in various abilities, backgrounds, skills and heritage. Paul took time to encourage the church and reminded them of the high position they had in the heavenly realms. The first believers there were disciples of John the Baptist and who on Paul’s mission, not only accepted Jesus and were gladly baptized, but also received the Holy Spirit.

Paul established Ephesus as one of his missionary operation bases and for two years, this is where he taught and grounded the believers at the Tyrannus Hall (Acts19:8-10). Ephesians is among the few letters in which Paul was not prompted to correct some error or heresy as he wrote. However, much later Apostle John wrote to the same church urging them to go back to their first love (Rev 2: 4-6).

Paul also took the aspect of the unity of the trinity in various chapters and encouraged the church to be like minded while at the same time urging it not to be caught up in “old habits” that were not agreeable to its holy calling. He wrote to this Church giving them assurance about their status in Christ, and throughout the letter, he assures them of the roots and structure of the church.

The book of Ephesians teaches us not to take pride in our works because our salvation is purely by grace and faith alone. Our works become the effect of an obedient walk with God, who ordained our roles before creation for the sake of the church and His glory. Paul also reminds us that we are engaged in spiritual warfare – that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against rulers, principalities and spiritual forces in heavenly realms. He therefore encourages us to put on the full armor of God so that we may be able to stand our ground (Ephesians 6:10-18).

MONDAY Bible Reference: Ephesians 5:21

Icebreaker: Whose authority do you find difficult to submit to?

Reflection: God created us to be social. There are various aspects of relational submission, as we will see this week. Our relationships first recognize the value each person has. This value is derived from God who created them in His own image. We acknowledge that they have a God-given purpose which is to commune with God and fellow man. No one is useless. No one needs to be looked down upon. Believers bring value to their relationships when they submit to one another. What aspect of submission are you struggling with? What needs to change?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know that all authority is delegated by You. You are Lord of Lords and King of Kings. Help me to value everyone around me because You created them in Your own image. Teach me submission to others in church, workplace, my neighborhood and family. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

TUES DAYBible Reference: Ephesians 5:22-24

Icebreaker: Whom do you prefer between a headmistress and headmaster? Why?

Reflection: According to 1 Corinthians 11:3, “the head of every man is Christ and the head of woman is man and the head of Christ is God.” This scripture summarizes the truth that God is the supreme Head and all are submitted to Him. Paul encourages wives to submit to their husbands in everything as the church submits to Christ. A great benefit of wives submitting to their husbands is that if a husband does not believe the word, he may be won over without words by the behavior of his wife when he sees the purity and reverence in her life (1 Peter 3:1-5). Verse 5 says that this is how the holy women in the past put their hope

in God. They used to make themselves beautiful by being submissive to their husbands. Sarah obeyed Abraham and called him lord. In today’s world, women are to submit to their husbands and know that when they do that, they are ultimately submitting to God. Why does the subject of submission seem so complex? What do you learn from today’s verses that helps make it clearer to you?

Prayer: Father in Jesus name I thank you that You are the Head and I am to submit to Your Lordship. I pray and ask that You help me and my family to be submitted to You, in Jesus name, Amen.

WEDNES DAYBible Reference: Ephesians: 5:25-33

Icebreaker: At weddings, what stands out for you and why?

Reflection: Paul draws similarities and lessons on the great mystery of God’s love in the divine union between Christ and the Church and that of earthly marriages (vs 32). Our marriages are to imitate God’s standards of the divine union.

Union between Christ and the Church (Believers)

Union between husband and wife

Christ the Son of God, left His father’s throne in heaven and became man to save us from sin. This salvation made believers to be His bride-the church. (1 Corinthians 6:15; Corinthians 12:27)

A man is called to leave his father’s house and be joined to his bride to become one (Vs. 31)

Christ loved the church so much that He sacrificed His life on the cross to save us from the penalties of our sins (Vs. 25).

It is God’s will that husbands love their wives sacrificially and that wives respect their husbands (Vs. 28-29).

Christ is the head of the church. Our High Priest who continuously cleanses us by washing with water through the word (Vs. 26-27, Hebrews 4:12-14)

Husbands are to take their rightful place as priests of the home. Teaching and nourishing their families with the word of God, just like Christ does for the church (Vs. 26-27)

As believers who are united with Christ as His bride, what can we do to keep thisunion healthy?

Prayer:Dear Lord, thank you for yyour great love for me and uniting me with Christ. I pray that I will, by the help of the Holy Spirit and your grace, play my part in this union as I prepare for Your return, in Jesus name, Amen.

THURS DAYBible Reference: Ephesians 6:1-4

Icebreaker: What comes to mind whenever you come across the word ‘obey’?

Reflection: In a family setup, children ought to obey their parents in the Lord. To be involved in bringing up children requires that one instructs, guides, trains, models and leads. All these require obedience for character and discipline which leads to good or bad culture Obedience does not happen in a vacuum. It raises the demand on the parents to be present and be involved with their children. Paul urges fathers to be patient and not to exasperate their children to discouragement and despair whereas, children are commanded to honor their parents in the Lord. This is the first commandment with a promise. The promise is that it may go well with them and they may have long life. Honor is to hold someone in high esteem and regard. It may be accompanied by giving of gifts or service as a sign.

What does it mean to obey your parents in the Lord?

Prayer:My Father who art in heaven, help me be a partaker of Your love and to reflect Your nature here on earth. May Your Kingdom come and Your will be done around me in Jesus name, Amen.

F R IDAYBible Reference: Ephesians 6:5-9

Icebreaker: Who have you enjoyed working for or reporting to? Why did you enjoy working with them?

Reflection: From today’s text, Paul directs those who fear God on how they should relate with those in authority and with one another in the market place. Christians should obey their earthly masters and treat them with respect and sincerity of heart. When Christians do this, we are living in obedience to Christ. (Colossians 3:22-24). Our motivation for obeying earthly masters is to please God. We are to serve our masters and colleagues wholeheartedly as if we are serving the Lord. Those in position of authority also need to serve God by acknowledging His authority and being just in the way they treat their juniors. God is the ultimate authority and He will reward each one for whatever good done. How is your relationship with God, your employer and colleagues?

Prayer:Lord, you have called me to obey my earthly masters just as I obey Christ. Teach me not show favoritism in my engagements but to serve You and others from a pure heart. Help me to fair to those You have placed under my authority knowing that I will be account-able to You, the ultimate Master. Amen

Memory verse for the weekEphesians 6:1 “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and more – which is the first commandment with a promise – that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth”

Prayer of SalvationLord Jesus, I come to You to confess that I have sinned. I have not obeyed you and instead, I have led my life as I thought best and as it pleased me. Forgive me of my sin and come into my heart. Take charge of my life from this day onwards. I believe You sent Your Son to die and pay for my sins. I receive Your gift of salvation and make You Lord and Savior of my life today. Write my name in the Lamb’s book of life and make my life new again. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.