Watch the video above and talk about it with a group or mentor. Learn more.
Learn about the basic structure and message of the Book of Ephesians.
Key Points:
- In a nutshell, Ephesians is about how the gospel story connects to how Christians live faithfully in the world. It’s divided into two main sections: chapters 1-3 and 4-6.
- Chapters 1-3 focus on two big ideas: (1), that the good news of Jesus (“gospel”) is for all people; (2) that this good news is based on God’s grace to everyone who will believe.
- Chapters 4-6 focus on two big ideas: (1) that God’s people are unified regardless of economic, national, or ethnic backgrounds; (2) though we are new people because of Jesus, we still have to choose to love and obey him daily – this won’t always be easy.
- Through godly relationships and spiritual disciplines, Paul was calling the original readers of his letter – and by extension all Christians in all times – to Christian maturity.
Quote This:
Ephesians 2:8-10 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Talk About It
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Why do you think understanding the setting and culture of biblical books helps someone better understand what they’re reading in the Bible?
- Read Ephesians 2:8-10. What is the relationship between God’s grace and our good works/righteous living?
- Read Ephesians 2:11-18. Why is it important that the gospel message of Jesus isn’t just for a group of special people?
- How does a relationship with Jesus Christ cause us to live differently? If you follow Jesus, how have you changed for the better?
- Not everyone’s wired the same. What are some ways you are able to best draw closer to God and to others?
- Why must we continue to choose to honor God even after we trust Jesus for our salvation?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
