10: A Spiritual Perspective (Eph 1:1-23)

I.       The Basics

A.     Setting

In this section, Paul greets the readers as saints and then tells them about the blessings saints receive in Christ. He prays that the Ephesians will be enlightened about certain spiritual truths and realities. He introduces the concept of the church as the body of Christ.

B.     Key Verses

“… in all wisdom and prudence having made known to us the mystery of His will …” (1:8,9).

C.     Did You Know…?

1.     Ephesus (1:1): “Ephesus was the most important city in western Asia Minor (now Turkey). It had a harbor that at that time opened into the CaysterRiver, which in turn emptied into the Aegean Sea. Because it was also at an intersection of major trade routes, Ephesus became a commercial center. It boasted a pagan temple dedicated to th Roman goddess Diana (Greek Artemis); cf. Ac 19:23-31. Paul made Ephesus a center for evangelism for about three years… and the church there apparently flourished for some time, but later needed the warning of Rev 2:1-7.” ^4/1789-1790

2.     Dispensation (1:10): “The word Paul uses is oikonomia, which occurs nine times in the NT (TDNT, 5:151-3). Its basic meaning relates to household management (Luke 16:2-4) and is extended to cover general provision or arrangement… Here paul uses it to suggest the administration or putting into effect of God’s far-reaching redemptive plan (3:9)” ^3/26

II.    Observation

A.     Outline

(1:1-2)

(1:3-14)

(1:15-23)

Key words/Phrases

III. Segment Analysis

1.      1:1-2

2.      What qualifies a person to be called a saint?

3.      1:3-14

4.      Where are the heavenly places (3)?

5.      What is the repeated key phrase in this paragraph?

6.      List the blessings we obtain in Christ.

7.      1:4-6

8.      1:7-9

9.      1:10

10.  1:11-12

11.  1:13-14

12.  Record all the phrases in this paragraph that begin with “according to.” What do they tell you about our spiritual blessings in Christ?

13.  How important are spiritual blessings vis-à-vis material blessings to you?

14.  Verses 5 and 6 teach us that our adoption as sons was predestined. Does predestination negate man’s free will?

15.  Explain the role of the Holy Spirit according to 13-14.

16.  1:15-23

17.  For what aspects of the Ephesians did Paul give thanks to God?

18.  List the 3 things for which Paul prayed that the Lord would enlighten the eyes of the Ephesians’ understanding.

19.  Do you feel that the eyes of your understanding are enlightened? How do you think such an enlightenment would affect a Christian’s perspective of life?

20.  Verse 18 speaks of the working of God’s mighty power. How did God demonstrate His mighty power in Christ?

21.  What does the word “church” refer to? (cf. 1Cor 12:13,27)

22.  What does the phrase ‘the fullness of Him who fills all in all’ mean?