Summer Bible Study #2: How God's love brings hope

Ephesians

Why Ephesians?
The author of this letter in the Bible is Paul. He is writing to his audience from prison. He is alone and isolated from his core community, but he writes this letter with enthusiasm, it seems like he’s having a good day. This Bible study will help you be encouraged in the midst of suffering, isolation, and disconnection from community. 

Read Passage (Ephesians 1:15-23)

• Underline main ideas as you read.
• Especially notice all of the things God has done for his people.

Background Information

• Holy Spirit (v 13): In the Bible, God is spoken of as one being, but as existing in three different forms (or persons) at the same time. The Holy Spirit another way of speaking of God.
  
  
• Christ’s body (v 23): this is a common name for the Christian church. The church is the physical presence of Jesus on the earth now –it represents Jesus –and is controlled by Him as a body is controlled by its head. This image also communicates that Christians have an extremely close relationship with Jesus.

Reflection 

1. What stands out from this passage? What questions do you have?
2. Is there anything you think God wants you to do based on what you read today?

Summary
In the second half of this chapter, Paul tells the Ephesians that he keeps praying that God will enable them to see these blessings. In reading this chapter you see how clearly Paul saw God’s love and how this perspective gave him hope and joy in a life that could easily have been very discouraging.

Prayer

1. Take time to reflect on the ways God has loved you this summer. Ask god to bring to mind moments of love.
2. Share with God 3-5 points of gratitude.
3. Text a friend 2 prayer requests.