Summer Bible Study #1: How to find Hope in Suffering

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 1:1-14)

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

Background Information

• Apostle (v 1): this literally means someone sent with a message. The apostles were the small group of followers Jesus chose to lead the church after He would die.
• Ephesus (v 1): a major urban center of Asia on the Aegean Sea. The first century population is estimated at 300,000, making it one of the larger cities of the Roman empire. It was extremely prosperous as a commercial center, provincial capital, and port city. It was known for its many monuments, theaters, and temples and was an international tourist center. It was so profitable that its leaders operated the first world bank. It was filled with political fighting, divided between the rich and a poor dehumanized underclass. There is more written about this church than any other in the New Testament. You can read more about its beginnings in Acts 18-20.
•  Grace (v 2): this is when we are given a gift or favor which we do not deserve.
• ​Spiritual gift from the heavenly world (v 3): in this chapter, this is another way of saying God has given us everything we need for our relationship with Him.

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?
3. For what people or situations do you need to thank God for  today? For what people or situations do you need to ask God’s help today?

Summary
Paul simply reminds us of how blessed we are that God has done so much for us through Jesus. He especially stresses that this was God’s plan from before the beginning of the world (v 4,5,9,10,11).

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.