Study session scripture: Ephesians 4:1-8

Study session topics:

• Ephesians 3:8-10

  • The purpose of the church

  • Making God’s wisdom known to rulers in the heavens

• Ephesians 4:1-2

  • Living with integrity of the faith in daily life

• Ephesians 4:4-6

  • A unified confession of commitment to the Spirit

  • One hope in the calling to the Lord

  • One common faith for all

  • One common unifying identifying ritual: baptism to the God and Father all believers present to all believers

• Ephesians 4:7

  • Empowering grace to all believers

• Ephesians 4:8

  • Old Testament prophetic reference to victory over pagans: Psalm 68

  • Old Testament prophetic reference to Christ’s victory over enemies: Psalm 68:18

Study session audio:

Study session scripture: Ephesians 3:1-4:6

Study session topics:

• Paul as messenger of gentile inclusion

• The message announcing unity to heavenly powers

• The message announcing access to God

• Paul’s imprisonment in God’s purpose

• Paul’s prayer for Christ to dwell

• Christ dwelling in believers

• Paul’s doxology

• Walking worthily

• A ‘creed’ reciting unity?

Study session audio:

Study session scripture: Ephesians 2:14-3:7

Study session topics:

• chart on the two ages

• Jesus’ reconceptualization: Christ is the ‘peace’ for divisions and enmity

• the Jewish particular ordinances

• the reconciliation of the Cross Proclamation (evangelization) of peace for divisions through Christ

• Use of Isaiah 57:17-21

• From stranger/alien to part of the dwelling of God (holy temple)

• Paul as messenger of the mystery of gentile inclusion

Study session audio: