In verse 8, what self-view does Paul have, and how can we apply that perspective to our lives? What is wonderful about verse 12? Consider verse 17--when does Christ begin to dwell in us? How can we put verse 20 into practice? https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=28131428

Chapter 2, verse 20 speaks of Christ as the cornerstone.  What is the significance of the cornerstone? How can the original Greek clarify verse 21? In the first verse of chapter 3, we learn more about Paul's situation.   To what does the mystery in verse 3 refer? What is important about the words "grace" and … Continue reading Podcast: Ephesians 2:19–3:7

This passage has to do with the Gentiles in the flesh and the Jews.  Some items to consider: What does circumcision symbolize? Note verse 14.  It is a verse worth memorizing! Why was the Law given? What makes us into one family? https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=28063242

Verses 1-6 show our condition in objective terms.  What is wrong with us?  What happens when we contradict God's design? Considering verse 3, how do we reconcile what we read here with the fact that there are nice people who aren't Christian? Notice the phrase from verse 1 that is repeated in verse 5. Verse … Continue reading Podcast: Ephesians 2:1-10

In verse 13, note the sealing of the Holy Spirit, which we experience in the sacraments. What is strange about the Greek in verse 15? Verse 18 speaks of "the eyes of your hearts".  What does that mean? Notice Paul's heaping up of descriptive words in verse 19. Verse 20 refers to the right hand … Continue reading Podcast: Ephesians 1:13-23

There is a lot of content packed in these verses.  How do we make sense of them?  Why all the prepositional phrases?  What importance do they have?  What is the greatest praise and honor to God?  Why do praise and glory go together? I make mention of forgiveness of sins as "the tip of the … Continue reading Podcast: Ephesians 1:5-12

Why study the book of Ephesians?  Here are some things to consider from just the first few verses: What is included in the first verse?  Compare it with 1 Peter. In verse 3, what are the heavenly places? How does verse 4 run counter to our culture?  What wonderful message is bound up in God … Continue reading Podcast: Ephesians 1:1-4