Ephesians 4 - 6:9; Lesson 24

John's study this week:

Content

(In your own words, summarize passages into sentences. Goal of 12 – 15 sentences)

Ephesians 4

1. v1 - 6 Paul starts with an encouragement that like a prisoner for the one hope of your calling;  one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, we are to live lives worthy of His calling in us: humble, gentle, patient, loving, unity of the Spirit.

2. v7 - 13 To each us is given grace by Christ’s gift and that we should be in unity, some using their gifts to be apostles, some to be prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to prepare God’s people for works of service that the body of Christ be built up, united in faith and knowledge and maturing in Christ.

3. v14 - 16 We are to no longer be children in Christ, but strive to mature so we will not be blown by differing doctrine. Instead, speaking truth in love we grow so as to edify the body in love.

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4. v17 - 24 Testify of God’s work, no longer living like Gentiles: futile thinking, darkened understanding, separated from God, hardened. Spiritually insensitive, indulge in sensuality. Put off the former way of life and the old corrupt man and put on the new man renewed in the spirit of your mind created according to God.

5. v25 – 32 So put off falsehood and be truthful. Get rid of bad stuff and turn from sin and do not grieve the Holy Spirit by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Be kind, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 5

6. v1 - 7 Therefore be imitators of God as children, thankful in nature,  walking in love, not in foolish things of this world such as fornication, course talk, as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us, not being deceived by empty words and wrath for these come from the “sons of disobedience.”

7. v8 – 14 Where once we were darkness, now we are light, so walk as children of light for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth, having no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them for all things that are exposed are made visible.

8. v15 - 20 Walk in wisdom, nor as the foolish walk, understanding what the Lord’s will is, being filled with the Holy Spirit,  speaking and singing hymns and spiritual songs making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God.

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8. v21 - 33 Wives and husbands submit to Christ’s leadership and His plan for marriage, loving God giving each other respect helping one another in unity of purpose and in other relationships submit to each other as though you submit to the leadership of Christ as we are members of Christ’s body, of His flesh and of His bones.

Ephesians 6

8. v1 - 4 Children honor and obey your parents with respect that you will prosper, obeying the first commandment that it may be well with you and similarly fathers do not provoke your children to wrath, but raise them up in admonition of the Lord.

9. v5 – 9 V5 – 9 Whoever you serve or lead, be obedient to those leading you, or kind to whom serves you, doing such as if to Christ, serving with goodwill from the heart, for your doing good will be received in like kind from your Master who is in Heaven.

Divisions

(Summarize main groupings of thoughts. Goal of 2, 3 or 4 divisions. ID passages covered)

I. Paul examines life of the church to grow and mature, using our gifts to prepare hearts for service.

Ephesians 4:1-16

Application:  How are you contributing to the maturity of your church?

Application: How is God’s gift demonstrated in your life?

II. Paul urges the Ephesians to live in the light and God’s love, testifying of God’s work in believer’s lives.

Ephesians 4:17-5:20

Application:  Live as children of the light. What will you put off? What will you put on?

Application:  How are you testifying of God’s work in your life?

III. Paul gives guidance for all husband & wives, children and leaders & followers.

Ephesians 5:21-6:9

Application: Submit to others as though they were Christ; care for others as though you were Christ. What relationships will you tweak to conform to God’s principle?

Application: How are you leading or following?

Subject Sentence

(Summarizing the Divisions into one sentence):

Paul outlines a Christian’s life as worthy of God’s calling. (10 words)

Aim

(A main teaching point for the overall study of the passages):

To cause the audience to live lives worthy of their calling.

Ephesians 2 - 3; Lesson 23

Chuck's study this week:

Ephesians 1 - Lesson 22

John's study this week:

Content

(In your own words, summarize passages into sentences. Goal of 12 – 15 - 20 sentences)

Ephesians 1

1.  v1 - 3 Paul greets the holy and faithful church in Ephesus, in the name of Christ, praising God who blesses us (believers) with every spiritual blessing.

2. v4 - 5 Paul introduces us with the doctrine of predestination as Christ chose us before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight, predestined for adoptions as sons and daughters of God through Christ according to his pleasure and will.
3. v6 – 8a  Praise to God for the doctrine of God’s grace freely given to us in Christ (the One he loves) through whom we have redemption and forgiveness from our sins through Christ’s shed blood profusely bestowed (lavished) on us.

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4. v8b – 10 With good pleasure, wisdom and understanding God revealed the mystery of His will and purpose in Christ to bring unity to all things in Heaven and on Earth under Christ’s reign.
5. v11 -12  According to God’s plan to work everything in conformity with the purpose of his will those who put their hope in Christ were predestined and chosen in order to bring praise of his glory.
6. v13 - 14 When we heard the message of truth and believe, we were marked in Christ with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession.

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7. v15 – 17 Paul gives thanks for the Ephesus church’s faith, love of all God’s people and remembers them in his prayers for their good works, asking God to give the church wisdom and revelation given through the Holy Spirit that they may know Christ better.

8. v18 – 19a That the eyes of their heart would be opened so that they may more fully know the hope given, his glorious inheritance and the great power given to us who believe.
9. v19b – 21 The power God wants to give is the same as that which He used when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Christ at His right hand in heaven ruling over all earthly powers and dominion in the present age and also the one to come.
10. v22 – 23 God placed all things under Christ’s authority appointing him to be in charge of everything for the church (us) which is His body and the fullness of him who fills everything.

 Divisions

(Summarize main groupings of thoughts. Goal of 2, 3 or 4 divisions. ID passages covered)

 I. God blesses - God blesses believers and predestines our adoption by Christ’s atoning sacrifice of blood.

Ephesians 1 – 8a

Application: How have you been specifically blessed?

Application:  Are you praying for both those who need God’s help as well as those who are being successful in their faith?

II. God seals and reveals - According to God’s perfect plan we are sealed with the Holy Spirit and by that the mystery of God’s will will be revealed.

Ephesians 8b - 14

Application: How do you know God has placed the seal on your heart?

Application: How do you understand the mystery of God’s will for you?

III. God empowers - Paul prays for the continuance of their knowledge and hope, with respect to the heavenly inheritance, and to God's power working in them.

Ephesians 8b - 14

Application: How are you using the power given to you by God?

Application: Are you sharing the message of the inheritance you have received?

Subject Sentence

(Summarizing the Divisions into one sentence):

God blesses, reveals and empowers believers fulfilling his willful purposes. (10 words)

Aim

(A main teaching point for the overall study of the passages):

To cause the audience to be encouraged that we are sealed with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our place in His will as a part and member of the body of Christ.

Chuck and John gave a sample lesson to the BSF leadership and for our scripture from this week's study was 1 Corinthians 15.
Here's Chuck's study:

Lesson    19

Passage  I Corinthians 15

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Raised Christ witnessed bringing grace and preached; Hold Firm (I Corinthians 15:1-11) a. Hold firmly to preached Gospel (1-2) b. Jesus redemptive work seen by many (3-7) c. Grace through Christ brings new relationship and message of belief (8-11)

Resurrected Christ is our truth and first fruit; Our Hope (I Corinthians 15:12-34) a. Proof Resurrection and basis of faith is Christ (12-19) b. Christ firstfruits, hope and destroyer of death (20-28) c. All efforts are in vain if there is no resurrection (29-34)

Imperishable resurrected spiritual bodies come through Christ; Our Victory (I Corinthians 15:35-58) a. There is no comparison with resurrected heavenly body (35-44a) b. Our spiritual bodies will bear likeness of man from heaven (44b-49) c. Bodies clothed in imperishable have eternal victory (50-58)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Division	Scripture
Raised Christ witnessed bringing grace and preached; Hold Firm	I Corinthians 15:1-11
Resurrected Christ is our truth and He the first fruit; Our Hope	I Corinthians 15:12-34
Imperishable resurrected spiritual bodies come through Christ; Our Victory	I Corinthians 15:35-58

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Faith in resurrected Jesus brings an imperishable spiritual inheritance

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

To Learn the truth of the raised Jesus Christ are the firstfruits of a resurrection victory for all who trust in Christ; we are to stand firm in Him.

Specific Application Questions

	1.       How have you experienced the grace of God? And what is your response?
	2.       To whom does the truth of the resurrected Jesus need to be shared; how will you make it happen?
	3.       Are you ready for the trumpet? What changes are you willing to make to be ready?
	4.

Principles to Remember

	Grace comes through faith in the resurrected Jesus
	We have hope in the resurrection through Christ
	Victory comes to those who stand firm in their faith

Acts 18:23 - Acts 21:15; Lesson 17

John's study this week:

Content
(In your own words, summarize passages into sentences. Goal of 12 – 15 sentences)

Acts 18:23-28
1. v23 – 26 While Paul sets out to visit the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples, Apollos ( as a knowledgeable and bold disciple of JC) came to Ephasus, staying with Pricilla and Aquilla at their home in order to receive more teaching.
2. v27 – 28 Apollos travels to Achaia encouraging believers and refuting arguments of Jewish opponents in public debate. Later he travels to Corinth.

Acts 19
3. v1 – 7 Traveling through the region of Ephesus, Paul meets a group of believers who had not heard of the baptism of the HS, having only been baptized (as John baptized) as a sign of repentance, explaining the difference where upon Paul laid hands on the twelve and then they received the HS and spoke in tongues and prophesied.
4. v8 – 12 Paul continued speaking there of the Gospel for several months, but some refused to believe, so Paul left, took disciples with him to Tyrannus where he lectured, and for two years continued preaching the Gospel to Greens and Jews who lied in the province of Asia as well as God performed miracles through Paul.
5. v13 – 16 At the same time Paul was invoking the name of Jesus to drive out evil spirits, sons of a Jewish priest were falsely using the name of Jesus to do the same, when one day an evil spirit answered, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” Then the evil spirit beat up them all.
6. v17 - 22 This episode became known to the Jews and Greeks of the region causing Christ’s name to be held in honor, many came to know Christ, some who practiced sorcery, burned their scrolls, helping the word of God to be spread widely and grew in power.
7. v23 – 29 Demetrius, a silversmith who made idols to Artemus, spoke with such passion against Paul’s teaching of the word of God, that a riot breaks out where Gaius and Aristarchus and pauls traveling companions are seized during the mayhem.
8. v30 – 41 Paul wants to meet the rioters, but is discouraged by the disciples and province rulers not to go for his own safety, and instead Alexander and the city clerk speak of restraint and not violence and eventually dismisses the assembled mob.

Acts 20
9. v1 – 6 Paul travels to Greece then as a plot is hatched to harm him, travels to Macedonia with friends following the Festival of Unleavened Bread, and five days later joined the others at Troas, where they stayed seven days.
10. v7 – 12As Paul meets with followers to share a meal and teach, a young man named Eutychus accidentally falls asleep and tumbles from the3rd story window to his death, only to be miraculously revived by God through Paul thus strengthening the believers.
11. v13 - 38 Paul travels by ship to Ephesus spreading the Gospel and encouraging believers telling them of his plans to travel to Jerusalem giving praise for the privilege of spreading the Gospel finishing with a blessing and quote from Christ: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

Acts 21
12. v1 – 6 Paul sails on to Tyre where he stays with disciples for seven days and although the believers, through the Holy Spirit, urged Paul not to go to Jerusalem he leaves praying with families as he finishes his visit and boards ship.
13. v7 – 11 Paul continues from Tyre to Ptolemais to Caesarea where he stays with Philip the evangelist where Paul meets with Agabus, a prophet, who prophesies “The Holy Spirit says” of Paul being bound hand and foot by Jewish leaders in Jerusalem and be handed over to the Gentiles.
14. v12 – 15 When the disciples heard the prophesy, they pleaded with Paul not to go, but he insisted, so when they saw that he would not change his mind, they said, “The Lord’s will be done.”

Divisions
(Summarize main groupings of thoughts. Goal of 2, 3 or 4 divisions. ID passages covered)

I. Paul and Apollos minister effectively in Ephesus and surrounding areas; Pricilla and Aquilas teach Apollos more about Christ.
Acts 18:23 – 19:12

Application: How are you learning more about Jesus?

Application: How are you using your gifts to strengthen the church? 

 II. Paul ministers with the Holy Spirit, false teachers invoke the name of Jesus for their own purposes and idol worshipers start a riot.
Acts 19:13 - 41

Application: Who do you need to share the Gospel with TODAY?

Application: What are we to do when faced with false teaching?


III. Paul makes know his plan to travel to Jerusalem, while disciples urge him not to.
Acts 20 - 21

Application: How far will you go to bring the Gospel message?

Application: How do you gain sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading?


Subject Sentence
(Summarizing the Divisions into one sentence):

The Holy Spirit’s work through believers brings encouragement and strength. (10 words)


Aim
(A main teaching point for the overall study of the passages):

To cause the audience to see that the Holy Spirit will lead those who follow Christ in bringing the Gospel to the world.

2 Thessalonians 1 - 3; Lesson 16

Chuck's study this week:

1 Thesalonians 1 - 5; Lesson 15

John's study this week:

Content

(In your own words, summarize passages into sentences. Goal of 12 – 15 sentences)

1 Thessalonians  1

1. v1 - 5 Paul gives thanks for all friends in the faith and for the work and labor produced by love knowing that God has chosen the followers who because of the Gospel and power of the HS live

2. v6 – 8a The followers there have become imitators of Christ because they welcomed the Gospel into their midst and become a model church to all believers in Macedonia and Achaia becoming known throughout the region.

3. v8b – 10 You need say nothing about your work as it speaks for itself as you have turned from idols to serving God living son, Jesus, who was raised from the dead and who will rescue us from the coming wrath.

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1 Thessalonians 2

4. v1 – 7 Our visit is no mistake, but work approved by God, work done to please God and not man, to present the Gospel as a witness to all who will receive the message.

5. v8 – 11 Paul states that through the tough times of his ministry he has been burdened to share the Gospel, and that the readers of the letter are witnesses of Paul’s team’s faithfulness as a father lovingly works with his children.

6. v12 – Paul encourages and exhorts believers to live lives worthy of God, who calls us into his kingdom.

7. v13 – 16 Paul thanks God for the work begun in the believers for they have begun a walk of faith suffering  just as the Jews have who believe from non-believers who try to keep the Gospel message from being spoken. They will have the wrath of God upon them.

8. v17 – 20 Paul has felt orphaned from his believing friends and although Satan had blocked their way, but finds hope in the glory to come from Christ’s return one day.

1 Thessalonians 3

9. v1 – 5 While in Athens Paul sent Timothy to continue the work and encourage the faithful so as to be strengthened through the trials and persecution.

10. v6 – 10 Paul received the good news regarding your growing faith and have been encouraged by your example, thanking God, praying constantly to see his friends again in order to strengthen their walk.

11. v11 – 13 Paul prays that the Lord increases your faith, strengthens your hearts so that they will be found blameless and holy upon Christ’s return.

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1 Thessalonians 4

12. v1 – 12 Keep living righteously in order to please God for you know that by the authority of Christ it is God’s will that you should be sanctified and live holy and pleasing to God, for God will punish those who reject His instructions so love one another and through your daily life will win the respect of others.

13. v13 – 18 According to God’s word, both the dead in Christ and those living will meet Christ when He returns and we will be with the Lord forever, so be encouraged.

1 Thessalonians 5

14. v1 – 8 We do not know when the Lord will return, but when he does there will be destruction in the land, so be prepared as we are children of light and day living soberly and righteously putting on the breastplate of faith and love and the helmet of salvation.

15. v9 – 22 Paul reminds and gives practical instruction for living for God.

16. v23 – 28 Paul closes with what feels like a prayer.

Divisions

(Summarize main groupings of thoughts. Goal of 2, 3 or 4 divisions. ID passages covered)

I. Paul shares the Thessalonians’ shared past, living among them and sharing close communion with them.

1 Thessalonians 1 - 3

Application: How are you imitating Christ in your life?

Application:  How are you involved in community with your church?

II. Paul refocuses the Thessalonians’ present, encouraging them to live righteously and love with brotherly affection.

1 Thessalonians 4:1-13

Application: Who do you need to encourage to live righteously today?

Application: How would others describe your love for fellow believers and even your neighbor?

III. Paul speaks to the coming return of Christ, the Rapture and of heavenly expectation.   

1 Thessalonians 4:14 – 5:8

Application: Are you prepared for Christ’s return?

Application: Do you have a sense of anticipation for Christ’s return? What are you doing about it?

IV. Paul reinforces his teaching with practical exhortations.   

1 Thessalonians 5:9 - 28

Application: What will you change this week to incorporate Christ in your daily walk?

Application: How do you greet your fellow believers? Do you avoid some or greet all as Paul might?

Subject Sentence

(Summarizing the Divisions into one sentence):

Paul focuses on today and the hope of Christ’s return. (10 words)

Aim

(A main teaching point for the overall study of the passages):

To cause the audience to:

Remember where we have come from as believers with a refocus our vision of the big picture – the hope of Christ’s return and heaven.