If you were to ask someone to describe ways in which they are blessed, how do you expect they would respond? Often, when we speak of blessings we talk about the material, physical, or circumstantial blessings we have received. While there is nothing wrong with talking about these blessings, as followers of Christ we have so much more that we can celebrate. LifeWay's Explore The Bible Study: Rejoice, provides a great opportunity for us to rejoice about all that has been given us through Christ.
Our study takes us to Paul's letter to the believers in Ephesus. The focus this week is on Ephesians 1:3-14. As you study through this passage, always point to blessings given to us because of God's salvation plan. There are many other theological issues that could be dealt with, but remaining focused on the beauty of Paul's message regarding God's plan of redemption will lead many to be reminded of all they have been given as believers. Still others will most likely evaluate whether or not they truly know Christ.
Explore the Bible Audio Blog
Introduction to Ephesians, Dwayne McCrary & Trevin Wax
Video Introduction - The City of Ephesus
Consider using to introduce the session
John MacArthur - New Testament Commentary: Ephesians
John MacArthur, in his commentary on Ephesians, gives us a great perspective regarding how believers are to live because of the promises given to us in book of Ephesians
“Many Christians continually ask God for what He has already given. They pray for Him to give them more love, although they should know that "the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us" (Romans 5:5). They pray for peace, although Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you" (John 14:27). They pray for happiness and joy, although Jesus said, "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full" (John 15:11). They ask God for strength, although His Word tells them that they "can do all things through Him who strengthens" them (Philippians 4:13).
God's "divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence" (2 Peter 1:3). It is not that God will give us, but that He has already given us "everything pertaining to life and godliness." He has blessed us already with every spiritual blessing. We are complete "in Him" (Colossians 2:10).
Our resources in God are not simply promised; they are possessed. Every Christian has what Paul calls "the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:19). God cannot give us more than He has already given us in His Son. There is nothing more to receive. The believer's need, therefore, is not to receive something more but to do something more with what he has.” [MacArthur, John (1985). MacArthur New Testament Commentary - Ephesians (p. 5). WORDsearch. Retrieved from https://app.wordsearchbible.com.]
“Many Christians continually ask God for what He has already given. They pray for Him to give them more love, although they should know that "the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us" (Romans 5:5). They pray for peace, although Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you" (John 14:27). They pray for happiness and joy, although Jesus said, "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full" (John 15:11). They ask God for strength, although His Word tells them that they "can do all things through Him who strengthens" them (Philippians 4:13).
God's "divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence" (2 Peter 1:3). It is not that God will give us, but that He has already given us "everything pertaining to life and godliness." He has blessed us already with every spiritual blessing. We are complete "in Him" (Colossians 2:10).
Our resources in God are not simply promised; they are possessed. Every Christian has what Paul calls "the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:19). God cannot give us more than He has already given us in His Son. There is nothing more to receive. The believer's need, therefore, is not to receive something more but to do something more with what he has.” [MacArthur, John (1985). MacArthur New Testament Commentary - Ephesians (p. 5). WORDsearch. Retrieved from https://app.wordsearchbible.com.]
PowerPoint Option
There are several slides you can use as you guide your group. Be sure to check those out in this week's downloadable resources below.
