Ephesians 1: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Ephesians 1 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Paul greets the saints in Ephesus and offers them grace and peace from God (vv. 1-2). He praises God for blessing believers with 'every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ' (v.

Key verse

“having predestined us for adoption as children through Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his desire,”
Ephesians 1:5 (WEB)

Outline

Ephesians 1:1–2 Greeting and Blessings
Ephesians 1:3–6 Spiritual Blessings in Christ
Ephesians 1:7–10 Redemption and Forgiveness
Ephesians 1:11–14 Inheritance and the Holy Spirit
Ephesians 1:15–19 Prayer for Wisdom
Ephesians 1:20–23 Christ's Authority and the Church

Discussion questions

In v6, what does Paul say God has done 'to the praise of the glory of his grace'?
What phrase in v13 describes how the Ephesians were 'sealed'?
The phrase 'according to the good pleasure of his desire' in v5: what implications does this have for understanding God's choices?
The phrase 'the riches of his grace' in v7: how does this shape our view of forgiveness?
What does being 'sealed with the promised Holy Spirit' in v13 mean for your daily decisions?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Ephesians 1: Romans 8, Colossians 1, Ephesians 3.

Before next time: read Ephesians 2.