Ephesians 1:3-10

Sorry for the delay folks- with the open house and all, its been crazy around here!

Spiritual blessings in Christ

Review vs 3

-Discuss what spiritual blessings we have in Christ.

Verses 4 and 5 address a hot-button topic in some churches. Let's take some time with these passages.

Vs 4

-What does it mean when Paul says that Jesus chose us?

-How do we know that we are chosen?

-Why did he choose us? Was it necessary that it had to be done before the creation of the world? What are the ramifications of this?

-How do we know if those around us are not chosen? Does it matter?

Vs 5

-What does "predestined" mean?

-Is it loving that some are "predestined" and some may not be?

-Why would God will that some are "predestined" and others are not?

Vs 6-8

-Review the gifts of God's grace that we see in these verses- for instance, what is the difference

between redemption and forgiveness of sin.

-What wisdom and understanding is Paul referring to? Is this something that is quantifiable?

Vs 9 and 10

-Paul mentioned that the mystery of God's will would be revealed according to His good pleasure and when times have reached their fulfillment. Why? Why is it important that we should be let in on God's will?

-What will it look like when all things in heaven and earth under Christ?

Bonus Question: Imagine that someone in your group has been praying for his or her sister for sometime. After listening to the teaching of the weekend and after reviewing these verses, your friend asks you if his or her sister is "predestined?" What if they say, "How does my praying or talking to her about Christ matter if she isn't "predestined?"

Teacher: Jeff Dodge

Ephesians 1: 3-10