This week we will turn our attention to Paul's Prayer in the second part of chapter one. Last week we studied and talked about what it means to be blessed and how God has blessed us. Start this week by praying and asking the Lord to open up your eyes to His Truth. Grab your observation worksheets and read through chapter one. Now read back through 1:15-23. Our study this week will focus on these verses. As you read mark these words: prayer, what is/what are, knowledge, power, & body.
Get out your journal and make a list of what Paul is praying for the Ephesians.
Now let's dive into it! What is Paul praying for them? My hope is that you see this is not just a prayer, but Paul's hope for their growth as they walked in Jesus!
Paul prayed that they would have a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. Stop and consider what it means to have a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ. What is Paul specifically asking that the Ephesians would have knowledge of? Look for the phrase what to find out. What does the word knowledge mean? Look up the greek definition and write down what you learn in your journal.
First thing Paul prays is that the eyes of their hearts may
be enlightened, so that they will know what is the hope of His calling. I want you to think about what is the hope of His calling. Think about what we studied and talked about last week. How do they connect to the hope of His calling? Look up the greek definition of the word hope. Write down in your journal what you learn. Now look at these cross references and write down what you learn from each verse about the hope of your calling: Romans 8:28-30, Philippians 1:3-6, Philippians 1:19-21, 2 Timothy 1:9-12, 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, Ephesians 4:1&4.
Next, Paul prays that they would know what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.What is the inheritance that Christ has given? How is the inheritance defined? Go back and look at the verses we looked at last week about inheritance.
Finally Paul prays that the Ephesians would know what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. Let's look up some greek definitions. Using Blue Letter Bible, look up these words in the greek: power, working, strength, might. Now stop and think about how great God's power is, what does that mean for believers who are sealed in the Spirit?
Now stop. Go back, and read verses 15-23 in context. See if you can't piece it together and make sense of it. Looking forward to our time together this week!
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Friday, January 31, 2014
Ephesians 1: Blessed
I am so proud of you for walking through the overview faithfully. This week we will turn our attention to Chapter 1.
Sit down and read through chapter 1. Now it's time to do some marking. As you read through chapter 1 have you noticed any key words? Remember that key words are repeated and they help us unlock the meaning of the text. Write down in your journal any words or phrases that you think might be key words in chapter 1.
Mark It
What did you write down? It's time to get out our pens and read and mark chapter 1. Remember that we want to read with a purpose, so don't skim through it. I like to mark one key word at a time. This helps me slow down and really see what the text is saying. So let's get to it! Read through chapter 1 and mark these words/phrases: in Christ, love, the heavenly places, according to, grace, Holy Spirit, and references to time.
List It
Now I want you to get out your journal and make a list of what you learn about being in Christ. Please don't skip this list, it is very important!!! As you make your list remember one way we observe the text is by answering the 5W's & H. Try to answer as many of these when making your list.
Next make a list on what you learn about the phrase according to. Does the phrase according to tell you anything about God, Jesus, or others? Make sure you write down what you learn!
Word Studies & Cross References
It's time to do some word studies and cross references. A word study is when we look up the Greek or Hebrew definition. We use Blue Letter Bible for our word studies. Simply select NASB and search Ephesians 1. Find the verse each word is in and select the blue tools button next to that verse. A box will pop up. Click on the Strong's number (ex. chosen is G1586). This is will give you the page with the definition.
Below are words that I want you to look up using Blue Letter Bible. There are also cross references with each word. Remember that cross references help us gain more understanding of scripture. We want scripture to interpret scripture. Write down the definition of each word and then look at the cross references and write down how they help you understand the word.
Sit down and read through chapter 1. Now it's time to do some marking. As you read through chapter 1 have you noticed any key words? Remember that key words are repeated and they help us unlock the meaning of the text. Write down in your journal any words or phrases that you think might be key words in chapter 1.
Mark It
What did you write down? It's time to get out our pens and read and mark chapter 1. Remember that we want to read with a purpose, so don't skim through it. I like to mark one key word at a time. This helps me slow down and really see what the text is saying. So let's get to it! Read through chapter 1 and mark these words/phrases: in Christ, love, the heavenly places, according to, grace, Holy Spirit, and references to time.
List It
Now I want you to get out your journal and make a list of what you learn about being in Christ. Please don't skip this list, it is very important!!! As you make your list remember one way we observe the text is by answering the 5W's & H. Try to answer as many of these when making your list.
Next make a list on what you learn about the phrase according to. Does the phrase according to tell you anything about God, Jesus, or others? Make sure you write down what you learn!
Word Studies & Cross References
It's time to do some word studies and cross references. A word study is when we look up the Greek or Hebrew definition. We use Blue Letter Bible for our word studies. Simply select NASB and search Ephesians 1. Find the verse each word is in and select the blue tools button next to that verse. A box will pop up. Click on the Strong's number (ex. chosen is G1586). This is will give you the page with the definition.
Below are words that I want you to look up using Blue Letter Bible. There are also cross references with each word. Remember that cross references help us gain more understanding of scripture. We want scripture to interpret scripture. Write down the definition of each word and then look at the cross references and write down how they help you understand the word.
- chosen (John 15:16, 1 Peter 1:1-2, 1 Cor 1:26-30)
- predestined (Acts 4:27-28, Acts 2:22-23, Romans 8:28-30)
- redemption (1 Peter 1:18-19, Colossians 1:13-14, Romans 3:24, Romans 8:23)
- grace (2 Cor 8:9, 2 Tim 1:9, Titus 2:11)
- administration (Ephesians 3:9)
- sealed (2 Cor 1:21-22, Ephesians 4:30)
- pledge
- inheritance (1Peter 1:3-5, Titus 3:5-7, James 2:5)
I know this is a lot to look at and think about. be diligent to look at these words and the cross references. It is okay if they don't make sense to you right now, we will pull it all full circle during our discussion.
I am SO EXCITED to discuss this week. Prepare to have your mind blown! I am praying that God will show you how He is faithful to help us understand when we are faithful to study His Word. Be diligent sweet girls.
I am SO EXCITED to discuss this week. Prepare to have your mind blown! I am praying that God will show you how He is faithful to help us understand when we are faithful to study His Word. Be diligent sweet girls.
Friday, January 24, 2014
Ephesians Overview: Getting the Big Picture
I am so excited for us to study this book together! As many of you know, Ephesians is my favorite book. As I have prayed through what to study next, I am overwhelmed that the Lord is leading us here. The first time I studied this book, I was broken, worn, and trying to figure out who I was in Christ. I didn't know my identity at all, because my identity was always bound in people or things. I pray that as we study this book, the Lord opens you heart and your mind to new things about Him.
Before we get started you need to gather some supplies: your Bible, your Ephesians Observation Worksheets, marking pens or pencils (I like to use these when I study), and a notebook.
This week we will do an overview of the book. Remember, our goal is to develop context of the book as a whole, so we won't dive too deep. I know that will frustrate some of you. Hang in there!! As you overview this week ask yourself these questions: Who wrote Ephesians, Whom it is written to, Why was it write, and At what chapter does the book take a major turn.
Remember that in the Bible there are different types of literature. Ephesians is a letter. We have studied a letter before. I want you to begin by reading the entire book in one setting. So pull out your observation worksheets and read through all six chapters of Ephesians. As you read ask yourself these questions: Who wrote this book? Who are they writing to? Is there a division where the write changes his thoughts? Why is the author writing this book? What is his purpose?
As you have seen Ephesians is written by Paul, to the church at Ephesus. Paul visited Ephesus on his second missionary journey in Acts 18:18-21. Open up your Bible and read these verses. Now read Acts 19, which gives us more information about Ephesus. As you read, list in your notebook what you learn from Acts 19 about the Ephesians. Make note of what their city is like, what the people are like, how they live, what they worship. Also note how they respond to the gospel and Paul.
Now let's return back to Ephesians. It's time to get out your colored pens or pencils. Read back through all six chapters of Ephesians and mark references to Paul, including pronouns (I, me, my). Remember to go slow, to read with a purpose, don't skim!! What you learn here will form the foundation for your understanding of the rest of the book. Be diligent!! So, we are marking Paul, I like to mark Paul with a blue circle. We are marking what we call key words, key words are words that unlock the meaning of the text. We are marking Paul because he is the author and therefore he is important. We want to learn everything we can about Paul. After you finish marking Paul, next it is time for you to make a list about Paul. Pull out your notebook and start making a list on Paul. Make sure you include as much detail as possible and note the chapter and verse reference. Don't paraphrase the detail in your list or summarize, use the words in the text. At this point we are just observing the text!
Now let's turn our attention to the Ephesians. Go through all six chapters of Ephesians and mark references to the Ephesians including any pronouns. The Ephesians are the recipient and therefore they are also very important. We want to learn everything we can about them. After you finish marking the Ephesians, make a list on everything you learn about the Ephesians.
Remember we are working to gain a high level view of the book. We are working to establish context. At this point we are only observing the text, so don't try to figure out what it all means, we are working to understand what it says. We want to take the text at face value, we do not want to input our ideas or thoughts to the text. We want the text to teach us.
Remember we are working to gain a high level view of the book. We are working to establish context. At this point we are only observing the text, so don't try to figure out what it all means, we are working to understand what it says. We want to take the text at face value, we do not want to input our ideas or thoughts to the text. We want the text to teach us.
Finally let's end this weeks homework by reviewing what we learned and thinking about how it all comes together. Look at your marking and listing on Paul, did Paul say why he wrote this letter? Look at your marking and listing on the Ephesians along with your background. What is the main message Paul is trying to get across to them? Do your best to tie it all together, but don't be frustrated if it's not coming to you easily. That's why we meet and talk about it!
Well, that completes our first week of homework. Come to Bible Study ready to talk about what you learned about Paul & the Ephesians. Think through the purpose of the book. Do you see any where that Paul changes his focus of what he is saying?
Well, that completes our first week of homework. Come to Bible Study ready to talk about what you learned about Paul & the Ephesians. Think through the purpose of the book. Do you see any where that Paul changes his focus of what he is saying?
Monday, September 30, 2013
Colossians 4:5-17 Outsiders & Fellow Workers
Well, we made it!! This is our last Colossians lesson. I am sad to leave this book behind, but I am also so excited for our next study! I hope you will join us for our study on Covenant.
So let's get to it! Read Colossians 4:5-17. You will notice this section breaks up into two ideas outsiders and fellow workers. The focus of our study this week will be on the two little verses that talk about outsiders. These verses are powerful, so don't miss it!
So let's observe these verses. Remember when we observe we want to ask the 5W & H kind of questions. Think about what questions you could ask to observe verses 5&6.
What commands does Paul give the Colossians regarding their actions toward outsiders? Write down these commands in your journal.
Conduct with Wisdom
The first command Paul gives is to conduct themselves with wisdom. But what does this mean? What are two tools we use to find out what the text means?? (Yes this is a test) Use those two tools to interrogate what it means to conduct with wisdom. (make sure you look at both conduct & wisdom) Make sure to write down everything you learn in your journal!!
Making the Most of Every Opportunity
WOW. This phrase hit me right between the eyes!! This phrase is broken up into two parts just like conduct with wisdom above. If the test above confused you, let me clarify at this point. We use two tools to interrogate the text: word studies & cross references. Remember how I showed you last week how to look up word studies on Blue Letter Bible? One thing we didn't talk about a lot, was how to find cross references. Blue Letter Bible can help you out here. When you are looking at a verse and want to do a word study, click the tools button to the left of the verse. This will bring up a box that breaks down each word or phrase. Click on the Strong's Number to the right of the word. This is your word study. If you scroll below the definition you will find the cross references.
So here is what I want you to do. Do a word study & find 3-5 cross references for each part of the phrase making the most of every opportunity make sure to write down what you learn in your journal.. If you didn't do this for conduct wisdom, please go back and do so.
Speech Seasoned with Grace
I will share with you at Bible Study why this verse is so important to me. It's been a big part of transformation in my life. Using the same two tools above interrogate this verse. I'm not going to tell you exactly what to look up. I want you to try it on your own. Remember part of what we do in Bible Study is to learn how to study for ourselves. We are constantly practicing it! Write down what you learn in your journal.
The Church
Now I want you to observe what you learn about the church, Paul's fellow workers in the faith. Simply observe these verses. Ask yourself the 5W's & H questions. Write down what you learn in your journal.
Wrap it Up
What has God shown you this week? In what ways has He pricked your heart? Spend some time confessing any sin He has revealed. Maybe you need to seek forgiveness. Don't miss out on this process. Write down in your journal any thoughts or prayers you have over what we studied this week!
I love ya'll. Thank you for joining me on this journey through Colossians. It is my sincere pleasure to study with you each week.
So let's get to it! Read Colossians 4:5-17. You will notice this section breaks up into two ideas outsiders and fellow workers. The focus of our study this week will be on the two little verses that talk about outsiders. These verses are powerful, so don't miss it!
So let's observe these verses. Remember when we observe we want to ask the 5W & H kind of questions. Think about what questions you could ask to observe verses 5&6.
What commands does Paul give the Colossians regarding their actions toward outsiders? Write down these commands in your journal.
Conduct with Wisdom
The first command Paul gives is to conduct themselves with wisdom. But what does this mean? What are two tools we use to find out what the text means?? (Yes this is a test) Use those two tools to interrogate what it means to conduct with wisdom. (make sure you look at both conduct & wisdom) Make sure to write down everything you learn in your journal!!
Making the Most of Every Opportunity
WOW. This phrase hit me right between the eyes!! This phrase is broken up into two parts just like conduct with wisdom above. If the test above confused you, let me clarify at this point. We use two tools to interrogate the text: word studies & cross references. Remember how I showed you last week how to look up word studies on Blue Letter Bible? One thing we didn't talk about a lot, was how to find cross references. Blue Letter Bible can help you out here. When you are looking at a verse and want to do a word study, click the tools button to the left of the verse. This will bring up a box that breaks down each word or phrase. Click on the Strong's Number to the right of the word. This is your word study. If you scroll below the definition you will find the cross references.
So here is what I want you to do. Do a word study & find 3-5 cross references for each part of the phrase making the most of every opportunity make sure to write down what you learn in your journal.. If you didn't do this for conduct wisdom, please go back and do so.
Speech Seasoned with Grace
I will share with you at Bible Study why this verse is so important to me. It's been a big part of transformation in my life. Using the same two tools above interrogate this verse. I'm not going to tell you exactly what to look up. I want you to try it on your own. Remember part of what we do in Bible Study is to learn how to study for ourselves. We are constantly practicing it! Write down what you learn in your journal.
The Church
Now I want you to observe what you learn about the church, Paul's fellow workers in the faith. Simply observe these verses. Ask yourself the 5W's & H questions. Write down what you learn in your journal.
Wrap it Up
What has God shown you this week? In what ways has He pricked your heart? Spend some time confessing any sin He has revealed. Maybe you need to seek forgiveness. Don't miss out on this process. Write down in your journal any thoughts or prayers you have over what we studied this week!
I love ya'll. Thank you for joining me on this journey through Colossians. It is my sincere pleasure to study with you each week.
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Colossians 4:2-4 Prayer
Can you believe it? This is almost our last lesson in Colossians. This week and next week we should finish out the book. I pray God is reminding you of all that He has taught you as we have studied this book together.
So let's get to it!! Open up your Bible and read chapter 4 in it's entirety. We studied verse one last week so we won't focus on it this week. There are three main sections in this chapter: 2-6, 7-9, and 10-18.
Let's start with the first section: read back through these verses and write down in your journal what is the main theme of these verses. Remember the easiest way to find a theme is to look for key words that are repeated. So what is repeated?? yep! Prayer. Make a list in your journal of what you learn about prayer. Remember to write down as much as possible trying to answer any 5W's & H. Now just in case you missed it, answer these questions in your journal: How are the Colossians to pray? With what attitude? What is Paul's specific request?
Are there any word here that stick out to you that you think we need to do a word study on? Write down in your journal any words or phrases that we should look into further by doing a word study. Now remember a word study is stopping to look at a word or phrase in it's original language while also considering the mood, tense, and voice. We use Blue Letter Bible for our word studies. Okay so let's dive into the Word studies. Look up these words (and any other words you wrote down): devote, keeping alert, & with an attitude of thanks giving and write down the definition in your journal.
What about some cross references on prayer? Let's do a few! Remember a cross reference is just another place in scripture that talks about what we are studying. Look up these verses and write down what you learn about prayer and what we should pray for:
So let's get to it!! Open up your Bible and read chapter 4 in it's entirety. We studied verse one last week so we won't focus on it this week. There are three main sections in this chapter: 2-6, 7-9, and 10-18.
Let's start with the first section: read back through these verses and write down in your journal what is the main theme of these verses. Remember the easiest way to find a theme is to look for key words that are repeated. So what is repeated?? yep! Prayer. Make a list in your journal of what you learn about prayer. Remember to write down as much as possible trying to answer any 5W's & H. Now just in case you missed it, answer these questions in your journal: How are the Colossians to pray? With what attitude? What is Paul's specific request?
Are there any word here that stick out to you that you think we need to do a word study on? Write down in your journal any words or phrases that we should look into further by doing a word study. Now remember a word study is stopping to look at a word or phrase in it's original language while also considering the mood, tense, and voice. We use Blue Letter Bible for our word studies. Okay so let's dive into the Word studies. Look up these words (and any other words you wrote down): devote, keeping alert, & with an attitude of thanks giving and write down the definition in your journal.
What about some cross references on prayer? Let's do a few! Remember a cross reference is just another place in scripture that talks about what we are studying. Look up these verses and write down what you learn about prayer and what we should pray for:
- Matt 6:5-13
- 1 Thessalonians 5:17
- Philippians 4:6
- James 5:16-18
- Ephesians 6:18-19
So let's review here. How were the Colossians to pray? With what attitude? What is Paul's specific request? What about you? What does prayer look like in your life? What has God shown you this week about prayer. Write down in your journal what you have learned. Be specific!!
Monday, September 9, 2013
Colossians 3:22-4:1 Slaves & Masters
This week we come to the final relationship type that is seen in Colossians: masters and slaves.
Let's begin this week's study be reading our passage in Colossians. Read Colossians 3:33-4:1.
Now let's see what else we can learn about the relationship of slaves and masters in both the new and old testament.
Exodus 21
Go to Exodus 21. Exodus is one of the books of the law. In Exodus 21 we see what God said about how slaves are to be treated. Read the entire chapter and write down what you learn about slaves and masters.
Ephesians 6
Read Ephesians 6:5-9. Consider, what does God call both masters and slaves to do here? Write down what you learn about slaves and masters. Specifically noting how and why God calls them to these specific instructions. Why don't you stop and do a word study using Blue Letter Bible on the words eye service and men pleasers.
1 Tim 6
Read 1 Timothy 6:1-2. Using your chart write down what you learn about slaves and masters. Let's do another word study here in 1 Timothy. Search out the definitions of honor and disrespectful using Blue Letter Bible.
Titus 2
Now let's see what we can learn from Titus 2:9-10. Write down what you learn about slaves or masters. Did you notice that word pilfer? Let's do a word study on this word.
Colossians 3
Let's open up the Word and read Colossians 3:22-4:1. Notice what this passage says about slaves and masters. Let's begin our third chart. This time one side will say masters and the other side will say slaves. Write down on your chart everything you learn about slaves and masters. The word for please men is the same word we saw in Ephesians 6 and the phrase external service is the same phrase as eye pleasers. What about the words sincere & fear? How does God call slaves to obey their masters? Write down your answer, then do word studies for the words sincere & fear. What does verse 23 have to say about how slaves are to work? Who are slaves really working for? How are masters to respond to their slaves in 4:1? Why? Do a word study on the words justice & fairness
You may be thinking...but what does this have to do with me? That is a great question. We will talk about it in Bible Study on Thursday! Cannot wait to see you!!
Let's begin this week's study be reading our passage in Colossians. Read Colossians 3:33-4:1.
Now let's see what else we can learn about the relationship of slaves and masters in both the new and old testament.
Exodus 21
Go to Exodus 21. Exodus is one of the books of the law. In Exodus 21 we see what God said about how slaves are to be treated. Read the entire chapter and write down what you learn about slaves and masters.
Ephesians 6
Read Ephesians 6:5-9. Consider, what does God call both masters and slaves to do here? Write down what you learn about slaves and masters. Specifically noting how and why God calls them to these specific instructions. Why don't you stop and do a word study using Blue Letter Bible on the words eye service and men pleasers.
1 Tim 6
Read 1 Timothy 6:1-2. Using your chart write down what you learn about slaves and masters. Let's do another word study here in 1 Timothy. Search out the definitions of honor and disrespectful using Blue Letter Bible.
Titus 2
Now let's see what we can learn from Titus 2:9-10. Write down what you learn about slaves or masters. Did you notice that word pilfer? Let's do a word study on this word.
Colossians 3
Let's open up the Word and read Colossians 3:22-4:1. Notice what this passage says about slaves and masters. Let's begin our third chart. This time one side will say masters and the other side will say slaves. Write down on your chart everything you learn about slaves and masters. The word for please men is the same word we saw in Ephesians 6 and the phrase external service is the same phrase as eye pleasers. What about the words sincere & fear? How does God call slaves to obey their masters? Write down your answer, then do word studies for the words sincere & fear. What does verse 23 have to say about how slaves are to work? Who are slaves really working for? How are masters to respond to their slaves in 4:1? Why? Do a word study on the words justice & fairness
You may be thinking...but what does this have to do with me? That is a great question. We will talk about it in Bible Study on Thursday! Cannot wait to see you!!
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Colossians 3:20-21 Parents & Children
Who knew last week that just two verses could hold so much for us. I pray that this week is the same for you! This week we turn our attention to parents and children.
Open up your Bible to Colossians 3 and read verses 20&21. This week we will do something similar to the list we made last week. However, I do not have a fancy chart for you, so you will have to make your own.
Exodus
Read Exodus 20:12. This is one of the ten commandments. Write down what you learn.
Deuteronomy
Go to Deut 6:4-9. This passage is known as the Shema. As you read this passage write down everything you learn about the role of a parent.
Psalm
Read Psalm 78:1-4. Write down what you learn here about parents.
Proverbs
Read Prov 22:6,15, & 23:13. Write down what you learn here about parents and children.
Ephesians
Go to Ephesians 6:1-4. Read these verses and write down what you learn about children and parents.
Colossians
Now let's return to Colossians 3:20-21. Write down what you learn about parents and children
In your journal ask and answer these questions.
Now let's turn out attention to word studies! Look up these words on Blue Letter Bible: be obedient, all things, well pleasing, exasperate, & lose heart.
As we close this week, it's time for a heart check. Where is your heart at in this? Write down how God is prompting your heart through this lesson.
I am praying for you this week! I pray that your hearts will remain open to what God has to say to you!
Open up your Bible to Colossians 3 and read verses 20&21. This week we will do something similar to the list we made last week. However, I do not have a fancy chart for you, so you will have to make your own.
Exodus
Read Exodus 20:12. This is one of the ten commandments. Write down what you learn.
Deuteronomy
Go to Deut 6:4-9. This passage is known as the Shema. As you read this passage write down everything you learn about the role of a parent.
Psalm
Read Psalm 78:1-4. Write down what you learn here about parents.
Proverbs
Read Prov 22:6,15, & 23:13. Write down what you learn here about parents and children.
Ephesians
Go to Ephesians 6:1-4. Read these verses and write down what you learn about children and parents.
Colossians
Now let's return to Colossians 3:20-21. Write down what you learn about parents and children
In your journal ask and answer these questions.
- What is the role of children?
- To what extent are children to be obedient to their parents
- Why are children to be obedient to their parents?
- What are parents called to do?
- Why are parents given this instruction?
Now let's turn out attention to word studies! Look up these words on Blue Letter Bible: be obedient, all things, well pleasing, exasperate, & lose heart.
As we close this week, it's time for a heart check. Where is your heart at in this? Write down how God is prompting your heart through this lesson.
I am praying for you this week! I pray that your hearts will remain open to what God has to say to you!
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