Bible Study – Ephesians 6

Happy, Happy, Happy Day, it’s Tuesday once again! Glad you’re back to finish the Ephesians study with me. This has been another wonderful collection of lessons, wouldn’t you say? 

So let’s get to it! First let’s pray:
Lord Jesus, it’s Bible Study day! I’m so excited to finally reach Ephesians 6. How do You want this one written? I want it to be Yours, not mine. Just use my hands and write what You will. For Your Glory, Lord. Amen.

Ephesians 6 NIV
September 8, 2020

Read verses 1-3

Notice the words “in the Lord.” Remember, this letter is written to the faithful in Christ Jesus. It’s the children of the faithful who should obey and honor their parents.

Why should they honor us?

Read Ephesians 6:4

Exasperate – to irritate, annoy or excite to anger.

Instead of doing that, how are fathers to bring up their children?

Do you think “instruction of the Lord” means fathers should be listening for God to tell them how to raise their kids?

Obviously this job falls to a lot of mothers these days, but even if it does, we would do well to also follow the instruction of the Lord.

Read Ephesians 6:5-8

The Lord will reward each person for what?

Read Ephesians 6:9

Did you know seeking the favor of the Lord is something we are supposed to do?

This is a verse from Daniel’s prayer…
Daniel 9:13
“Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come on us, yet we have not sought the favor of the Lord our God by turning from our sins and giving attention to your truth.” 

There is no favoritism with God, but that’s among the faithful. The faithful are highly favored. And turning from our sin and giving attention to His truth is one way to seek it. Still, it is true, because you are among the faithful, you are already within God’s favor. 

2 Corinthians 6:1-2
‘As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says,
“In the time of my favor I heard you,
    and in the day of salvation I helped you.”[Isaiah 49:8]
I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.’

Read Ephesians 6:10
The Armor of God

How can you be strong in the Lord?
Do you think it has anything to do with your faith?

Read Ephesians 6:11-12

The armor is so that you can? ______________________
Against what? _________________________________________

Because our struggles are not against _______ and ________.

They’re against the _____________, ______________, and ______________ of this dark world and against the _________________________ in the __________________________.

Read Ephesians 6:13

Repeat: wearing the armor, all of the armor is so that when the day of evil comes, or even the evil within every day comes, you may be able to ________________________________________. And after you have done everything… what do you think of when Paul adds that? It’s a war we’re living in. A war with the mostly unseen. We are not able to do it, in ourselves, we’re weak and distracted. Only with God’s armor and with Jesus filling us can we stand. Focus. It will take all the focus you can muster, all the surrender to let Jesus live through you that you can give. Wear the armor, all so that when it’s all over, when you’ve done it all, you can still ___________. 

Read Ephesians 6:14-17
A memory from Eugene Peterson: “Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Faith and Salvation are more than words. You’ll need them your entire life.”

Two images from The Prince Warriors by Priscilla Shirer:
The belt is Truth and it holds everything together.
The shield of Faith covers you entirely and keeps you safe when you use it. Otherwise it’s small and easy to misplace. That’s why you must keep using it.

Faith must be used, grown, exercised and dependable.
That’s another reason to wear the armor. Teach yourself, grow your faith. Exercise your faith. Then your faith will be dependable. Because Him who is the Object of our faith is trustworthy, faithful, and always with us.

Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace
    those whose minds are steadfast,
    because they trust in you.

Psalm 4:8
In peace I will lie down and sleep,
    for you alone, Lord,
    make me dwell in safety.

Read Ephesians 6:18

Pray in the Spirit
on ______________________________________
with ___________________________________________________.
With this in mind, be __________ and always keep on _______________ for _____________________________________.

Read Ephesians 6:19-20

That words may be given.. so that I will ______________ make known the mystery of the ____________… that I may declare it _________________, as I should.

Each and every one of us are known and loved and therefore have the ability to request this same thing and declare our faith fearlessly. We are all Christ’s ambassadors. We are all part of Jesus’ ekklesia. His gathering. Declare the gospel to yourself, to your loved ones, to each other, to whomever you speak with but most certainly to yourself. 

Read Ephesians 6:21-22
Final Greetings

Imagine someone saying this about you… __________, the dear brother/sister and faithful servant in the Lord. If you are one of the faithful this letter is to, then it’s true of you too.

Read Ephesians 6:21-22

The blessing of __________, _________ with __________ from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ___________ to all who ______ our Lord Jesus Christ with an ____________ love.

2 Peter 1:3-4
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

Bless the Lord, oh my soul and all that is within me, bless His holy name.

Goodness Love and Mercy by Chris Tomlin.