As believers, we are on a journey. How would you describe the journey God has mapped out for us? What is the goal of that journey? Because we are on a journey, it’s vital that we understand the importance of following Him as He guides us and understand the reason for the journey. As we begin a new year and a new study of the book of Numbers and Deuteronomy I believe you have a great opportunity to continue to encourage your group to share and show the good news of Jesus.
Illustration
Consider opening with an illustration related to using a map, GPS, or phone map app such as Google Maps. Use it to illustrate how people rely on maps to direct them; then emphasize the importance of relying on God to direct our journey of faith.
Video Introductions of Numbers
The downloadable teaching ideas provide an overview to the book of Numbers. You might want to supplement using one of the following video options:
Consider these questions as you close the session:
Would you say that your walk with the Lord through prayer, Bible study, and worship is more about experiencing God’s presence or obeying when God is speaking?
What struggles do you experience related to obeying God? How can you overcome these struggles?
We are on a journey and God’s presence is always with us. He never leaves us, nor will He abandon us (Hebrews 13:5). However, we need to be careful to only be satisfied with His presence. It would be like knowing you have a map or a GPS app but only using it when you need it. This journey requires that we are constantly listening to the map directions from God.
He is with us and knows when we should go and when we should wait, when we should turn and when we should go straight, when we should move slow or when we should speed up. Obedience and God’s presence go hand-in-hand. And all of this is for your benefit so that you might arrive at the “Promised Land” knowing you have been a good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:23), have grown in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18) and have shared with others how much the Lord has done for you and how He has had mercy on you (Mark 5:19). This is your journey of faith!
How would you rate your awareness of the spiritual battles taking place around you? Consider the current health of your relationship with the Lord: How likely are you to be able to resist or stand up against evil forces? These questions will be some that you will want your group to consider as you discuss the Explore The Bible study: Preparing for the Battle.
Ephesians 6 concludes Paul's letter to the believers in Ephesus. It's only appropriate, after all the guidance, theology, reminders, correction, and direction he has given, that he ends with a challenge to PUT ON and TAKE UP the FULL armor of God (Ephesians 6:11 and Ephesians 6:13). Both actions are vital if we are to remain strong in our faith.
God has provided you with a wardrobe to wear as you enter in battle each day. As you dress in the morning, you need to suit up in God's armor as well. Dressed in this armor daily, you are prepared to enter the world. Without it you will be vulnerable to attack.
Responsive Reading
The following is provided in the supplemental teaching ideas to help your group consider the armor of God's practical application. As you read through it below, consider how you are preparing daily for the spiritual battles you will face.
ARMOR OF GOD RESPONSIVE READING
READER: Lord, help me to put on Your armor daily so that I will be prepared to resist and stand. I acknowledge that every piece of armor is necessary including:
READER: The Helmet of Salvation
RESPONDER: Thank you, Lord, for my salvation. I receive it in a new and fresh way from You, and I declare that nothing can separate me now from the love of Christ and the place I shall eternally have in Your kingdom.
READER: The Breastplate of Righteousness
RESPONDER: And yes, Lord, I wear Your righteousness today against all condemnation and corruption. Fit me with Your holiness and purity—defend me from all assaults against my heart.
READER: The Belt of Truth
RESPONDER: Lord, I put on the belt of truth. I choose a lifestyle of honesty and integrity. Show me the truths in Your Word I so desperately need today. Expose the lies that I am not even aware that I believe.
READER: The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
RESPONDER: I do choose to live for the gospel in every moment. Show where you are working and give me the strength to have gospel conversations with those who don’t have peace that comes through knowing You.
READER: The Shield of Faith
RESPONDER: Jesus, I am confident that You can protect me against every lie and every assault of the enemy. Nothing is coming today that can overcome me because You are with me.
READER: The Sword of the Spirit
RESPONDER: Holy Spirit, show me specifically today the truths of the Word of God that I will need to counter the snares of the enemy. Bring them to mind throughout the day.
Video Option
The following video might could be used with certain audiences to conclude the study.
Could you imagine being married for 81 years!? In a world where divorce is so common it's amazing that there are those who can still celebrate a long, happy marriage. Wouldn't it be wonderful if all families could live with such a marriage and family legacy? Sadly, we know that this is, all-too-often, not the case. Paul, in Ephesians 5:22-33 and Ephesians 6:1-4 gives, us some valuable insight into how a family can leave a legacy that can demonstrate the gospel to a lost world. This is the focus on the Explore The Bible Study: Walking as Family.
Special Note: The Supplemental teaching ideas are written in the context of a coed married class. Some of the questions may not be applicable or will need to be modified for your context -- men's group, women's group, singles group, etc.
Video Options Referenced in the Supplemental Teaching Ideas
Suggested Use: Opening Illustration
Suggested Use: For Ephesians 5:25-32
The Supplemental Teaching Plan is designed to close out with a strong challenge for families to learn to demonstrate Christ in the home - the wife to the husband, husband to wife, children to parents, and dads to children. Families need to understand the reality that, if they desire to have homes that point people to Jesus, then they are to live in a way that reflects the character of Christ and the gospel.
No family can become a healthy family without Jesus! That's the bottom line!
If Jesus Christ were standing here today, and He were to say to you, “I want to make you wise,” how would you respond? Would you enthusiastically embrace His offer or turn it down? We would all most likely say to Jesus, “Yes, help me to be wise.” But, for some reason, because Jesus isn’t physically standing before us, many don’t strive to know God’s wisdom. They desire to go their own way. This weeks study, Walking Wisely, focuses on helping maximize godly wisdom in our own lives so that we can become more like Christ.
The Downloadable teaching ideas break down the study in this way:
Ephesians 5:15 - Defining Wisdom
Ephesians 5:16-18 - Maximizing Godly Wisdom
Ephesians 5:19-21 - Holy Spirit and Wisdom
In Ephesians 5:19-21, Paul emphasizes how wisdom is expressed because of the work of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit-filled believer’s heart will be full of praise for God. Praise will include psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. You will be “making music with your heart to the Lord.”
There is one important phrase in verse 19 and verse 21 that describes how a Spirit-filled, wise person relates to the church. That phrase is “speaking to one another and submitting to one another.” A Spirit-filled believer is not a lone ranger. His praise is not only vertical but horizontal, thus encouraging other believers. Her willingness to serve alongside other believers is evidence of a Spirit-filled, wisdom-filled life.
Believers begin their new life in Christ with all the wisdom necessary to live for Christ because Christ dwells in them and they have the Holy Spirit guiding and teaching them. As we continually conform ourselves to His image, we will grow more and more in His love, joy, peace, and every other fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) – We will grow in wisdom--His wisdom!
Has anyone ever said to you, "You remind me so much of your father" or, "You remind me so much of your mother"? Hopefully this was a positive statement because of an attribute, personality trait, or behavior that you are imitating. When we are around people for a long period of time such as our mothers or fathers, or when we admire or respect someone, we begin to imitate their lives. Our character, our actions, our attitudes and even our mannerisms will become very similar to theirs. The LifeWay Explore the Bible Study: Walking in Love examines the apostle Paul's challenge in Ephesians 5:1-4 to be imitators of God.
Two Discussion Options:
Be sure to check out the two options provided in the downloadable teaching ideas. One idea is discussion based. The other is video based and utilizes the following video that illustrates the art of imitating others.
Illustration for Ephesians 5:13-14 (Available in the Downloadable Teaching Ideas)
We know that light can be used to expose various cancers. Dentists now use a special light called a Visually Enhanced Lesion Scope (VELScope). Because changes in the natural fluorescence of healthy tissue generally reflect changes indicative of developing tumor cells, the VELScope allows dentists to shine a light onto a suspicious sore in the mouth, look through an attached eyepiece and watch directly for changes in color. Healthy oral tissue emits a pale green fluorescence, while potentially early tumor, or dysplastic, cells appear dark green to black. – Source: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/cancer/ada-07-optical-device
Consider what happens when you interact with people who learn that you are a Christian. What happens when they begin using bad language, telling dirty jokes, or discussing things that aren’t appropriate? (They will either ridicule you or apologize to you; either way, the light of Christ in you is exposing their sin.)
When we are growing in our love for Christ by learning and living God’s Word, it will not only expose in us things that need to be changed, but our lives will expose the sin of those we encounter.
Be sure to check out all the additional Bible study helps.
Who would want to take off a clean shirt and put on an old, dirty, soiled, stinky shirt? Normally no one would want to do this. Likewise, someone who is new, clean, and redeemed by Christ should not want to go back and "put on" their old, dirty, stinky life. Yet, some do and never notice the difference. In this week's Explore the Bible Study: Walking Differently, Paul seeks to help the believers in Ephesus as well as all believers to understand that, if we know Christ, we should and will actually desire to avoid putting on the dirty clothes of culture over our new clean clothes of salvation.
Paul contrasts the life of someone who lives by society's social norms versus someone who lives for Christ. He emphasizes that there should be a difference. He uses the analogy of "taking off" the worlds view of life and "putting on" the view we should have as believers. This is a process as well. While we immediately become new in Christ when we receive Christ as Savior, we continually have to "wash off" and "put on" the influences of sin that still chase and dog us daily.
Contrast & Comparison Chart
I have suggested in the supplemental teaching ideas the use of a chart while studying Ephesians 4:17-19 and Ephesians 4:25-32.
Old Clothes - Ephesians 4:17-19
New Clothes - Ephesians 4:25-32
Darkened in understanding
Excluded from the life of God
Ignorance (Lack of knowledge of God)
Hardness of heart
Callous
Given over to promiscuity and impurity
Desire more and more
Put away lying
Speak the truth
Be angry but don’t sin
Don’t steal
Don’t use foul language
Build up others
Let go of harmful attitudes and actions
Be kind
Be compassionate
Be forgiving
Our actions, our behavior, our view of life, our language, our choices should all be different. We can’t live as our culture does if we claim to be believers. We should wear the clean clothes of the gospel!
Today in our society there are health coaches, fitness trainers, physical therapists, and many more professionals whose job is to equip you to learn how to develop a healthy lifestyle and keep your body in shape. Similarly, God has given church leaders the task of equipping you and building you up in Christ. This is the focus of this week's session.
In Paul’s continuing letter to the church at Ephesus, he explains the importance of becoming a healthy believer. Similar to a fitness center, health club, or even a physical therapy center, the church is a place where believers should go to become spiritually healthy. In contrast to health coaches and physical therapists who might help someone physically, there are individuals in the church who help believers become spiritually healthy.
Paul previously emphasized both the importance of unity in the church because of who we are in Christ and the uniqueness of believers. We are all unique parts of the body of Christ (the church); therefore, we each have different roles, gifts, and functions, all of which are vital. Within this body (the church) the Holy Spirit gifts all believers in specific ways to enable the church to become a living picture of Christ to a lost world.
However, there are some who have specific roles to help the body of believers become and remain healthy. This doesn’t make them any more important than other parts, yet they are vital. Just like a body can’t survive without certain vital organs, neither can a church survive without these specific leaders. Ephesians 4:11-16 is a pivotal passage for understanding the role these specific church leaders have within the church.
LOOK UP OPTIONS
I have provided several options for drawing your group into the discussion. One includes the following humorous video along with some discussion points.
In 2012, a group of 603 young adults, in Taipei, Taiwan, attempted and succeeded in completing a 603 legged race! Can you imagine how challenging it would be to get 603 people to walk together in unison? Yet, as this week's Explore The Bible Study: Walking Together, will emphasize, walking together, hand-in-hand and "leg-to-leg," is how the church should function.
Imagine the church of Ephesus trying to build unity among believers who came out of so many backgrounds :
There were believers who came out of the idol worship culture. They had worshipped the goddess Artemis (Diana), the predominant god of the city of Ephesus. Others had worshipped gods and goddesses including Zeus, Apollo, Dionysius, Athena, and Cybele. They were now striving to be unified as one church body.
There were believers who had previously held beliefs in magic or held folk beliefs. In Acts 19:13-20, Luke detailed the story of a man named Sceva who tried to add the name of Jesus to his ritual of exorcism, and the demon-possessed man attacked Sceva and his sons. This prompted great fear among those who held to these incantations and folk beliefs. They brought out their religious texts—which were valued at 50,000 pieces of silver—and burned them. They were now striving to be unified as one church body.
There were believers who converted from Judaism. Approximately ten to twenty thousand Jews lived in Ephesus. Paul spoke for three months in a synagogue, and then moved to a lecture hall nearby when he met with opposition (Acts 19:8-9). They were now striving to be unified as one church body.
These believers were now being challenged by Paul to function as one unified body because of their faith in Christ!
As you guide the group through the study of Ephesians 4:1-10, try to keep this context in mind. Lead your group to consider the context of the church as they study and how they should demonstrate the same unity.
Video Option
The following video could be used to start your conversation. It captures the 603-legged race described earlier.
By God’s grace we have been saved, and by God’s grace we walk together in unity. When we walk in unity, while serving through our unique giftedness, the lost world sees a picture of Christ that can’t be demonstrated any other way. They will look at us (your church) and wonder how this could ever be. We then can give them the answer: “It’s all because of Christ!"
Challenge your group to understand that they can help a lost world see a complete picture of Christ as they serve side-by-side, shoulder-to-shoulder, with legs tied together!
Lead your group to consider the following:
If the unity and peace of our church were dependent upon your attitudes and behavior, how much unity and peace would we have? If the health of this body (church) were dependent on how you function within this body, how healthy would it be? What steps do you need to take to become more unified with other believers?
What prompts you to pray for fellow believers? When you do pray for fellow believers, what is the content of those prayers? The Apostle Paul gives us a great model to follow as we pray for fellow believers. God is so rich in love for us, and it was Paul's desire to pray that all who believed would come to a full understanding of this reality. LifeWay's Explore the Bible Study: Residence will explore this vital discipline of prayer.
ADJUSTED TITLE AND TARGET
Adjusted Title: For This Reason, I Pray
Adjusted TARGET: "We should pray for fellow believers, that they will come to fully understand the riches of God's glory."
LifeWay's title and goal focuses on one element of Paul's prayer, the dwelling of Christ in a believer's heart. This is but one element of a larger prayer covered in the complete passage. The Downloadable Teaching Ideas provide an alternate approach that focuses on the content of Paul's prayer.
The emphasis is on helping believers learn what they personally should glean from Paul's prayer and then how to pray this prayer for other believers.
Prayer should be a constant discipline and action in our lives. It should become as natural to us as breathing. Equally, we should make sure our prayers are not just for the physical needs of others or for personal requests. While these are important, we should pray intentionally and intently for the spiritual needs of the saved and for the salvation of the unsaved.
CHALLENGE YOUR GROUP
Consider the following as you draw this study of Ephesians 3:14-21 to a close.
How much time have you spent during the last week praying the elements of Paul’s prayer or something similar for the following individuals whom you know are believers? – parents, spouse, children, grandchildren, pastor(s), fellow church members, Bible study group members, neighbors, friends, or co-workers.
We need to make it a priority to pray for spiritual transformation for ourselves and others.
Boldly ask God to do far more spiritually in your life, family, and church than you can begin to imagine.
Use Ephesians 3:14-21 as a guide to begin praying for yourself, your family, and your church.
This is not the weekly study helps; It is coming soon! This is a repost from a friend of mine related to serving as a Bible study leader. I hope it will encourage you as it did me. God uses broken people…and He qualifies the called by Ken Braddy
Too many people sit on the church’s sidelines and never get onto the field of play, content to watch the game from afar. That’s not how God designed church! You know full well that we are all gifted to serve (I Corinthians 12), and that all believers have the mandate to “go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:18). Lots of people who could serve, don’t. One reason is they have a poor understanding of what it takes to be a leader. They look back at their past, focus on their failures and inadequacies, and forget that God qualifies the ones He calls.
Yes, a group leader needs to know God’s Word in order to teach it, but a teacher doesn’t have to be a Bible scholar to step into a group and begin teaching and leading. So what’s the holdup, you ask? In my experience, people just don’t feel qualified to teach and lead; they have a sense of inadequacy. So today, if that’s you, let’s consider some of the people God used throughout the pages of Scripture who were just slightly less than perfect. In fact, you might say they were quite broken:
Adam blamed God and Eve for his failure
Noah was a drunk
Abraham was old…some would say too old
Moses had a speech impediment
Moses was also a murderer
David was an adulterer…and a murderer
David also had a rebellious son who went crazy and turned the household upside down
Jonah rebelled against God and became a runaway
Rahab was a prostitute
Paul was an arch enemy of the church and hunted Christians for fun
Peter was a failure several times over
Samson had woman problems
Jacob was a cheater
The Samaritan woman was divorced
Martha was a worrier
The disciples were slow learners
Matthew was a tax collector and worked for the wrong guys…the Romans
I could go on, but it’s pretty clear that God chooses the weak things of the world in which to display His power. Thank goodness for that! So if you’ve been asked to lead and feel unqualified, join the club. God has asked you to lead in order to display His power and might through you. If you feel unusable, unlovable, and an unlikely candidate for leadership, congratulations – you’re just the kind of person God wants to use.
We are all in awe when a baby is born. Even with the medical breakthroughs and discoveries regarding childbirth, it is still an event shrouded in mystery and awe. Another mystery for me is how you can board a jet plane with 100 others, and that plane can actually fly! While the science behind it is proven, the mystery of it still abounds. Consider this as we begin LifeWay's Explore the Bible Study: Revealed.
God leads Paul to utilize repetition, in the beginning verses of Ephesians 3, to emphasize the great mystery surrounding the gospel. As you will discover below, there is a LOT in this study. I have tried to give you points from the Downloadable teaching ideas that you can incorporate into your own teaching plans. Be sure to download the entire document below.
Ephesians 3:1-2
Paul, who was once known as Saul – a Jew of Jews, a protector of the law, a persecutor of Christians – not only was saved, but God gave him the grace to be able to go to a group that was viewed with contempt by all Jews, including many believing Jews.
It was God’s grace that moved Paul with compassion for a people who desperately needed the gospel.
It was God’s grace that gave him the passion to help two groups of believers unite under the banner of the cross!
This, in and of itself, was a mystery!
Ephesians 3:3-6
Paul reemphasized the mystery in the relationship of Gentile Christians to Jews in Ephesians 3:6
Coheirs. Neither Jews nor Gentiles possessed privilege over the other. All were sinners and all were saved the same way and receive the same inheritance. This was a mystery!
Members of the same body. God formed them into one body, a new body like no one had ever seen. This was a mystery!
Partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Both Jews and Gentiles shared in the gift of the Holy Spirit as equals. This had amazed Peter when Cornelius and other Gentiles received the Holy Spirit the same way the apostles had (Acts 10:47-48). This was a mystery!
Ephesians 3:7-9
Here are some of the unsearchable, incalculable riches (Ephesians 3:8) of the gospel that are still unfathomable (a mystery).
Romans 2:4 – His kindness and forbearance and patience.
Romans 11:33 – His wisdom and knowledge.
Ephesians 2:4 – His mercy and great love.
1 Timothy 6:17 – His supplying us with “all things to enjoy.”
Colossians 2:2 – His assurance
Colossians 2:10 – We are made complete in Him.
2 Peter 1:3 – In Him, we have everything pertaining to life and godliness.
Ephesians 3:10
The mouthpiece of the gospel is the church. When we demonstrate our oneness in Christ and share the gospel with others, the mystery is being proclaimed to heavenly authorities (i.e. both holy and demonic angels).
Fallen Angels/Demons: Oddly enough, fallen angels glorify God through their failures! God receives glory every time their plans fail. This reveals the greatness of God and the futility of their evil intentions to destroy His church.
Holy Angels: 1 Peter 1:12 states, “These things have now been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—angels long to catch a glimpse of these things.”
John MacArthur describes this amazing truth about holy angels:
“The angels can see the power of God in creation, the wrath of God at Sinai, and the love of God at Calvary. But above all they see His manifold [multi-colored, multi-faceted] wisdom that is made known through the church. They see Him taking Jew and Gentile, slave and free, male and female—who together murdered the Messiah and were worthy only of hell—and making them, by that very cross of murder, one spiritual Body in Jesus Christ. They see Him breaking down every barrier, every wall that divides and making all believers one in an indivisible, intimate, and eternal union with the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, and every other believer from every other age and circumstance. "There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents," Jesus said (Luke 15:10). Every sinner who repents and turns to Christ adds another spiritual stone to God's temple, another member to His Body, and becomes another forgiven and cleansed sinner who is made eternally one with every other forgiven and cleansed sinner. The holy angels not only are interested in the salvation of men (1 Pet. 1:12) but constantly watch the face of God in heaven to see His reaction to the treatment of His saved earthly children (Matt. 18:10, 14), standing ready to carry out any mission in their behalf."
-- [MacArthur, John (1985). MacArthur New Testament Commentary - Ephesians (p. 85). WORDsearch. Retrieved from https://app.wordsearchbible.com.]
Ephesians 3:11-13
When you hear about those who suffer for the sake of the gospel, it might cause you to back away, be quiet, or be ashamed of your faith. What reasons would Paul give you regarding living out your faith based on this passage?
How can knowing we have reverent boldness and confident access to God help us to remain diligent about sharing the gospel?
The TARGET or point of this study is this: The gospel is not something we hide and enjoy ourselves; it is something that we are to give away, to proclaim to everyone, no matter their sin, their race, their social status. The mystery is this: All who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:13) and they become one in Christ (Romans 12:5).
Imagine you are in a church and a certain individual, who is of a different race than the majority of the individuals in the church, accepts Christ. What would you think if that church felt that the person shouldn't be baptized in their church because of his/her racial background? How would you feel if you were the new believer? What a sad scenario this would be; yet this could happen and has happened around the world in countless churches. Sadly, we struggle with overcoming bias, prejudices, and conflicts, just to name a few. Even the early church struggled with this. The Explore The Bible Study: Reconciled in Christ, will focus on discussing how this should not be who we are in Christ and as His church.
In the second half of the chapter, Paul speaks directly to the Gentiles in the church about reconciliation. As you look at this passage, consider the barriers to reconciliation you and your group need to remove, how they can be removed, and the purpose for removing them.
Imagine you are living in Ephesus
Ephesus was a multi-cultural city. It was a melting pot for many different cultures and religions. You might assume that there was an atmosphere of openness and diversity in this setting, but openness and diversity is an impossibility to attain, just as is the case in our culture today. It sounds good on paper but doesn’t exists.
From a Jewish perspective there were only two groups of people – Jews and Gentiles. The Jews in Ephesus worked hard to maintain the purity of their race and religion. Acts 19 records Paul’s visit to Ephesus. As was his custom, Paul began preaching in the synagogue when he arrived in the city (Acts 19:8). The opposition to Paul’s preaching of Jesus was so great that he had to withdraw from the synagogue to preach in the lecture hall of Tyrannus (19:9). Though some became followers of Christ, many Jews remained hardened in their opposition to the Christian faith.
Equally, the Gentiles also opposed Christianity. As we mentioned in earlier sessions, the Gentiles' conversions to Christianity was cutting into the profit of those making idols for the worship of Artemis (Acts 19:21-27). This led to riots.
While Ephesus appeared to be a “progressive” city, it would not tolerate Christianity.
It Gets Real in the Church
The church at Ephesus included both Jews and Gentiles who came out of this cultural climate. It was difficult for them to check their attitudes, preconceived ideas, and prejudices at the door. Paul wanted to help them understand the true nature of reconciliation and how it should impact the way they lived as believers in Christ. All of this was part of who they were when they were dead in their trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1). But now they are alive with Christ! (2:5)
As you lead your group to study what Paul said to the Gentile believers regarding how they should live, lead your group to answer these two questions about reconciliation:
Because all believers have been reconciled to Christ, how can we be more unified as a church?
Since non-believers are not reconciled to Christ, how do we demonstrate to them the truth of reconciliation without compromising the truth about sin? Not everyone is reconciled, and reconciliation doesn’t mean inclusion.
The downloadable teaching helps provide quite a bit of information, some illustrations, and some challenging questions that could help you as you prepare to teach this to your group.
“Believing that salvation is achieved by human means is thinking too highly of oneself and too lowly of the power of sin and death.” This is a quote from this week's Explore The Bible Study: Resurrected. Ephesians 2:1-10 will help you and your group dig deep into the riches of God's grace as you explore the new life we have in Christ.
As you study and guide your group, focus on the following TARGET: How should being saved by grace change the way we live life and view others? Prayerfully consider also how you can help those in your group who might not know Christ or who struggle with being justified by grace and not works.
The downloadable supplemental teaching ideas guide you to contrast Paul's description of our lives before Christ in Ephesians 2:1-3 and our new lives in Christ, Ephesians 2:4-7. It reaches a climax as you look at one of the most powerful descriptions of salvation in the Bible, "For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift — not from works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9, CSB)
As you discuss good works versus grace, consider asking the following questions based upon what Paul said in Ephesian 2:8-9.
“How good is good enough in order to qualify for a relationship with Christ?”
“How bad do you have to be before you are rejected by God?”
“How bad is bad enough to lose a relationship with Christ?”
Actually, all of these questions will lead to the same conclusion: we are saved by grace through faith!
As the group looks at the fallen state of man as described in Ephesians 2:1-3, they might ask questions regarding the salvation of children since we are born sinners. The following video is included as an option in order to help explain the questions that might arise:
I never enjoy showing my driver's license. I worry that every time I give mine to a TSA agent in the airport, he/she won't confirm that the picture is really me. Yet, after the agents eyes glance from the picture to my face and then back to the picture, it seems that he is comfortable that the i.d. matches who I am. As we study this week's Explore the Bible Study: Remembered, we need to remember that, if we profess Christ as our Savior, we have been given a new identity in Christ. Along with that new identity comes a new way of living and looking at life as well. If we are believers, we are who the Scriptures say we are. Our I.D. is correct.
Paul was very adamant that believers understand their identity in Christ. This is his focus in the entire first chapter of Ephesians and is expanded upon throughout the entire letter. He knew that understanding this would impact every action and attitude! John MacArthur has a great statement regarding this,
“Only when we come to understand how our lives are anchored in eternity can we have the right perspective and motivation for living in time. Only when we come to understand our heavenly citizenship can we live obedient and productive lives as godly citizens on earth.”
[MacArthur, John (1985). MacArthur New Testament Commentary - Ephesians (p. 37). WORDsearch. Retrieved from https://app.wordsearchbible.com.]
As you guide your group to study Ephesians 1:15-23, guide them to understand that, if they are believers, they have been spiritually adopted into God's family according to His plan which existed before the creation of the world. Christ has redeemed them, forgiven them, is enlightening them to His truth, and has already given them His inheritance in heaven. They are not who they once were. Their I.D. has been updated!
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.]
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.
We hear about "Random Acts of Kindness" publicized in the media. We use terms such as "Pay it Forward" to express a desire to do good works. Many schools and universities require mission or service projects as a part of their curricula. It is interesting that, in a world filled with so much divisiveness, there is still an emphasis on such things. As believers, we should be setting the bar for good works, but why? Paul tells us in Titus 3.
It's amazing how one simple act of goodness toward someone can change a person’s life. Here is a recent story about the good works of one little girl and how it changed the lives of so many. Something so simple was so meaningful.
Things to Consider as you Study or Lead a Study of Titus 3:1-11
Titus 3:1-2
We see the word “submit” again in this passage. How difficult is it for us to submit to rulers and authorities? Why?
Is it difficult to live out Titus 3:1-2 without feeling as if we have compromised our beliefs?
How do we do good works, given the current climate?
How do we stand up for what is right and still do good works?
How do submitting, avoiding slander and fighting, and being kind and showing gentleness help us to be ready for every good work?
What do these actions communicate to the lost world regarding our faith?
How does being ready for every good work help us build bridges to the gospel? (As believers showed the evidence of their transformation through Christ, they could build bridges to others, conveying His amazing grace toward all people.)
Titus 3:3-7
Paul reminds Titus in verses 3-7 about our salvation. This should motivate us all to respond to the lost with good works.
The most important word in this passage is the word “but” in verse 4. But God. It wasn’t our good works that saved us, but God saved us! The good works Paul is telling Titus to lead the church to be ready to perform was not an attempt to earn something but in a response for what has already been given – their salvation through Christ alone!
Because we have been given such a gift and because we are being regenerated and renewed by the work of the Holy Spirit (v. 5), we must remember to continually live lives that are different than how the world might live.
Titus 3:8-11
Did Paul feel that doing good works was an option? (see word "insist" in v. 8)
Why do you suppose Paul seemed to be so harsh regarding divisive people in verses 9-11? (The health of a congregation and the message of the gospel was at stake if divisive persons were left unchecked.)
A believer who is focused on doing good works and not on debating or arguing will not create divisiveness in the church or destroy bridges for the gospel to the lost.
God sends people across our paths every day. When we live with integrity and gentleness and do good to others, we will be demonstrating that we are different because of Who we know and Whose we are. We need to be sensitive to these opportunities and learn how to devote ourselves to good works. The world needs to see genuine faith lived out each day.
If you are an older adult, how do you want to be viewed by others? If you are a younger adult, how do you want to be viewed by others? How would you like others to view you in the workplace? These are questions that this week's session, Living with Integrity, will help answer.
Living with integrity gives us the platform needed in order to influence others' relationship with Christ. Paul’s instructions to Titus in Titus 2:1-15 will help us, no matter our age or social status, to live with integrity. As you study and guide your group to study Paul’s instructions, evaluate how well we are doing in living our lives with integrity so others will see Christ in us.
Paul concludes his instructions to Titus with our motive for living with integrity:
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, while we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people for his own possession, eager to do good works. (Titus 2:11-14 CSB)
Learning and maintaining godly lives prepares us for what is to come and what is to come motivates us to maintain godly lives.
We wait for something greater than what we experience in this world, and our lifestyle should reflect that anticipation!
Jesus gave Himself for us. The word "gave" encompasses more than we can imagine. Jesus left His throne in glory to take on human flesh. He submitted, lived, suffered, and died to redeem us from all lawlessness.
Through His sacrifice, Jesus freed us from the control and consequences of sin and gave us an example of how we should strive to live! (see Romans 6:17-22).
The Downloadable Teaching Ideas provide the following components that could help you guide your group:
Opening discussion questions related to how we desire to be viewed by others.
5 column discussion guide to help guide your group to understand Paul's instructions for discipling older men, older women, younger men, younger women, and slaves.
Explanation regarding the culture of slavery during the time-period.
Paul’s reminders to Titus serve as a reminder to us. We have been given a grace gift. It is already ours. It culminates with the return of Christ. Until then, we are to be striving to live a life of integrity.
Living with integrity is about living a transformed life so that other believers can be encouraged and the lost can see Christ's life-changing power demonstrated in the way we live and interact with the world. Commit yourself to living with integrity in order to help others live for Him!
Intolerant! This is a word that is thrown out on an almost daily basis. But what does it really mean? And, aren't there times when we have to make a stand concerning God's truth that won't be received very well? Absolutely! The Explore the Bible Study: Living with Opposition will help you and your group learn how to address the false teaching and unbiblical worldview that permeates society and even the church today.
This week we transition from a study of 1 and 2 Timothy to the book of Titus. Paul concluded 2 Timothy by challenging Timothy to endure because false teachers would be on the increase. This session focuses on Titus 1:1-16. Paul dedicates this entire letter to helping Titus learn how to remain faithful to the truth and strive to live a holy life, knowing that some will reject that truth and view his commitment as intolerant.
False teaching is something to which we have to respond as a church. I suggest you bring in examples of those who have abused the church and espoused false teaching, to use as examples of what Paul describes in Titus 1:10-16:
For there are many rebellious people, full of empty talk and deception, especially those from the circumcision party. It is necessary to silence them; they are ruining entire households by teaching what they shouldn’t in order to get money dishonestly. One of their very own prophets said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true. For this reason, rebuke them sharply, so that they may be sound in the faith and may not pay attention to Jewish myths and the commands of people who reject the truth.
To the pure, everything is pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; in fact, both their mind and conscience are defiled. They claim to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good work. (Titus 1:10-16 CSB)
Someone once said that “False teachers are not just false in their teaching, but also in their living.” Lead your group to consider the following:
Do you think Christians are more apt to overlook false living if someone is a dynamic speaker?
Do you think Christians are more apt to overlook false teaching if someone is a dynamic speaker? Why or why not?
If a pastor begins to teach false doctrine or false living, how should the church respond? How would you respond?
If a teacher, deacon, or elder began to espouse false doctrine or false living, how should the church respond? How would you respond?
How would you respond if a popular Christian leader was called out for false teaching or false living?
Paul gives us a great blueprint for dealing with false teaching both redemptively and quickly. Hopefully your study and the downloadable teaching ideas will help you communicate this truth of Titus effectively.
Is the pine cone a seed or a fruit? Actually it is neither. The pine cone's main function is to keep a pine tree’s seeds safe – they remain closed during cold temperatures for protection and then open during warmer weather so the seeds can be released. You will discover in this week's teaching ideas how you could use the pine cone as an illustration as you guide your group through the this weeks session, Enduring.
In 2 Timothy 3:12-17 and 2 Timothy 4:1-8, Paul leaves Timothy with some closing words related to continuing or enduring until the end. While it is evident, even today, that the conditions for sharing our faith are challenging, we as believers need to continue to be faithful so that the seeds of the gospel may be sown.
Video Illustration
The closing portion of the downloadable teaching ideas suggests a video that could be used to demonstrate how heat causes a pine cone to release the seeds. Often, when believers experience "heat" from a hostile world, the seeds of the gospel are scattered in abundance.
Consider using the video as a part of closing your session.
More Comparisons to a Pine Cone
Pine cones can remain on the tree for more than 10 years before dropping to the ground, and the Eastern Pine cone could have as many as 100 seeds encased in each.
Like the pine cone, believers can only produce the seeds of the gospel if conditions are right, but we must be ready.
We get ready by continuing to embrace the faith of those who invested in us and by growing in the knowledge of God’s Word -- See 2 Timothy 3:14-17.
May Paul’s final challenge to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:5-8 be one we take to heart as we face a world that is becoming increasingly hostile to the gospel.
But as for you, exercise self-control in everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time for my departure is close. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. There is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:5-8 CSB)
We are vessels that contain the seeds of the gospel. We are expected to produce fruit as believers. Given the right conditions, just like the pine cone, we have the opportunity to produce fruit. May our prayer be that when it is time for our departure from this world, we, like Paul, can be as at peace regarding all we have done to live faithfully and to scatter the seeds of the gospel.
The word “diligent” is not one we use in everyday conversations, but it can describe a positive character trait. Someone who is diligent is characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic effort. In this weeks session, Paul reminds Timothy about the importance of remaining diligent as a follower of Christ.
THE TARGET . . . THE MAIN POINT!
2 Timothy 2:14-26 is a challenge that we must all remember, especially considering the toxic, increasingly antagonistic culture in which we live. As you read the passage, filter through the lens of this target:
Believers should diligently learn the Truth and how to clearly demonstrate the tenants of the gospel through how they live, act, relate, and, yes, even disagree with others.
LOOK IN
Paul knew that, in order for Timothy (and us) to be able to do this, we would have to be diligent. 2 Timothy 2:15 is the challenge Paul gives: Be diligent to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15 CSB)
Consider using verse 15 as the pivotal verse for presenting all of Paul's teachings in verses 14-26. The downloadable teaching ideas provide an illustration that could be personalized in order to help your group understand more fully the reason for diligence.
Illustration for 2 Timothy 2:15
Imagine for a moment you are back in high school. Your parents have saved money so that you can participate in the band. They have purchased a brand new musical instrument for you; they have invested additional funds and time so that you can participate; they sacrificed time, work, and schedules in order to get you to practices; and now they are sitting in the auditorium waiting for you to perform. As you enter the concert stage with the band, you see them sitting in the auditorium. You realize all they did for you and now you want to make sure you do your best. You want them to “approve” or be proud of your hard work, your diligence. You don’t want to be ashamed so you desire to play your part as perfectly as possible. You aren’t afraid of losing them as parents, but you surely want them to be proud. You don’t want to let them down.
This is the kind of picture Paul is painting for Timothy. Paul wants Timothy to present Himself and his works before God (his Heavenly Father) with confidence, knowing he did it with excellence and integrity.
Some Basic Points to Drive Home:
If we are to invest in the faithful, then we must be diligent in living the truth in a way that doesn’t lead people astray.
Paul likened false teaching to an infection that would spread like gangrene. If believers do not take diligent measures to avoid and refute biblical heresy, it will contaminate person after person, church after church.
When looking at 2 Timothy 2:16-26, consider guiding the group to complete the following case studies as an entire group or to work in teams.
You see a Social Media post or a news article that presents a view contradictory to what you believe. Based on Paul’s instructions, how should you respond?
You are talking with a co-worker or a family member who states something that isn’t aligned with your biblical worldview. How should you respond to them based on Paul’s instructions?
You encounter someone in church or your group whose beliefs are not aligned with Scripture. Based on Paul’s instructions, how should you respond to him or her?
It is easy to lose focus in a world filled with so many distractions. I am sure you can identify circumstances, challenges, and cultural issues that has caused you and other believers to lose focus. This week's session will provide some ways in which we can remain focused on living, sharing, and showing the good news of Jesus.
The supplemental teaching ideas session will focus (no pun intended) on 2 Timothy 2:1-9. This is not all the passages suggested in the Explore The Bible curriculum but can help you close with a challenge based on 2 Timothy 8-9 that helps your group determine actions they need to take in order to remain focused on Christ.
LOOK UP Ideas
The downloadable ideas provide three opening options that could be used to inject a little fun while getting your group ready to look into God's Word. One is a PowerPoint that will need to be downloaded.
LOOK IN Ideas
In 2 Timothy 2:3-7, the Apostle Paul uses three occupations as symbols of the Christian life. He wanted Timothy to learn lessons from these occupations and apply them in order to remain focused. Consider enlisting individuals from your group who might have experienced these occupations to share their experiences as they relate to what Paul is saying.
LOOK OUT Ideas
Paul concludes with a reminder in 2 Timothy 2:8-9--one which we can’t forget if we are to remain focused as believers.
Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead and descended from David, according to my gospel, for which I suffer to the point of being bound like a criminal. But the word of God is not bound. (2 Timothy 2:8-9, CSB)
Paul said to remember – to remain focused!
We need to remember Who Jesus Christ is and what He did!
We need to remember that, no matter our circumstances, God’s word is not bound!
Optional Image Activity
Consider using one of the following images as a part of your closing emphasis, reminding your group to remain focused on Christ.
Image One: Concentrate on the four small dots at the center for a few seconds, and then blink your eyes while looking at the white paper next to the image. What do you see?
Image Two: Stare at the center of the image below without blinking until the 3D images in the background become visible.
We cannot lose focus because of the distractions of this world, or the good things, or difficult things we experience. We should concentrate on Christ.
We must keep our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2) if we are to remain focused on living a life that reflects the gospel. Paul wrote to the Philippian church, stating his goal for remaining focused, My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death (Philippians 3:10). Based on what Paul told Timothy today, consider leading your group to state in one or two sentences their goals that could help them remain focused on Christ.
