Here’s how the study works: Read the chapter mentioned in the heading several times during the week and share any words, thoughts, verses that stood out to you. Having a week for a chapter creates the opportunity to reread it several times and make additional comments as you feel inclined as well as make comments on other people’s insights.
v.12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
"the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms" are also mentioned in 3:10. This time the context is that we struggle not with flesh and blood but against these spiritual forces.
It is hard to understand how this plays out in the phyiscal world. I find when I am having a hard time it is particularly difficult to realize that my struggle is against these spiritual forces.
v.12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
"the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms" are also mentioned in 3:10. This time the context is that we struggle not with flesh and blood but against these spiritual forces.
It is hard to understand how this plays out in the phyiscal world. I find when I am having a hard time it is particularly difficult to realize that my struggle is against these spiritual forces.
v.13-14 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then…
Stand your ground. Doesn’t seem like enough to do, just stand, but it is.
v.13-14 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then…
Stand your ground. Doesn’t seem like enough to do, just stand, but it is.
v.6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.
Sometimes our actions fall short of what we, or even God, desires; but if we are doing the will of God from our hearts, God is pleased.
v.6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.
Sometimes our actions fall short of what we, or even God, desires; but if we are doing the will of God from our hearts, God is pleased.
v.5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.
I'm sure this isn't God's ideal – for people to be slaves. Yet even in this situation God expects people, both the slaves and their masters, to have the right attitude.
It seems wherever we are in life, God is concerned about us having a good attitude.
v.5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.
I'm sure this isn't God's ideal – for people to be slaves. Yet even in this situation God expects people, both the slaves and their masters, to have the right attitude.
It seems wherever we are in life, God is concerned about us having a good attitude.
v.19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel
Paul doesn’t ask them to pray for his comfort or safety but boldness.
v.19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel
Paul doesn’t ask them to pray for his comfort or safety but boldness.
v.21 Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing.
I like that Paul is sending Tychicus so that the Ephesians will know how he is. I like the personal touch. Paul doesn't impart just spiritual information but rather something of himself.
v.21 Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing.
I like that Paul is sending Tychicus so that the Ephesians will know how he is. I like the personal touch. Paul doesn't impart just spiritual information but rather something of himself.