Day 350 (Ephesians 1-6) - Year 6
The Bible Recap
Deep Dive
Why might Ephesians have been written as a general encouragement rather than addressing specific issues?
Some scholars believe it could have been intended as a mass email to multiple churches in the area, focusing on vision-casting and encouragement rather than specific rebukes.
What does Ephesians 1 emphasize about God's plan for reconciliation?
It highlights that reconciliation was God's plan even before the world was made, and He is working out all things according to His will, including giving His children an inheritance with Christ.
How does Ephesians 2 describe the transformation of believers from their past state?
It portrays believers as once being dead in sins, slaves to their flesh, and children of wrath, but now made alive in Christ through God's mercy, raised from the dead, and filled with peace and reconciliation.
What metaphor does Paul use in Ephesians 2:10 to describe believers?
He compares believers to a poem (poema in Greek), saying they are God's workmanship created for good works that He prepared beforehand.
Why does Paul consider the inclusion of Gentiles in the church a mystery?
It was perplexing because it was a significant shift from the traditional Jewish-centric focus, yet God had hinted at it throughout the Old Testament, making it both intriguing and somewhat understandable.
What qualities does Paul urge believers to embody in Ephesians 4?
He calls for humility, gentleness, patience, love, and peace as signs of walking in their calling, and emphasizes the use of their gifts to serve and mature the church.
How does Paul describe the role of husbands in Ephesians 5?
He calls husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church, which includes sacrificing for her, helping her flourish, and being patient and prayerful, even in difficult times.
What unique aspect of the armor of God in Ephesians 6 stands out?
God leaves a gap in the armor, exposing the back, symbolizing the need for believers to support each other, as archers would stand back to back to protect each other's blind spots.
What is the only offensive weapon in the armor of God according to Ephesians 6?
The word of God, which is fitting as Satan, the accuser, uses lies and deception, while believers fight with the truth of God's word.
How does gratitude relate to avoiding sexual sin in Ephesians 5?
Gratitude helps believers rightly view God, increasing their love for Him, which in turn diminishes the power of sin over them, following the principle of the expulsive power of a greater affection.
- God's plan of reconciliation was in place before creation.
- Believers were chosen in Christ before the world began.
- God raised us from death in our sins to life in Christ.
- God's mercy is a key theme and is extended to both Jews and Gentiles.
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