Week 1 | Collision | Introduction
SUMMARY
In our study of the book of Ephesians, we’re diving into some deep waters. First off, we’re encouraging everyone to read through Ephesians in the next couple of weeks—it’s only six chapters, so it’s manageable. To aid in your study, we’ve got some resources available on our church app, including a YouVersion reading plan that’ll guide you through the book in 14 days. Plus, there’s a book overview to help you engage with the material. Ephesians is a powerful letter written by Paul to the Christians in Ephesus, packed with timeless truths that are still relevant today.
Ephesus had a rich cultural and religious history, boasting one of the Seven Wonders of the World—the Temple of Artemis. It was a bustling hub of trade and worship, deeply entrenched in pagan practices, including temple prostitution and idol worship. Paul’s arrival in Ephesus sparked both curiosity and controversy, leading to significant conversions and upheavals in the community.
Paul’s strategy in Ephesus was strategic yet bold. He began by preaching in the synagogues but soon moved to a lecture hall owned by a man named Tyrannus, where he engaged in daily discussions for two years. His message of repentance and the gospel of Jesus collided head-on with the prevalent culture of idolatry and immorality, leading to both conversions and opposition.
The letter to the Ephesians is divided into two major sections. The first part delves into the grand narrative of the gospel—how God’s redemptive plan encompasses both Jews and Gentiles, uniting them into one body through Christ. The second part addresses the practical implications of this gospel truth for everyday living. Paul emphasizes the importance of living lives worthy of the calling we’ve received in Christ.
Central to Paul’s message is the concept of identity. Our identity as adopted children of God shapes how we live and interact with the world around us. It’s not about conforming to external standards but being transformed from the inside out by the power of the gospel. Therefore, our worship and our lives should reflect this new identity, bringing glory to God and demonstrating His love to others.
TALK IT OUT
Group Leaders- Consider taking your group time to read the entire book of Ephesians together out loud. Have participants note important or puzzling verses you may encounter.
1. Read Acts 19 in your group. How does understanding the historical and cultural context of Ephesus enrich our reading of the letter to the Ephesians?
2. In what ways do you see parallels between the challenges faced by the early Christians in Ephesus and those faced by Christians today?
3. Consider Paul’s strategy of engaging with different audiences in Ephesus, from the synagogues to the lecture hall of Tyrannus. How can we adapt our approach to sharing the gospel based on the cultural context and audience we encounter?
4. Reflect on the significance of identity in the book of Ephesians. How does our identity as children of God impact how we live our lives?
5. Paul emphasizes the importance of both understanding the gospel narrative and living out its implications. How can we strike a balance between theological understanding and practical application in our lives?
6. Read Ephesians 4:1. Discuss the concept of “therefore” in Ephesians and its significance for Christian living. How does understanding our identity in Christ lead to transformation in our attitudes and behaviors?