Today’s study will be a review of how Paul began his letter telling us about our relationship with our heavenly Father. We won’t have a Tuesday Dig, because today is a day to review what we have learned and prepare to learn how to live our beliefs.

God is our King (1).
He chose us to be His people (1:4).

Paul declared heavenly truths about God and God’s accomplishments.

Jesus is the source of spiritual blessing (1:3)
and the cornerstone of the church (2:20).
It is by His grace through Jesus that we are part of His family (2:1-10).
In Him we find reconciliation with one another (2:11-3:21).

Paul prays for the Ephesians (1:15-23) and for the whole church (3:14-21). His prayers were not only for the people of Ephesus in his time. Paul’s prayers are for us and for the God’s church today as well.

The Bible Project has a wonderful video review of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. The first 5 minutes are a review of the first section of Paul’s letter (chapters 1-3). The informative outline and creative doodles help us to cement in our mind the things we have studied.

If you are someone who likes to know where we are going, you can watch to the end of the video. Or you can save the second part for a review at the end of our study. Or do both. You get to choose. Here’s a hint to the rest of the chapter.

The Gospel Story Should Reshape Our Story!

Paul doesn’t mince words. His style changes in Chapter 4 from stating Biblical truths to begging, urging, exhorting, encouraging, advising, and insisting.

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 
Ephesians 4:1. NLT

In light of all this, here’s what I want you to do. While I’m locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands.
Ephesians 4:1, MSG

In light of all this, here’s what I want you to do. While I’m locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands.
Ephesians 4:1, TPT

Paul is forceful as he encourages those who have accepted the invitation of the Gospel message through Jesus Christ to mature so that their lives are reshaped and transformed.

Pray with me. Lord, as we read our way through the rest of this Holy-Spirit-inspired letter that Paul wrote to the Ephesians and to us, help us to hear and obey, follow your voice, praise your name, and reflect you to all others around us. Keep us n the road you have called us to follow. To God be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

I chose to end this lesson with this song, “The Lord Bless You and Keep You.”
The music is by John Rutter, and it is sung by a one-man choir, Bobbly Goulder.