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Ephesians, Chapter One, Lesson Five

THANKFUL IN CHRIST   Ephesians 1:15-17             Print this Bible Study

STIMULATE

** In our study together last week, we saw the importance of listening "to the message of Truth, the gospel of your salvation" and being found among those who have "also believed". How did that wonderful reality impact the desire of your heart to share this Truth with others? Did the Lord provide any of you with an opportunity to witness on His behalf? If so, how did you do?

MOTIVATE

** So far in our study of Paul's letter to the Ephesians we have been overjoyed to see our blessings, as he has described them from verse 3 to 14, as well as showing us the work of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

There has been so much to be thankful for as we have graciously received everything from God. But, for today, what are the two main characteristics of a Believer for which we ought to be "Thankful in Christ"? For the answer, please join me in Ephesians 1:15-17 and let's hear what the apostle has to say about this very important issue in the life of a Christian.

Read passage (V.15-17)

Opening Prayer

Thankful in Christ

INVESTIGATE

V.15 ** Paul opens today's passage with, "For this reason". To what is he referring?

All that we have gained by God's grace, through Jesus Christ and guaranteed by the Holy Spirit.

1. Our election (V.4)
2. Our redemption (V.7)
3. Our inheritance (V.11)
4. Our sealing (V.13)

** If you remove for a moment Paul's parenthetical thought from verse 15, what two things does he say he is doing in verse 16?

He is giving thanks for the Ephesian Believers and offering prayers for them. This was Paul's ever present pattern for ministry. We would be wise to follow his example as we "minister" our gifts to one another. cf. Romans 1:8-10, Colossians 1:9, Philippians 1:3-5

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