BellaOnline Forums Family Christian Living Bible Study - Ephesians 1:15-23

1. In 1:15-16 Paul says "For this reason... I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers." Why do you think he is so thankful?

2. How does his prayer cover the past, present and future for his readers?

3. What is the 'great power for those who believe' in verse 19?

4. How is the "church" - the body of believers - central to God's plans?

5. Is the church central to your life?

6. In verses 1:3-14, praise and thanksgiving dominte Paul's prayer. What kind of prayer dominates 15-23?

7. More thoughts?

1. He is thankful just like I'm thankful when a favorite niece or nephew decides to go to church.

2. Past- for their belief. Present and future- That God will give them the Spirit of wisdom and their hearts will be enlightened.

3. ?

4. The believers are His hands and feet to reach the world.

5. sometimes

6. for the people reading his letter

7. no <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

1. In 1:15-16 Paul says "For this reason... I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers." Why do you think he is so thankful?
His call was to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. To him these people, who he had helped to believe were 'his children.'

2. How does his prayer cover the past, present and future for his readers?
Past: "ever since I heard about your faith" He prayed for them from the beginning of their belief.
Present: "I keep asking that the Lord give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation"
Future: "That you may know the hope to which he has called you" - eternal life
3. What is the 'great power for those who believe' in verse 19?
I came up with several answers to this one before I decided on this one. vs.19-20 says "That power is like the working of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead" I think the 'great power' is the power of defeating death. We will not die, only step into eternal life.

4. How is the "church" - the body of believers - central to God's plans?
Christ is the 'head', the church is the 'body' It is heaven here on earth and the body thru which all of God's work will be done.

5. Is the church central to your life?
I can say that my local church is the center from which I work in the world. It is my 'refueling point' - worshiping with other believers recharges me. The love of believers makes me stronger.

6. In verses 1:3-14, praise and thanksgiving dominate Paul's prayer. What kind of prayer dominates 15-23?
intercession - He is praying for the church of Ephesis.

7. More thoughts?
This study has already brought home to me how much I am blessed and how much I forget to pray for others outside my immediate family.

Thank you Lynne for this study. I'm a newbie to the forums here at Bella. Orignally came to site via a contest link and decided to peruse the forums today. So glad to find another light shining through the internet. Now I know you here...I'll be sure to come back. God bless you and keep you in the cup of His hand.

Marie Noguerole aka Noggy
Portland,Oregon

Thank you for the kind words, Marie.

I'm happy that you are here. I hope you will join in some of the discussions. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

1. I think Paul is overjoyed by the fact that so many have believed and come to Jesus to recieve salvation. I know for me when ever I watch some of the old Billy Graham shows I get choked up when he gives his simple altar call and thousands stand up and are saved. Sometimes you can see the anguish and tears on their face and it reminds me of when I surrendered my life to Christ.

2. He prays that they grow in their relationship with Christ and get to know him better. He prays that the Father gives them the ability to understand and sense His presence in their lives. He also prays for those that these new believers will come along side of and introduce to Jesus. Because it's inevitable that our lives become an example of Christ.

3.The "great power" is referring to the Holy Spirit and the Gifts of the Spirit that are bestowed upon us at the time of our salvation. Once we are mature in our faith the fruition of these gifts are realized. I also think that the incomparbly great power is simply the faith in Jesus as God and Man. The ability for us to be able to relate to Him as a brother. Knowing that He has defeated our enemy and that we can look forward to forever with Him.

4. We are God's representatives here on earth. We are salt and light. We are the additional living examples of God right here. We set the precedent and we will be the ones who inherit the earth. The church also carries the weight of being a force to be reckoned with against the schemes of the devil in the lives of non believers. Our prayers are the most powerful force in this world. The Father hears us and responds. We are His beloved.

5. The church is central in my life because I feel a kinship with other believers. I am overjoyed myself when I meet a new believer, or am in contact with someone who is a fellow sister or brother. It's like having an extended family who will stand up for me before the Father with Christ. I am also held accountable by those who I can trust, who have my best interest as a Christian in mind and show me my short comings with a heart of love.

6. One of growth and prosperity in their spiritual lives. That they continue to know and grow in Christ Jesus.

7. I also think verses 15-23 are some of the truest and most powerful examples of Jesus' true nature written in the Bible. Paul was a powerful speaker and writer. He was adamant that those he preached to were aquainted with the truth about who Jesus was, is and always will be. He didn't pull any punches.