Blessed in heavenly realms (Ephesians 1q)

Be blessed in heavenly realms

Ephesians 1:1-23

Key Verse 3 ³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

1.     [1-3] How did Paul introduce himself? (1)  To whom was he writing this letter?  (2) What was his benediction for the recipient of this letter? For what did Paul praise God? (3)

2.     [4-6] What two things did God do and for what purposes? What was the role of Jesus in these two?

3.     [7-12] How did Paul and his companions receive redemption? (7-8a) What did God make them known? How?  (8b-9) For what purpose? (10) How were Paul and his companions chosen? ( 11) For what purpose? (12)

4.     [13-14] How were the recipients of this letter included in this blessing? What was the proof of it? (13b) How does the Holy Spirit serve as a seal for their election? (14)

5.     [15-19a] Based on this, what has Paul being doing? (15-16) In his prayer on behalf of them, what did he ask God? (17) What did he want for them? (18) For what goal? (18b- 19) Discuss the importance of knowing these three things in regard to God’s ultimate purpose for them (12b, 14b)

6.     [19b-23] How was the incomparably great power of God demonstrated? (19b-20a) What is the end result? 20b) What might be the significance of this for the believers? What are the characteristics of that power? (21) What is the ultimate purpose of God in this? (22-23)

7.     Discuss what the blessing in heavenly realms and every spiritual blessing in Christ mean for you and the role of Christ in it. (ref. 3)