Every Spiritual Blessing:
A Study of Ephesians
by Ken Hemphill
Leader Guide
Nondisposable Curriculum
Auxano Press
Tigerville, South Carolina
About the Leader Guide Author
Judi Hayes is a writer and editor. She and her husband, David, live in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee.
Introduction to the Study
Purpose: Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians by Ken Hemphill
Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians is a resource in the Auxano Press curriculum
series, Nondisposable Curriculum. This series produces new twelve-session curriculum books
each year. Saving these books will create for you a library of biblical studies. Watch Auxano’s
Web site for series titles and release dates: http://www.auxanopress.com.
This and all books in this series will benefit readers as they study individually. But
learners will benefit more from group discussion and study. This leader guide will equip leaders
to teach the New Testament book of Ephesians.
The author of Every Spiritual Blessing is Ken Hemphill. Dr. Hemphill is director, Center
for Church Planting and Revitalization at North Greenville University, Tigerville, South Carolina,
and co-owner with his wife, Paula, of Auxano Press.
Bible study is valuable on many levels. Nondisposable Curriculum offers these benefits
for study: (1) personal discipleship and devotion, (2) obedience to study and know God’s Word,
(3) group fellowship and helping one another learn and grow, and (4) personal and/or group
prayer and worship. Thank you for leading a group to grow together as they study God’s Word.
Time Frame
In Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians author Ken Hemphill provides twelve short
chapters to immerse learners in studying Paul’s New Testament letter, learning what Paul wrote
and how it applies to the church and believers today.
Your Sunday School class, Bible study group, discipleship group, home Bible study
group, or other group can study this book in twelve or thirteen sessions, a typical quarter. For the
thirteenth session, you can begin with a general introduction (a session is provided) or end with a
session that offers a summary, reflecting on the study, and fellowship. Or you might plan to begin
or end with a session devoted entirely to a time of reflecting on what lessons from Ephesians can
mean to your church. If you do not have an introductory session, combine the introductory
session with week 1.
Bible Study
This leader guide will assist you in teaching the book. It is designed for one-hour sessions. Adapt
the study to meet the needs of your group. A large group may require more lecture or more smallgroup discussions during each session. Small groups may allow more group discussion and
participation. You’ll find more than you need, so select items that fit your teaching style and
learners’ learning styles. You’ll find some pages available for you to print for small groups. You
can modify these to meet your group’s needs. Purchasing copies of Every Spiritual Blessing for
your group gives you permission to print and photocopy these pages.
Every learner will need a copy of Every Spiritual Blessing from the Nondisposable
Curriculum Series. You may want to provide extra copies for members who join throughout the
study and for guests. You’ll find quantity discounts available when you order, so make sure you
order enough copies. Any extra copies are great for sharing with members who may not be able to
attend, giving guests, or making available for interested family and friends. And since all studies
in Nondisposable Curriculum are undated, you’ll want to save extra copies for future studies.
You’ll also want to encourage study group members to take notes in their books and keep them to
build their own Bible study library.
Encourage all learners to bring their Bibles to each session. Every session will include
reading Scripture together. Provide extra Bibles as needed.
Although this is a book study, each chapter/session stands alone. Encourage people who
cannot attend every week to participate. Invite guests throughout the study. Use this group study
to grow your group.
Lessons often suggest small-group work. Questions are provided for small-group work to
guide their reports. But answers to these questions should not be the entire report of the small
group. They are meant to enhance and not limit the report. The leader will want to be prepared to
add to the comments of small groups. The leader’s questions and comments that tie the content to
the church will be beneficial.
Sometimes small groups might want more information about verses in Ephesians or other
Scriptures mentioned throughout the text. You may want to provide commentaries. Or, if your
meeting room has Wi-Fi, encourage participants to bring and use their phones, tablets, notebooks,
or laptops. During sessions where you think this is particularly important, you may want to
contact participants in advance to bring these electronic devices.
Promote this study in advance by making announcements on Wednesday night and in
adult classes on Sunday morning and in other small groups. Contact people who are not already
involved in regular Bible study and invite them to attend.
Music
Hymns and choruses are wonderful ways to teach theology and doctrine. Hymn and chorus texts
will be suggested throughout this leader guide. Depending on your group, you may want to open
with a hymn, close with a hymn, play a hymn, show a YouTube video of a hymn, or read one to
the group. If your church has hymnals, make them available. If hymns are in public domain, you
may want to print copies for individuals or small groups. Adding music will enhance your Bible
study time and group fellowship. You’ll find options for using hymns in every session.
Also, if you use hymnals in this study, research the responsive readings in the hymnal
from Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians. Inviting the group to read a portion of Scripture responsively
is a great way to include everyone in reading the Scripture.
Verses for Memory and Meditation
Encourage participants to read these verses every day, to think about them, to memorize them,
and to apply them to their lives.
If you go to Google Images and type in Ephesians, you’ll find beautiful artistic images of
many of the key verses. You may want to create your own, make posters, or send weekly e-mails
with a graphic presentation of that week’s verse.
Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians
Introduction
Before the Session
1. Make a name tag for yourself. Provide pens or felt-tip markers and name tags for
participants.
2. Read or scan all of Ken Hemphill’s Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians so
that you understand the direction the book is going and how your study will flow over the
next twelve or thirteen weeks.
3. Read all the Scripture mentioned in each chapter as you study it. Some Scripture passages
will be included in specific instructions. When you read all the passages mentioned,
you’ll be ready to add comments to discussions based on Scripture.
4. In advance order copies of Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians for all
participants.
5. Provide a whiteboard or flipchart and markers or chalkboard and chalk. Provide paper
and pens or pencils. Provide extra Bibles. Provide these every week. The main Bible
translation used in Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians is the New American
Standard Bible (NASB). You may want to ensure that you have a variety of translations
on hand.
6. Contact potential study group members in advance and tell them about this exciting new
study. Tell them they will gain a greater understanding of the blessings available to them
as believers. Remind them to bring their Bibles to every session.
7. On a large sheet of paper draw a picture of a mountain.
8. From the group assignments sheet, print each of the statements as large as possible on a
sheet of paper. Provide masking tape.
9. Provide note cards and pens.
10. Make copies of the form for contact information.
During This Session
1. As participants arrive, introduce yourself and ask each participant to make a name tag. If
they do not already have a copy of the book, give each a copy of Every Spiritual
Blessing: A Study of Ephesians.
2. Hand each person a felt-tip marker and instruct them to write on the paper with the
drawing of the mountain a hurdle people today have to deal with—a mountain they must
conquer—in their everyday lives.
3. When everyone has arrived and had opportunity to write something on the side of the
mountain, introduce the book study and the author. If Nondisposable Curriculum is new
to this group, explain that they will have opportunity to build a library using these
resources. They should take notes in the book to add to its value for them as they study.
Introduce the writer, Ken Hemphill, director, Center for Church Planting and
Revitalization at North Greenville University, Tigerville, South Carolina, and co-owner
with his wife, Paula, of Auxano Press. To learn more about Dr. Hemphill, go to
http://www.auxanopress.com/about-ken.
4. Say: This is Dr. Hemphill’s description of this book: “Ephesians has been called the Alps
of the New Testament. It contains some of the richest theology and practical teaching in
all of the Bible. Many Christians are looking for something more. They are looking for a
second blessing or a secret formula for Christian living. Here is the secret Paul offers—to
appropriate the fullness that is already ours in Christ. This short book will help you lay
hold of every spiritual blessing.” It is also Dr. Hemphill’s favorite book of the Bible. He
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
said, “I deeply love all of God’s Word, but I must confess that I have a special place in
my heart for the book of Ephesians.” Add: Ephesians has been called the “Alps of the
New Testament” because many see it as the high point of Paul’s writing, the clearest
statement of his theology. Too often we focus on our obstacles in life. Paul focuses on
God’s spiritual blessings meant for believers. During this study that will be our focus.
And by learning more about the blessings God has for us in Christ Jesus, we’ll see that
through Christ we can overcome or endure all of life’s obstacles.
Distribute the sheets of paper with statements on them from the group assignments page
following this page. Comment that Dr. Hemphill made these statements about Ephesians
on Facebook. Without comment invite those holding the statements to read them in any
order. After they read them, ask them to tape them around the room. Keep them up
throughout the study if possible. When one of the sessions relates to one of the statements,
point it out to the group.
After all the statements have been read, point out that these are comments Dr. Hemphill
has made about Ephesians. Say: Some of the statements likely are intriguing to you.
Watch for sessions that inform each of these statements.
Distribute note cards and pens to all participants. Suggest that they choose one or two
statements that are now taped around the room and write them on the note card. Suggest
that they choose a statement or statements they want to learn more about during this
study. Tell them to keep the note in their Bible or in their copy of Every Spiritual
Blessing: A Study of Ephesians. Tell them to watch for information about the statement as
they study each week and as each session is discussed in the group study. When they find
something related to the statement during their study, suggest that they read any related
Scriptures mentioned in that session. They may also want to go online to do further
research. Tell them to think about the statement and to be ready to add to the discussion
about that topic in the weeks ahead.
Invite a volunteer to read Ephesians 1:3. Point out that this is the key verse for the first
week’s study. Explain that a verse is provided at the end of each lesson “For Memory and
Meditation.” Suggest that each person think about the verse for each week throughout the
week and memorize it.
Close the introductory session in prayer, thanking God for Paul’s letter to the Ephesians.
Thank God for believers who want to know more about God’s Word. Ask God to bless
each of them as they study Ephesians in the coming weeks.
Thank participants for coming and for their participation. Ask them to read the first
session, “Every Spiritual Blessing,” before next week’s meeting. Tell them not to let
everyday obstacles get in the way of their participation in this study. Suggest that they
will experience God’s spiritual blessings as they learn more about what Paul wrote to the
church at Ephesus.
You may want to collect nametags to use throughout the study.
You may want to contact participants throughout this study. Before they leave, ask them
to provide their e-mail address and phone number on the forms provided.
Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians
Introduction Group Assignments
Seen through the eyes of faith, every problem is a blessing in disguise.
The book of Acts makes abundantly clear that Paul had a special relationship with the church at
Ephesus.
I know some people view church as an outdated and unnecessary encumbrance. But such is not
the view Paul expressed in the Bible.
The resurrection and exaltation of Christ are uniquely and inextricably bound to the empowering
of the church, which is declared to be Christ’s body on earth and the fullness of Him who fills all
in all.
Did you know that the moment you were saved, you were set apart for kingdom service, which is
the calling and privilege of every believer?
Don’t overlook the phrase “in Christ Jesus,” which virtually sums up Paul’s understanding of the
Christian life.
All of God’s blessings are found in Him.
Our very life is in Him.
Every spiritual blessing is in the heavenly places and therefore only accessible to those who are in
Christ.
From eternity to eternity, God is at work accomplishing His will. God’s purpose is fulfilled in
Christ.
Our intended purpose is to live to the praise of His glory.
Each person must hear and respond to the gospel to be sealed in Him.
God’s plan of redemption existed before the foundation of the world.
What is determined before the foundation of the world is not the who of election but the how of
election.
The key to understanding the two equal but seemingly contradictory truths of divine sovereignty
and free will is the phrase “in Him.”
Humans were created for fellowship with God.
The basic idea of redemption is setting free or buying back.
The word mystery conveys the idea of something that can be comprehended only when it is
revealed.
In Christ we have been admitted to the ranks of His holy people, and thus we have an undeserved
but rich inheritance.
Whatever God declares, He accomplishes since He works all things after the counsel of His will.
No power in heaven or on earth can stop God from fulfilling His predestined plan to make all
those in Christ His own heritage.
Wouldn’t you like to have had the opportunity to put your ear to the door of Paul’s prayer closet
as he interceded on behalf of his churches? Ephesians gives us an opportunity to do just that.
Paul is not simply praying for head knowledge, which informs, but a heart knowledge, which
transforms.
Have you ever contemplated the truth that God considers you the glory of His inheritance?
© Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians (Auxano Press).
Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians
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Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians
Week 1
“Every Spiritual Blessing”
Focal Text: Ephesians 1:1–14
Key Verse: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us
with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3
Before the Session
1. Make a name tag for yourself. Provide pens or felt-tip markers and name tags for
participants.
2. Provide a whiteboard or flipchart and markers or chalkboard and chalk. Provide paper
and pens or pencils. Provide extra Bibles. Provide these every week. The main Bible
translation used in Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians is the New American
Standard Bible (NASB). You may want to ensure that you have a variety of translations
on hand.
3. Contact potential study group members (or those who attended the introductory session)
in advance and tell them about this exciting new study. Tell them they will gain a greater
understanding of the blessings available to them as believers. Remind them to bring their
Bibles to every session.
4. If you did not have an introductory session, read that part of this leader guide and
combine it with this session.
5. Print and cut apart the group assignments.
6. Read and study week 1, “Every Spiritual Blessing,” of Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study
of Ephesians. Look up and read all Scripture referenced in this chapter. Be prepared to
tell the story of Hosea and Gomer.
7. Make copies of the form for contact information (if you have not already gathered this
information).
8. The hymn “Count Your Blessings” is based on Ephesians 3, the Key Verse for this
session. It also fits well the title of the book and of this session: “Every Spiritual
Blessing.” Plan to sing it at the beginning or end of this session.
During This Session
1. As participants arrive, direct them to form five small groups and share with one another
their favorite book of the Bible and why it is their favorite book.
2. After everyone has arrived and joined a small group, invite a few volunteers to tell about
their favorite book of the Bible and why they chose it. Then explain that the author of the
text, Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians, has chosen Ephesians as his favorite
book. Invite participants to look at the first page of week 1, “Every Spiritual Blessing.”
Read the first paragraph as participants follow along in their own copies of the book.
Suggest that Dr. Hemphill’s love for the book is evident throughout the text. Say: We
will try to discover why it is his favorite book as we study it together. Perhaps it will
become one of our favorite books as well.
3. Direct participants to stay in their small groups. Provide paper and pens. Tell the groups
to come up with three reasons some people may say the church is outdated and
unnecessary and three reasons it remains vital and important to Christ followers.
4. Invite small groups to share their statements. Tell learners to keep these points in mind as
they apply Paul’s words to the Ephesians to their church today.
5. Lecture briefly on the introduction and salutation, using content from Every Spiritual
Blessing: A Study of Ephesians and your own additional study. Include these points: (1)
Paul wrote Ephesians when he was in prison. (2) Paul’s purpose in writing Ephesians was
to support the ministry of the churches. (3) The beginning of Ephesians is similar to other
letters Paul wrote and is written in the style of letters at that time. (4) Explain the
meaning of the word apostle.
6. Ask these questions for discussion. Encourage learners to look for answers in Every
Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians and in Ephesians 1:1–14 as well as to offer their
own opinions: (1) Why does Paul call the readers “saints”? (2) How are believers today
called to live in “holiness”?
7. Introduce “The Blessings of Redemption” using Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of
Ephesians.
8. Assign each of the five groups a section under the subhead “The Blessings of
Redemption.” Give each group an assignment with the questions following this week’s
leader guide instructions.
9. Call for reports from each group. Suggest that they begin by reading their assigned
verses. Be prepared to add comments. For group 3, be prepared to explain redemption
using the story of Hosea and Gomer.
10. Close the session by lecturing on “In Him” from Ephesians 1:13–14 and the content in
Every Spiritual Blessing. Explain the steps given that are needed to be “in Him.” Explain
the meaning of a seal in the ancient world.
11. Pray, thanking God for redeeming all who will choose to follow Christ.
12. If you have not collected contact information, you may want to do that now.
13. Encourage everyone to read week 2, “Prayer for Enlightenment,” and to meditate and
memorize the key verse.
Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians
Chapter 1 Group Assignments
Group 1: Chosen to Be Holy and Blameless
Ephesians 1:4
1. When did God plan a way to provide redemption for human beings?
2. How would you explain “the doctrine of election”?
3. Where is redemption found?
4. What should result in believers’ lives from being chosen by God? (Read Lev. 1:3 and
Rom 12.1–2.)
5. What is an acceptable offering/sacrifice to God?
Group 2: Predestined to Be Adopted as Sons
Ephesians 1:5
1. What four-letter word defines God’s desired relationship with all people?
2. What does “predestined” mean?
3. Why did God created human beings?
4. What happened to mess up God’s relationship with people? (Read Gen. 3.)
5. Why is adoption a good way to describe a relationship between God and each person?
6. How can a person’s lifestyle praise God?
7. What is grace?
Group 3: Redemption—the Forgiveness of Our Sins
Ephesians 1:7–8a
1. What does redemption mean? (Explain using Exod. 15:13, 19.)
2. Who provided redemption? How did He provide it?
3. How does redemption through Christ compare to the Old Testament concept of
redemption?
4. Who is a sinner and in need of redemption?
5. Who can experience redemption?
Group 4: The Knowledge of the Mystery of His Will
Ephesians 1:8b–10
1. What is the purpose of a believer’s receiving “wisdom and insight”?
2. What is transformation?
3. What is the mystery Paul is talking about?
4. What does administration mean?
Group 5: A Predestined Inheritance—the Praise of His Glory
Ephesians 1:11-12
1. Who can receive a promised inheritance?
2. What is that inheritance? When does it begin? When does it reach completion?
3. What assurance do we have that God’s plan will be fulfilled?
© Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians (Auxano Press).
Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians
Week 2
Prayer for Enlightenment
Focal Text: Ephesians 1:15–23
Key Verses: “And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head
over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”
Ephesians 1:22–23
Before the Session
1. Unless everyone in the group knows one another, continue to wear a name tag and to
provide name tags for participants.
2. Read chapter 2 of Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians. Read “During This
Session” to prepare for this week’s session. Read the Scriptures referenced in this chapter.
3. Make sure you have enough copies of the book for all participants, including any new
people who will come for this session.
4. Provide a whiteboard or flipchart and markers or chalkboard and chalk. Provide paper
and pens or pencils. Provide extra Bibles. Provide these every week.
5. Before the session, enlist people to report on these sections of this chapter: (1) “Paul’s
Prayer Strategy” (Eph. 1:15–17); introduction to “The Threefold Request” and “The
Hope of His Calling” (Eph. 1:18); “The Riches of the Glory of His Inheritance in the
Saints” (v. 18); “The Surpassing Greatness of His Power toward Us Who Believe” (Eph.
1:19–23). Provide each person questions from the assignment sheet.
6. Read the questions in each assignment and be prepared to add to the discussion. After
each report, lead the group by asking questions for discussion (below).
7. The hymn “We Are God’s People” is, in part, based on the Key Verses for this session.
It’s a great hymn to use early in the session.
8. “Open the Eyes of My Heart” is based on Ephesians 1:18. You’ll find several videos on
YouTube you can use with your group. One option is to show it before the closing prayer.
During This Session
1. As participants arrive, invite them to write on the whiteboard prayer concerns related to
your church. Concerns may be for an individual, a group (such as a new class or an age
group), for an upcoming church emphasis or event, and for the entire church.
2. When everyone has arrived, sing “We Are God’s People.” Compare the hymn to the Key
Verses for this session.
3. Call for enlisted presenters to sit in front of the group like a panel. After each report, ask
the questions for group discussion.
“Paul’s Prayer Strategy”
 What prompts you to pray?
 What evidence of faith do you see in your church?
 How do believers today receive wisdom and revelation?
Introduction to “The Threefold Request” and “The Hope of His Calling”
 What patterns of prayer can we learn from Paul?
 What can we learn from Paul about the content of our prayer requests?


What evidence do you see of transformation in believers’ lives today?
How can believers today join in God’s kingdom mission?
“The Riches of the Glory of His Inheritance in the Saints”
 What does it mean to you to be “the glory of God’s inheritance”?
 In what ways is your church advancing the kingdom of God?
“The Surpassing Greatness of His Power toward Us Who Believe”
 What evidence is there in your church of depending on God’s power?
 When have you or your church experienced God’s power?
 What is God’s intended purpose for believers? What is the church’s role in this?
4. Call attention again to the list of prayer concerns on the whiteboard. Challenge
participants to pray for God’s power in these church situations this week.
5. Remind participants to prepare for the next session by reading and studying week 3,
“Alive Together with Christ” and to meditate and memorize the key verse.
Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians
Chapter 2 Assignments
“Paul’s Prayer Strategy”
Ephesians 1:15–17
Use these questions in preparing your report:
1. What has prompted Paul’s prayers?
2. What was the intended audience for this letter? (Find the names of the seven
churches in Revelation and explain why the letter may have been intended to go
beyond the church at Ephesus.)
3. Explain “faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you.”
4. What evidence of their faith did Paul see?
5. What impact does conversion have on an individual?
6. What is the underlying passion of Paul’s prayer?
Introduction to “The Threefold Request” and “The Hope of His Calling”
Ephesians 1:18
Use these questions in preparing your report:
1. How does Paul begin his prayer?
2. What does “heart” mean here?
3. When and how did God’s calling begin? How is that calling both past and
present?
4. What does God’s calling include?
“The Riches of the Glory of His Inheritance in the Saints”
Ephesians 1:18
Use these questions in preparing your report:
1. What are two possible ways to interpret this phrase?
2. What does the “hope of God’s calling” include?
3. How is God’s wisdom displayed?
“The Surpassing Greatness of His Power toward Us Who Believe”
Ephesians 1:19–23
Use these questions in preparing your report:
1. Explain God’s power and how it is available to believers.
2. What Old Testament examples show God’s power?
3. What evidence is there in these verses that Paul struggled to describe God’s
power?
4. How is the power of God fulfilled in Jesus Christ? How is Jesus superior to all
other powers?
5. What is the meaning of “the heavenly places”?
6. What is the importance of the church in this passage?
© Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians (Auxano Press).
Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians
Week 3
“Alive Together with Christ”
Focal Text: Ephesians 2:1–10
Key Verse: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which
God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
Before the Session
1. If needed, continue to wear a name tag and to provide name tags for participants.
2. Read chapter 3 of Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians. Read “During This
Session” to prepare for this week’s session. Read Scriptures referenced in this chapter.
3. Make sure you have enough copies of Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians for
all participants, including any new people who will come for this session. Some
participants may already want to purchase copies for friends and family members. You
may want to find out how many more copies are desired since the church gets a discount
with a quantity purchase.
4. Provide a whiteboard or flipchart and markers or chalkboard and chalk. Provide paper
and pens or pencils. Provide extra Bibles.
5. Prepare group assignment sheets.
6. Be prepared to guide and add to discussions led by small groups.
7. In advance, as an option, enlist someone to search, using an Internet site such as Bible
Gateway (www.biblegateway.com) “But God” and to give a report on the number of
times and types of transitions this phrase introduces.
8. The hymn “Saved, Saved” is based on Ephesians 1:8. It’s a great hymn to sing after
everyone has arrived. Another hymn option for this session is “And Can It Be,” based on
Ephesians 2:7.
During This Session
1. As participants arrive, direct them to form three small groups. Tell them to share with one
another when they feel most alive. What are they doing at those times? Who is with
them? Or they may describe a time in the past when they felt most alive.
2. When everyone has arrived and had opportunity to share in a group, call for a few
responses. (Let participants stay in small groups.)
3. Sing “Saved, Saved.”
4. Transition by saying: In this chapter of Ephesians, Paul shares his thoughts about feeling
alive in Christ with other believers.
5. Write in large letters on the board or on three sheets of paper: BC, RC, AC. Invite
spontaneous responses to complete these sentences, one at a time:
• Before Christ, I was . . .
• When I received Christ, I . . .
• After Christ, I . . .
6. Write key words of responses following the appropriate letters.
7. Make these assignments to the three small groups:
Group 1: Life before Christ (Eph. 2:1–10)
Group 2: “But God, Being Rich in Mercy” (Eph. 2:4–7)
Group 3: “For by Grace” (Eph. 2:8–9) and “His Workmanship” (Eph. 2:10)
8. Tell the groups to prepare reports to share with the large group on their assigned topics
and Scripture. Tell them to look up and read all the Scripture verses referenced in their
assigned sections of the book. Give them the questions from the Group Assignments
sheet following this lesson. Provide paper and pens or pencils for note taking. Provide
Bibles in several translations. You may also want to provide commentaries of Ephesians.
9. After groups have had opportunity to work, call for their reports. After each group’s
report, call for additional comments or observations from the other groups. Be prepared
to add to the discussion.
• After the first report, point out the words you wrote on the board or pieces of paper
under BC, RC, and AC. Ask participants if they want to add to the lists after reviewing
what Paul has to say about the contrast of life before and in Christ.
• If you enlisted someone to prepare a report on “But God,” call for it after the second
group reports.
10. Review the verses for memory and meditation for all weeks to this point. Encourage
participants to read “He Himself Is Our Peace” and Ephesians 2:11–22 to prepare for the
next session. Suggest that they read and repeat every day the verse for next week,
Ephesians 2:19.
11. Close in prayer, thanking God for the joy of being alive in Christ, together with other
believers.
Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians
Chapter 3 Group Assignments
Group 1: Life before Christ
Ephesians 2:1–3
1. What does “trespasses” mean? Compare “trespasses” with “sins.”
2. What was God’s original plan for humankind?
3. What resulted from disobedience?
4. Describe spiritual death.
5. Who experiences spiritual death resulting from disobedience? Who can experience life in
Christ?
6. What or who controls a spiritually dead person? Who controls one who is spiritually
alive?
7. Explain the two aspects of a person’s sin nature (fallen nature and decision to sin) and the
two results (being both responsible and culpable).
Group 2: “But God, Being Rich in Mercy”
Ephesians 2:4–7
1. Describe God’s love for all people.
2. Explain the death-to-life nature of redemption.
3. What does life in Christ mean, both now and in the future?
4. What is the role of the church?
Group 3: “For by Grace” and “His Workmanship”
Ephesians 2:8–10
1. What are three qualifying phrases about grace? How do they help explain grace?
2. What is the origin of faith?
3. How do people receive salvation?
4. How do salvation and works relate to each other?
© Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians (Auxano Press).
Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians
Week 4
“He Himself Is Our Peace”
Focal Text: Ephesians 2:11–22
Key Verse: “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens
with the saints, and are of God’s household.” Ephesians 2:19
Before the Session
1. If needed, continue to wear a name tag and to provide name tags for participants.
2. Read chapter 4 of Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians. Read “During This
Session” to prepare for this week’s session.
3. Make sure you have enough copies of Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians for
all participants.
4. Provide a whiteboard or flipchart and markers or chalkboard and chalk. Provide paper
and pens or pencils. Provide extra Bibles.
5. Plan for artistic expression as participants arrive. Either provide small containers of play
clay for each person or place a large sheet of paper on the wall or on tables and give
participants a fine-tip, felt-tip marker as they arrive.
6. Option: Get the lyrics from the Internet for “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain),” a song
about peace protests during the Vietnam era. Plan to read or play the song for the group.
7. Prepare a lecture on “Remember You Were Once Excluded.”
8. In advance, enlist someone to lecture briefly on “But Now in Christ Jesus,” and another
person to lecture on “You Are God’s Household.”
9. For step 6, if you have a church member who has become a naturalized American citizen,
invite them to speak briefly about why they chose to take that step and how they feel as a
citizen. If you do not have such a person, enlist someone who has served overseas in the
military or in some other capacity, or a frequent traveler, to tell how they feel when they
return to the United States.
10. Two hymns based on this session’s Scripture include “Christ Is Made the Sure
Foundation,” based on Ephesians 2:20–21, and “God, the Father of Your People,” based
on Ephesians 2:14. Both of these hymns have verses that are appropriate for prayers if
you’d like to use one of these for the closing prayer instead of the closing hymn
suggested.
During This Session
1. Before the session begins, write the word Peace on the board or at the top of the paper, if
that’s your chosen outlet for creative expression. As participants arrive, give them the
play clay or a felt-tip marker. Tell them to express artistically what peace means to them.
Some may choose traditional images such as a peace sign or a dove. Affirm those but
encourage them to go beyond those images to their own feelings.
2. After everyone has arrived and had opportunity to participate, invite some to tell about
their drawing or clay shape.
3. Transition by saying that real peace comes from God alone. If you have chosen to use the
lyrics to “Lay Down,” read or play the song. Ask these questions for discussion:
• From a Christian perspective, what “disease” do all people have in common? (sin)
• What is the opposite of peace? Write responses on the board. Encourage multiple
responses. Answers may include spiritual death, war, fear, division, etc.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
• What kinds of differences can become barriers to peace? (from lesson introduction—
race, culture, religion)
• Contrast “inclusion” and “exclusion” in an artistic way, using pairs of contrasting words,
phrases, or colors. As these are shared, write them on the board.
Transition to the second section, “But Now in Christ Jesus,” by introducing the person
enlisted to lecture on this topic. After the lecture, add your own comments and invite
feedback from the group.
Transition to the third section, “You Are God’s Household,” by introducing the person
enlisted to lecture on this topic. After the lecture, add your own comments and invite
feedback from the group.
Talk about citizenship as a kind of inclusion. Call for the person enlisted to speak about
citizenship or returning home from another country.
Conclude by affirming that all believers are “fellow citizens with the saints.”
Close by singing “We Are One in the Bond of Love.”
Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians
Week 5
The Mystery Hidden for Ages
Focal Text: Ephesians 3:1–13
Key Verse: “So that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through
the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 3:10
Before the Session
1. If needed, continue to wear a name tag and to provide name tags for participants.
2. Read chapter 5 of Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians. Read “During This
Session” to prepare for this week’s session. Read Scriptures referenced in this chapter.
3. Make sure you have enough copies of Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians for
all participants.
4. Provide a whiteboard or flipchart and markers or chalkboard and chalk. Provide paper
and pens or pencils. Provide extra Bibles.
5. Create a display of items related to mysteries—a magnifying glass and/or a deerstalker
hat (Sherlock Holmes), books by writers such as Agatha Christie, DVDs of Holmes,
Poirot, etc.
6. Bring a dictionary.
7. “My Faith Looks Up to Thee” is based on Ephesians 3:12. Consider inviting someone to
play this as participants arrive.
During This Session
1. As participants arrive, invite them to talk informally in small groups about a favorite
mystery, character, or writer. After everyone has arrived and had opportunity to
participate, call for a few people to share their favorite mysteries.
2. Transition by saying: In Ephesians 3, Paul uses the word mystery. Invite someone to look
up the word mystery in the dictionary and read the definition. Compare that definition to
the way Paul is using the word. Point out that we would not enjoy mystery writing or
movies if the truth were not revealed in the end.
3. Direct participants to form three groups. Make these assignments:
• Group 1: “By Revelation, according to Grace” (Eph. 3:1–7)
• Group 2 will read “By Revelation, according to Grace,” but they will focus on looking
up and reading all the Scripture references. After group 1 reports on the content on the
subhead, group 2 will report on how the additional Scripture references add to the topic.
• Group 3: “The Manifold Wisdom of God . . . through the Church” and “Boldness and
Confident Access” (Eph. 3:8–13)
Clarify for group 1 that group 2 will be reading referenced Scripture for that section.
Point out to group 3 that they will read all Scripture in their subheads. Give the groups
the group discussion questions to guide their reports.
4. Call for the reports from groups 1 and 2. They may want to report together with group 1
introducing a topic and group 2 adding information.
5. After groups 1 and 2 report, ask these questions for general discussion:
• Have you been in difficult circumstances that also offered opportunities for ministry or
evangelism? If so, share with the group.
• What can we learn from Paul about overcoming prejudices to share the good news?
• From Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians, ask: “Has your thinking about
your fellowman and his need to participate equally in the blessings available only through
the gospel been radically altered by your conversion? What evidence can you give?”
6. After group 3 reports, ask these questions for discussion:
• How should we regard ourselves as fellow believers, called of God to serve in His
kingdom?
• How are we a part of God’s plan?
• When has your relationship with Christ given you confidence or made you feel bold?
• From Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians, ask: “How does it make you feel
to be part of a community whose roots stretch back to eternity past and whose impact will
be eternal?
7. Invite volunteers to read the key verse (For Memory and Meditation), Ephesians 3:10, in
several translations.
8. Pray for boldness and confidence to follow God’s call in kingdom work.
Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians
Chapter 5 Group Assignments
Group 1: “By Revelation, according to Grace”
Ephesians 3:1–7
1. What is Paul’s role in unveiling God’s plan for Jew and Gentile to become one new man?
2. Why does Paul say he is imprisoned?
3. What happened when Paul was put in prison?
4. What opportunities did Paul have as a result of being in prison?
5. Explain Paul’s use of the word stewardship.
6. What does grace mean in Paul’s writings? What does it mean in Ephesians?
7. What mystery does Paul explain?
8. Explain the three parts of God’s plan for Jews and Gentiles to be joint heirs “through the
gospel.”
9. How does Paul use his own conversion to explain this?
Group 2: Scripture in “By Revelation, according to Grace”
Ephesians 1:9–10, 15–23; 2:19; 3:1–8, 13; 4:7; Acts 21:17–34; Colossians 1:24–29; 4:3;
2 Corinthians 9:8; Romans 12:3, 6; 15:9–12; 1 Corinthians 3:10
1. What moved Paul to pray (Eph. 1:15–23)?
2. What does Acts 21:17–34 tell about Paul’s being in prison?
3. What does Ephesians 3:13 say about the purpose for Paul’s current situation?
4. How does Paul use the word stewardship in Colossians 1:25?
5. What does Paul write about grace in 2 Corinthians 9:8; Ephesians 4:7; Romans 12:3, 6;
1 Corinthians 3:10?
6. What does Ephesians 1:9–10 say about “mystery”?
7. What Old Testament passages does Paul quote in Romans 15:9–12 to authenticate his
work among the Gentiles?
Group 3: “The Manifold Wisdom of God . . . through the Church” and “Boldness and
Confident Access”
Ephesians 3:8–13
1. How does Paul regard himself?
2. What does Paul say here about the ministry of the church?
3. What does manifold mean? (You may want to use the dictionary and/or other Bible
translations.)
4. What does Paul say about God’s plan and purpose?
5. Explain the effect of God’s eternal purpose for believers.
© Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians (Auxano Press).
Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians
Week 6
Beyond All We Ask or Think
Focal Text: Ephesians 3:14–21
Key Verse: “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask
or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church
and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20–21
Before the Session
1. If needed, continue to wear a name tag and to provide name tags for participants.
2. Read chapter 6 of Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians. Read “During This
Session” to prepare for this week’s session. Read all Scriptures referenced in this chapter.
3. Make sure you have enough copies of Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians for
all participants.
4. Provide a whiteboard or flipchart and markers or chalkboard and chalk. Provide paper
and pens or pencils. Provide extra Bibles.
5. Display a large picture of your church on a table with pictures or items representing a
variety of church programs and ministries. Or create a bulletin board with a picture of the
church and around it lots of pictures of members of all ages involved in a variety of
activities. Or create a PowerPoint presentation of pictures of your church and members
involved in a variety of activities. Have it running as members arrive.
6. Be prepared to guide a discussion of each section, explaining the Scripture using Every
Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians and looking up other Scriptures referenced.
7. Music opportunities for this session are varied. The song “Amazed,” based on Ephesians
3:17–18, has options on YouTube and downloadable songs you can play. This might be a
good way to greet participants. The chorus “Into My Heart” is based on Ephesians 3:16–
17; consider singing this before the closing prayer. “O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus” is
based on Ephesians 3:17–18. You may want to ask someone to sing a solo or read the
words before you lecture on “Know the Unknowable Love of Christ.” “More about Jesus,”
based on Ephesians 3:19, is an easy song to sing early in the session. “Father, I Adore
You” is based on Ephesians 3:19 and would be another good option for a closing song.
The brief chorus “In the Family of God” is based on Ephesians 3:15; read this before you
begin your lecture. Another theology-teaching hymn based on Ephesians 3:18 is “Jesus,
Thy Boundless Love to Me.” “O Perfect Love” is based on Ephesians 3:17–19. With so
many hymns based on this portion of Ephesians, you may want to distribute copies of
hymns to small groups as an optional activity. See step 3 below.
During This Session
1. As participants arrive, invite them to look at the display, bulletin board, or PowerPoint
presentation. Then direct them to form small groups of four or five. Tell them to share
with one another their greatest dreams for the church. After everyone has arrived and
joined a group, invite small groups to share a few of their dreams for the church.
2. Enlist a volunteer to read the text for this session, Ephesians 3:14–21. You may want
several people to read the text from several translations. Invite members to follow along
in their own Bibles while the Scripture is read aloud.
3. Provide hymnals or copies of hymns (in public domain or with your church license) to
small groups. Give all groups these questions to answer and report to the group:
• Which verse or verses from Ephesians 3:14–21 inspired this hymn?
• What is the primary message of this hymn?
• Is this message relevant today? Why or why not?
4. If you have enlisted someone to share a testimony about enriching prayer life, call for the
testimony now.
5. As you lecture and lead the discussion of each section, you may want to ask questions
like these:
“I Bow My Knees”
• What prayer positions do you use? Do you think your position in prayer matters? Why
or why not? If you prefer a prayer position, what significance does it have for you?
• Do you have a favorite name for God in prayer? What is it? Why is it special to you?
“Strengthened with Power”
• When have you experienced supernatural strength or power?
• When has God enabled you to do something you didn’t think you could do?
Know the Unknowable Love of Christ
• When have you felt especially loved by God?
• How do you feel united with other believers because of this love?
“Filled Up to All the Fullness of God”
• What gifts do you see in other members of your church that you do not have? How do
the gifts of the people of God give evidence of this “fullness”?
“Beyond All That We Ask or Think”
• Invite participants to share praises at the end of your lecture and discussion. List these
on the board.
6. Close in prayer, thanking God for working in the life of your church and in individual
members’ lives. Ask God’s guidance in achieving the dreams He has placed on members’
hearts.
Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians
Week 7
The Gifted Community Expressing God’s Fullness
Focal Text: Ephesians 4:1–16
Key Verse: “But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s
gift.” Ephesians 4:7
Before the Session
1. If needed, continue to wear a name tag and to provide name tags for participants.
2. Read chapter 7 of Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians. Read “During This
Session” to prepare for this week’s session. Read all Scriptures referenced in this chapter.
3. Make sure you have enough copies of Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians for
all participants.
4. Provide a whiteboard or flipchart and markers or chalkboard and chalk. Provide paper
and pens or pencils. Provide extra Bibles. Provide these every week.
5. The content of this chapter has five subheads. Assign subheads 1, 3, and 5 to small
groups. Be prepared to lecture on subheads 2 and 4.
6. Provide copies of the questions for the three small groups to guide their discussions.
Provide Bibles in a variety of translations, paper and pens, and perhaps commentaries. If
your meeting room has Wi-Fi, suggest that groups use hand-held electronic devices to
look for commentary on their passages. Or in advance you may want to ask some people
to bring laptops to use during the session.
7. Display a copy of Ken Hemphill’s book You Are Gifted: Your Spiritual Gifts and the
Kingdom of God. Tell participants this book is available from Amazon.com in Kindle,
hardcover, and paperback versions.
8. In advance, work a jigsaw puzzle on a board you can transport to your meeting room and
display at the end of the session. Withhold a few pieces that you can easily add while you
conclude this session.
9. The contemporary hymn “Bind Us Together,” based on Ephesians 4:1, is available on
YouTube or downloadable as an audio recording. This hymn would be a great way to
begin or end the session. The familiar “Blest Be the Tie,” often sung after Lord’s Supper
services, is based on Ephesians 4:4–6; it would be a good closing song. Invite participants
to form hands in a circle and sing the hymn a capella. Your church may be more familiar
with the hymn “The Bond of Love.” It is based on Ephesians 4:13; it is another option for
a closing hymn. A hymn about unity, “Our God Has Made Us One,” is based on
Ephesians 4:3. You could read the words after group 1 reports. An option to read after
group 2 reports is “Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise,” based on Ephesians 4:8.
During This Session
1. As participants arrive, direct them to form small groups of three or four. Provide paper
and pens or pencils. Make sure all small groups have Bibles and copies of Every Spiritual
Blessing: A Study of Ephesians. Tell them to select a verse from the end of one of the
chapters studied so far (including this one) and to create a game or puzzle of some kind.
They can mix letters of words, write the words and cut them apart. Remove vowels and
create a fill-in-the blank puzzle. Or use codes or symbols for vowels, consonants, or both.
Tell them they will swap puzzles with another group to work the puzzles.
2. Direct participants to form three groups. Make these group assignments:
• Group 1: The Worthy Walk (Eph. 4:1–3)
• Group 2: The Triumphant King Gifts His Church (Eph. 4:7–10)
• Group 3: The Results of Gifted Ministry (Eph. 4:13–16)
Tell groups to look up all the Scripture references in their assigned topics. Give each
group the questions from the Group Discussion Guide that follows this page.
3. After each group reports, ask these questions for general discussion:
Group 1: The Worthy Walk (Eph. 4:1–3)
• How would you describe a “worthy walk” for believers today?
• Write on the board: Character and conduct must correspond to one’s creed. Ask: Give
some practical examples of how people apply this doctrine to the way they live.
After group 1 reports and you ask questions for discussion, lecture on “Unity, the
Foundation for Gifted Ministry.”
Group 2: The Triumphant King Gifts His Church (Eph. 4:7–10)
• If your group uses an instrument for discerning spiritual gifts, make that available to
anyone who has not done this. Tell about how the instrument is used in the church.
• Explain that the Internet has a number of free spiritual gifts instruments. Suggest that
participants may want to take a couple of these to check or explore their spiritual gifts.
After group 2 reports, lecture on “Gifted Leaders Equipping Gifted Members."
Group 3: The Results of Gifted Ministry (Eph. 4:13–16)
• What does your church do to help members mature in their faith?
• What more should the church do to help members grow in discipleship?
4. Display the jigsaw puzzle. As you add the final pieces, point out that each piece is unique
and the puzzle would not be complete without it. Say: Every church member is unique
and important to the life and ministry of this church.
5. Invite the group to join you in saying Ephesians 4:7.
6. Encourage the group to memorize this verse and to prepare for next week’s session.
7. Close with a prayer thanking God for all the members of your church, for their gifts and
for the ministry and love in this church.
Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians
Chapter 7 Group Assignments
Group 1: The Worthy Walk
Ephesians 4:1–3
• Why is our Christian walk important?
• What is the function of love in a community of believers?
• Explain humility and gentleness and how they are connected.
• Why are humility, gentleness, and patience “divine attributes”?
• Explain unity.
Group 2: The Triumphant King Gifts His Church
Ephesians 4:7–10
• What is the difference between unity and uniformity?
• Who receives spiritual gifts?
• What is the purpose of spiritual gifts?
Group 3: The Results of Gifted Ministry
Ephesians 4:13–16
• Explain “unity of the faith.”
• Explain Christian maturity.
• What is the source of the church’s capacity for growth and activity?
• How should church members relate to one another?
© Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians (Auxano Press).
Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians
Week 8
Off with the Old, On with the New
Focal Text: Ephesians 4:17–32
Key Verse: “And put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in
righteousness and holiness of the truth.” Ephesians 4:24
Before the Session
1. If needed, continue to wear a name tag and to provide name tags for participants.
2. Read chapter 8 of Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians. Read “During This
Session” to prepare for this week’s session. Read all Scriptures referenced in this chapter.
3. Make sure you have enough copies of Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians for
all participants.
4. Provide a whiteboard or flipchart and markers or chalkboard and chalk. Provide paper
and pens or pencils. Provide extra Bibles in a variety of translations.
5. On a large sheet of paper or on the whiteboard or chalkboard, make two columns. At the
top of one write Old; at the top of the other write New.
6. Be prepared to add comments to each group’s report by studying the content and
referenced Scriptures. You may want to do additional reading in a commentary or online.
7. “Take My Life (Holiness)” is a contemporary hymn based on the Key Verse for this
session, Ephesians 4:24. YouTube videos are available as well as downloadable versions
of this hymn. You may want to show or play this to introduce the focus on this week’s
Key Verse. Perhaps a more familiar hymn, “Since I Have Been Redeemed” is based on
Ephesians 4:30. Consider singing this together at the end of the session or use it to
introduce the third small-group report.
During This Session
1. As participants arrive, direct them to form three small groups. Give each group a piece of
paper and a pen or pencil. Tell them to brainstorm pairs of words about their life before
and after Christ. Examples include: lost, saved; dark, light; death, life.
2. After everyone has arrived, joined a group, and participated in the brainstorming, ask
groups to select a few of their pairs of words to write on the board or large paper.
3. Say: Many of us have been Christians since we were children. Sometimes we lose sight
of the difference Christ has made in our lives—a one-time change and an ongoing
difference every day. Compare the group’s words for life before Christ with those Paul
used in verses 17–19.
4. Assign the three groups the three subheads of this week’s chapter, “Off with the Old, On
with the New.” Give the groups the appropriate questions from the Group Discussion
Guide following this page.
5. Call for the three reports. Add comments as groups tell about the content for each part of
this week’s chapter.
6. After all the groups have reported, invite participants to call out new pairs of words for
life before and after Christ. Add these to the list you started earlier.
7. End the discussion with comments on kindness from the end of the chapter. Challenge
the group to perform random acts of kindness throughout the coming week.
8. Invite the group to say together Ephesians 4:24.
9. Challenge the group to prepare for next week’s session. Thank them for their faithfulness
in attending all the sessions.
10. Voice a prayer for believers to continue to put off the old and put on the new attributes
and behaviors of a daily walk with Christ.
Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians
Chapter 8 Group Assignments
Group 1: No Longer Walk in Futility
Ephesians 4:17–19
• What is the first step in beginning the new way of life?
• Why is the unbeliever’s life futile?
• What leads to an immoral lifestyle?
Group 2: Lay Aside and Put On
Ephesians 4:20–24
• How do believers verify their confession of faith in Christ?
• How do we know the truth about God?
• What is the three-step formula for new life in Christ?
Group 3: Members of One Another
Ephesians 4:25–32
• How is salvation both individual and part of a community?
• How are falsehood and anger part of the old life? What replaces them in Christ?
• What other behaviors must be eliminated and replaced with something new for believers?
© Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians (Auxano Press).
Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians
Week 9
Follow the Leader
Focal Text: Ephesians 5:1–21
Key Verse: “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.” Ephesians 5:1
Before the Session
1. If needed, continue to wear a name tag and to provide name tags for participants.
2. Read chapter 9 of Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians. Read “During This
Session” to prepare for this week’s session. Read all Scriptures referenced in this chapter.
3. Make sure you have enough copies of Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians for
all participants.
4. Provide a whiteboard or flipchart and markers or chalkboard and chalk. Provide paper
and pens or pencils. Provide extra Bibles in a variety of translations.
5. Write the words Leader, Follower, Group Members on the board.
6. Enlist four members to lead discussions. Assign them the four sections of this chapter and
the four areas of conduct Paul focuses on in these verses—love, purity, light, and wisdom.
Tell them to prepare using the content of the chapter, the assigned verses of Ephesians 5,
and additional Scriptures referenced in their assigned section of the text. Give them the
group discussion questions related to their assignment. Participants will move from group
to group. Tell the four group leaders how long they will have for each small-group
discussion (one-fourth of the time available). Plan a way to let leaders know when they
have three minutes to wrap up their discussion and a sound—such as a bell or buzzer—to
let participants know it is time to move to another group.
7. Several hymns are based on Ephesians 5:1–21. “Eternal God, May We Be Free” is based
on verse 1. “Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love” is based on verse 18. “Songs of Praise
the Angels Sing,” “Sing, Congregation, Sing,” “Jesus Is the Song,” “Fill the Earth with
Music,” and “My Singing Is Prayer” are all based on verse 19. “Come, We That Love the
Lord” and “For the Beauty of the Earth” are based on verse 20. With so many hymns
based on these verses, consider an activity involving hymns. See step 2 below. Consider
ending the session by singing one of the hymns that is more familiar to your group.
During This Session
1. Set the room up for four groups. As participants arrive, direct them to join one of those
four groups. Tell the leaders you enlisted to go to one of the four groups. Tell participants
to discuss roles in the church in terms of whether they are leaders, followers, or group
members. Ask them to talk about which roles are most comfortable for them and why.
After everyone has arrived, joined a group, and had opportunity to join the discussion,
say: Church members are often called on to be leaders, group members, and followers—
sometimes at the same time. A member of the church council might lead a ministry of the
church, such as Sunday School. A member of a Sunday School class might be asked to
lead a group in a ministry project. Whatever our roles in the church, we are all united in
following Christ.
2. Explain that many hymns are based on Ephesians and Ephesians 5 is no exception.
Clearly many people love Ephesians just as Ken Hemphill, the author of Every Spiritual
Blessing: A Study of Ephesians, does. Select four of the hymns to give the small groups.
Note that “Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love,” “Sing, Congregation, Sing,” “Jesus Is the
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Song,” “Fill the Earth with Music,” “My Singing Is a Prayer,” “For the Beauty of the
Earth,” and “Come, We That Love the Lord” speak of love. Select four of these and give
one to each of the four groups. Direct them to answer the following questions and report
to the group:
• Which verse or verses in Ephesians 5:1–21 relate to this hymn?
• What does this hymn say about love?
• Is the message of the hymn consistent with Paul’s message in Ephesians? Explain.
• How does the hymn help apply the Scripture?
Call for reports and affirm the work of the four groups.
Point out that in this chapter of Ephesians, Paul focuses on four areas of our walk with
Christ—love, purity, light, and wisdom.
Explain that one person in each group has been designated a discussion leader. He or she
will tell about the section and then ask questions for group discussion. Explain that
groups will move (to the right or left) at the sound. Groups will move together. Leaders
will repeat their discussion topic four times with the four groups.
After the four small-group time periods, summarize this session. Invite volunteers to
answer this question: What is most challenging to you about your walk with Christ?
Invite the group to repeat with you Ephesians 5:1, the verse for this week’s study.
Recall an experience of a child’s copying an adult. Point out that we are to imitate Christ,
just as children imitate adults. It is one way for us to show our love for Him.
Close by praying Paul’s prayer from Philippians 1:9–11, NASB: “And this I pray, that
your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that
you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until
the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through
Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians
Chapter 9 Group Assignments
Group 1: Walk in Love
Ephesians 5:1–2
• Why and how are love and forgiveness tied together?
• What is most challenging about the call to love?
• Why does love demand sacrifice?
Group 2: Walk in Purity
Ephesians 5:3–5
• How is the challenge to walk in purity the same today as it was in Paul’s day? How is it
different?
• How is greed related to impurity? Is greed an accepted vice today? Explain your answer.
• What is the three-step formula for new life in Christ?
Group 3: “Walk as Children of Light”
Ephesians 5:6–14
• How should Christians today be different from unbelievers?
• Goodness, righteousness, and truth are the qualities of the light of Christ. How do they compare
to the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22–23)?
• Of the three metaphors for turning to God—awakening for sleep, rising from the dead, and
moving from darkness to light—which connects most with your own experience, and why?
Group 4: Walk in Wisdom
Ephesians 5:15–21
• Whom do you know who is wise? Do they fit Paul’s description?
• Describe a Spirit-filled life.
• Where does the church fit in this fourfold challenge for Christian conduct?
© Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians (Auxano Press).
Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians
Week 10
Christ and His Church/Husbands and Wives
Focal Text: Ephesians 5:22–33
Key Verse: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave
Himself up for her.” Ephesians 5:25
Before the Session
1. If needed, continue to wear a name tag and to provide name tags for participants.
2. Read chapter 10 of Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians. Read “During This
Session” to prepare for this week’s session. Read all Scriptures referenced in this chapter.
3. Make sure you have enough copies of Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians for
all participants.
4. Provide a whiteboard or flipchart and markers or chalkboard and chalk. Provide paper
and pens or pencils. Provide extra Bibles in several translations.
5. Write the word Submit on the board.
6. Enlist a woman who has been married for some time to talk positively about submission.
An option to this is to enlist two people to “debate” in a fun way whether women’s
submission in marriage is appropriate in the world today.
7. Prepare to lecture on this chapter. Plan to engage participants by asking questions for
discussion and by enlisting volunteers to read selected Scriptures as you move through
the content.
8. Hymns that relate to Ephesians 5:22–33 include “O Lord, May Church and Home
Combine” (v. 25) and “O God, to Those Who Here Profess” (v. 31). You may want to
use the words of one of these hymns to show how one writer applied this Scripture.
During This Session
1. As participants arrive, invite them to form small groups of four or five to talk about
submission. Suggest that they use these questions to guide their discussion. You may
want to write these questions on the board or on a large sheet of paper or type and print
copies so small groups can see them easily.
• Think of a time in your life when you were forced to submit—perhaps a time when it
was difficult but later you realized it was for your own welfare. (Example: A parent
making a child do something to keep the child safe.)
• Think of a time when gladly you submitted to another person’s leadership. Why were
you willing to submit to this person? What were the results?
• Think of a time when you were in a group that would not submit to a leader. What
happened?
2. After everyone has had opportunity to participate in a group discussion, ask the questions
and invite participants to share responses.
3. Say: In a time and place where people are individualists with their own opinions,
submission is not a very popular stance. But it can work. If you’ve enlisted someone to
give a testimony, call for it now. If you plan the debate, do that at this time.
4. Begin your lecture by pointing out that Paul’s instructions were not limited to wives. He
also had instructions for husbands. Suggest that everyone listen and decide who has the
most difficult assignment—husbands or wives—and why. Then proceed with your
lecture.
5. At the end of the session, ask the group whether husbands or wives have the most
challenging assignment. Invite feedback from the group on this topic. Affirm comments,
but don’t let one person dominate. And don’t let this time become an opportunity for
venting or negativity. Knowing your group, keep control of the session, and end it on a
positive note by calling the group to say or read together Ephesians 5:25.
6. Pray, thanking God for the opportunity for believers to submit to one another in the love
of Christ as all together follow Him.
Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians
Week 11
Family Relationships
Focal Text: Ephesians 6:1–9
Key Verse: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the
discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4
Before the Session
1. If needed, continue to wear a name tag and to provide name tags for participants.
2. Read chapter 11 of Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians. Read “During This
Session” to prepare for this week’s session. Read all Scriptures referenced in this chapter.
3. Make sure you have enough copies of Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians for
all participants.
4. Provide a whiteboard or flipchart and markers or chalkboard and chalk. Provide paper
and pens or pencils. Provide extra Bibles in a variety of translations.
5. In advance, invite participants to bring family photos to share. Be sensitive to couples
who do not have children and families who have recently lost loved ones. Let this session
begin with an informal time for participants to share about any part of their family—
children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. They can bring family portraits or show
pictures on cell phones or tablets.
6. Enlist a panel of three or four parents in advance to prepare to share the content of the
first parts of this chapter: “Children, Obey Your Parents” and “Parents, Discipline Your
Children.” Suggest that they get together to plan how they will deliver the content and
involve participants.
7. Plan to lecture on the last part of the chapter: “Workers, Serve as Slaves of Christ” and
“Masters, Do the Same Things.”
8. “Make Me a Servant” is a hymn based on Ephesians 6:7. You could use it as a closing
prayer.
During This Session
1. As participants arrive, invite them to share informally about their family members,
showing pictures and telling stories.
2. Call for the panel of enlisted parents to come forward to share the content from the first
half of this chapter
3. Transition to the second half of the chapter by saying: Paul instructed both the family and
the family of God—the church—in how we should relate to one another.
4. Conclude the lecture by pointing out that, just as Paul instructed slaves, he also instructed
masters. Leaders and followers; employers and employees; husbands, wives, and
children; church leaders and church members—all are called to follow Christ and to be
obedient to Him.
5. Invite participants to join you in saying Ephesians 6:4.
6. Call for participants to share prayer concerns and praises regarding family members.
Write these on the board, and voice a prayer for concerns listed.
Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians
Week 12
“Put On the Full Armor of God”
Focal Text: Ephesians 6:10–24
Key Verse: “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against
the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11
Before the Session
1. If needed, continue to wear a name tag and to provide name tags for participants.
2. Read chapter 12 of Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians. Read “During This
Session” to prepare for this week’s session. Read all Scriptures referenced in this chapter.
3. Make sure you have enough copies of Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians for
all participants. Take orders for additional copies for friends and family members.
4. Provide a whiteboard or flipchart and markers or chalkboard and chalk. Provide paper
and pens or pencils. Provide extra Bibles in a variety of translations.
5. Go to Google Images on the Internet and search for “biblical armor.” Select one or more
images that fit the items in Ephesians 6 to use to illustrate Paul’s comparisons of
equipping believers with equipping people for military readiness.
6. Hymns from these verses include: “Be Strong in the Lord,” verse 10–17; “Stand Up,
Stand Up for Jesus,” verses 13–14; “”Soldiers of Christ, in Truth Arrayed,” verse 14;
“Grace to You,” verse 24; “Grace, Love, and Peace Abide,” verses 23–24; and “How I
Love You,” verse 24.
7. If you have someone in the group or in your church who has recently served in the
military, enlist that person in advance to share briefly how he or she prepared to go
overseas to a war zone, away from home and family.
8. Plan to lecture on this chapter of Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians.
During This Session
1. As participants arrive, direct them to form a large circle to play a game. They will go
around the circle, and each will say, “To get ready to ________, I will need my
_________.” They will quickly fill in the two blanks, not repeating what any other person
has said. For example, “To get ready to swim, I will need my goggles.” “To get ready to
play golf, I will need my golf clubs.” As participants continue to arrive, let them join the
circle or start a new circle. You may have several circles going at the same time.
2. After everyone has arrived and joined the game, point out that most of what we do
requires some preparation. Although we may not think about it in the same way, the
Christian life also requires ongoing preparation. That’s what Paul says to his readers in
this last chapter of Ephesians.
3. If your group has been singing, good hymns to begin the session include “Be Strong in
the Lord” and “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus.”
4. If you have enlisted a member of the military to speak, introduce the person and say:
Going away from home to a war zone requires preparation. That preparation is likely
physical, mental, and spiritual.
5. After the testimony about military preparation, say: Paul wants believers of all times to
be prepared for spiritual warfare. That’s what our Scripture is about today.
6. Enlist a volunteer to read Ephesians 6:10–13. Lecture, using these verses and the content
from “A Call to Arms” in this chapter of Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians.
7. For discussion, ask: When have you prepared spiritually for a difficult situation? How
have you done that? (Examples might include illness, surgery, difficult work situations,
family stress, etc. Preparation might include prayer, meditation, Bible readying, talking
with other believers, counseling, asking others to pray, etc.)
8. Enlist someone to read Ephesians 6:14–17. Distribute images of biblical armor or show a
PowerPoint presentation to explain Paul’s comparison. After your lecture on these verses
and “The Armor Described” from chapter 12 of Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of
Ephesians, ask for discussion: Which spiritual defense is most valuable to you and why?
9. Enlist a volunteer to read Ephesians 6:18–20 before you lecture on “Covered with Prayer.”
Emphasizing the word “all,” remind participants of their journey through Ephesians over
the past twelve or thirteen sessions. Recall Paul’s emphasis on the church and his desire
for unity among the believers. He continues to include everyone to the end of this letter.
10. Enlist a volunteer to read Ephesians 6:21–24. Point out that letters today—if anyone ever
writes a letter anymore—usually begin with personal details, but Paul ends with them.
11. Close by singing “Grace to You.”
Every Spiritual Blessing: A Study of Ephesians
Chapter 12 Group Assignments
Group 1, God Desires to Transform Our Sinful Hearts
• How is the New Covenant superior to the Old Covenant?
• According to Jeremiah, what is the relationship between the Law and the human heart?
• What did Ezekiel promise?
• How did Paul’s comments connect to the Old Testament examples?
• How did God fulfill His promise to change hearts?
Group 2, God Desires to Indwell Individuals with His Holy Spirit
• What is the role of the Holy Spirit in changing hearts?
• What happens today when a person is saved regarding the Holy Spirit? Compare the
new believer’s experience to Mary’s experience.
• How did Paul’s writings confirm the role of the Holy Spirit in changing hearts and
lives?
Group 3, God Desires for People to Be Saved
• What are the steps a person must take to be saved?
• What does it mean to “call on the name of the Lord”? Give some biblical examples.
• How would you explain “invite Jesus into your heart” to a nonbeliever?
© Pray like It Matters (Auxano Press).