Ephesians 1 |
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
Verse 1 ToDo Items
F Know that Paul was chosen by God to be sent out with authority as an ambassador of Jesus Christ. [See Acts 9:15, Ephesians 6:19-20]
F Know that Paul did not choose Jesus but rather Jesus chose Paul to be His apostle. [See Acts 9, Galatians 1:1]
F Know that Paul’s God-given purpose was to be an apostle of Jesus Christ. (His apostleship was by divine appointment.)
C Know that God has a master plan which He is executing.
C Know that God involves people to fulfil His plan. [See 1 Corinthians 3:9]
C Know that God sends people to people with the good news of Jesus Christ. [See Mark 16:15]
C Know that God may choose even the most unlikely people to fulfil His plan on the Earth, including those who directly oppose Him.
C Know that God has chosen His saints to be part of His plan.
I Know that our faith has brought us into Christ and Christ into us. [See Ephesians 2:8-10]
I Know that in Christ, we are saints.
I Know that in Christ, we are ambassadors of Jesus Christ. [See 2 Corinthians 5:20]
I Know that in Christ, God has purposed each of us with a unique part to play in His plan.
Verse 1 ToDo Items
2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Verse 2 ToDo Items
C Know that grace and peace emanate jointly from both God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
C Know that the Lord Jesus Christ is equally divine with God the Father.
C Know that Jesus is Lord.
C Know that Jesus is Saviour.
C Know that Jesus is the Messiah ("The Anointed One").
C Know that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. [See Isaiah 9:6]
I Know that in Christ, God is our Father.
I Know that in Christ, grace is continually ours because God is our Father. [See 2 Corinthians 9:8]
I Know that in Christ, we have peace with God. [See John 14:27, Galatians 5:22, Ephesians 2:14, Colossians 1:20]
I Know that in Christ, we do not strive for peace with God because He has reconciled us back to Himself by the cross. [See Ephesians 2:12-17, Colossians 1:20]
Verse 2 ToDo Items
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
Verse 3 ToDo Items
C Know that God is worthy of praise.
C Know that God the Father is the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ. Both in the humanity and deity of Jesus. [See John 5:17-18, 20:17; 2 Corinthians 11:31, Ephesians 1:17, 1 Peter 1:3]
C Know that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
C Know that God is gracious. [v2-3]
I Know that in Christ, Jesus is our Lord.
I Know that in Christ, God has blessed us with every possible spiritual blessing. [See 2 Corinthians 1:19-20]
I Know that in Christ, our spiritual blessings originate from heaven and cover every aspect of the good that comes to us by grace (not just the gifts of the Spirit).
I Know that in Christ, our spiritual blessings are brought to us from heaven by and through the Holy Spirit.
I Know that in Christ, our spiritual blessings are to get heaven into us (not just get us into heaven) so that we can manifest heaven on the Earth for God’s glory.
T Praise God the Father for all your spiritual blessings in Christ.
Verse 3 ToDo Items
4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Verse 4 ToDo Items
F Know that God’s master plan started before the creation of the world.
F Know that God’s master plan, before the creation of the world, was that the followers of Christ should be chosen through the message of the gospel.
F Know that God has a specific plan in choosing each believer.
C Know that Jesus was with God before the creation of the world.
C Know that God’s penetrating and searching gaze sees down into our innermost being.
C Know that God gazes in a satisfied, delighted contemplation of the reflection of the holiness and spotlessness of the Lord Jesus in the character of His saints.
I Know that we were chosen by God in Christ before the creation of the world. [See 2 Timothy 1:9]
I Know that we did not choose God, He selected us out for Himself. [See John 15:16, Ephesians 2:1-5]
I Know that it was by God’s freely bestowed grace that we were chosen in Christ. [See Romans 11:5-6, Ephesians 2:5, 2 Timothy 1:9]
I Know that our spiritual blessings were given because we were chosen in Christ. [v3-4]
I Know that in Christ, we have been set apart by God, for God.
I Know that in Christ, we are holy and blameless through the imputed righteousness of Jesus.
Verse 4 ToDo Items
5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Verse 5 ToDo Items
C Know that it was God’s heart’s desire and delighted Him when He marked out those for adoption to Himself as His adult children.
C Know that God wants to be Father to us.
I Know that in Christ, we are children of God.
I Know that God appointed us beforehand to be adopted as His adult children by Jesus Christ for Himself. [See John 1:12, Romans 8:15-16, Galatians 3:26, 4:4-5]
I Know that our adoption as God’s adult children has given us a new identity as sons of the King.
Verse 5 ToDo Items
6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
Verse 6 ToDo Items
F Know that God’s grace is glorious.
C Know that God is glorious.
C Know that Jesus is God’s only begotten and beloved Son. [See Matthew 3:17, Mark 1:11, Luke 3:22, John 3:16, 2 Peter 1:17]
I Know that our adoption as God’s adult children is for the praise of God the Father and the glory of His grace. [v3-6]
I Know that God has made us highly favoured and accepted in His beloved Son Jesus. [See Romans 5:1-2]
I Know that in Christ, we do not need to seek God’s approval.
T Let your life be a story of praise for God the Father and the glory of His freely bestowed, satisfying loving kindness and favour.
Verse 6 ToDo Items
7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Verse 7 ToDo Items
C Know that God’s master plan is one of redemption for mankind through the blood of Jesus. [See Luke 1:68]
C Know that God is merciful.
C Know that God gives generously.
I Know that Jesus is our redeemer. [v5-7] [See Titus 2:14]
I Know that in Christ, we have been redeemed through the precious blood of Jesus. [See Mark 10:45, Romans 3:24-25, Colossians 1:14, 1 Peter 1:18-19]
I Know that in Christ, our sins (past, present and future) have been permanently forgiven and blotted out through the ransom blood of Jesus. [See Colossians 1:14, 2:13-14]
I Know that in Christ, sin no longer has dominion over us. [See Romans 6:14]
I Know that in Christ, we are no longer servants to sin but under the riches of God’s grace. [See Romans 6:14-18]
I Know that in Christ, God has lavished the abundant wealth of His grace upon us.
Verse 7 ToDo Items
8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
Verse 8 ToDo Items
C Know that God’s grace flows super abundantly towards His children. [v5-8] [See Romans 5:19-20]
I Know that in Christ, God has bestowed wisdom and understanding upon us through the abundant wealth of His grace. [v7-8] [See Romans 11:33]
Verse 8 ToDo Items
9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
Verse 9 ToDo Items
F Know that the mystery of God’s will was first revealed to the apostles and prophets who then made it known to the Church. [See Ephesians 3:3-5]
C Know that it pleases God to reveal His will to His children.
C Know that God decides and does as He pleases.
C Know that God does not act without purpose or plan.
I Know that in Christ, God has chosen to make known to us the hidden secret of His master plan. [See John 15:15]
Verse 9 ToDo Items
10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
Verse 10 ToDo Items
F Know that the dead in Christ are in heaven.
C Know that God is orchestrating a certain succession of times and seasons as He works out the purpose of His will. [See Acts 17:26]
C Know that God is the Lord and steward of all time and seasons.
C Know that God has positioned His Son Jesus Christ at the centre of His master plan.
C Know that God’s purpose from the beginning has been to bring everything back together again to their original state in Christ, both from in heaven and on Earth.
Verse 10 ToDo Items
11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
Verse 11 ToDo Items
I Know that in Christ, we have become children and heirs of God. [v5-11] [See Romans 8:15-17]
I Know that in Christ, we have obtained an inheritance.
C Know that God wants us to be part of His plan.
I Know that in Christ, we were predestined to be part of God’s purpose and plan. [See 2 Timothy 1:9]
F Know that you were no accident of birth.
F Know that you were born for a reason.
F Know that when we seek to serve and do the will of God it gives direction and purpose to our life.
C Know that God works all things after the counsel of His own will. [v9-11]
C Know that God is sovereign, having supreme power and authority to rule as He chooses.
C Know that God does not need or seek advice from anybody.
Verse 11 ToDo Items
12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
Verse 12 ToDo Items
I Know that we exist to praise God’s glorious Son. [v11-12] [See Isaiah 43:21]
T Live for the praise of God’s glorious Son.
F Know that it was the Jews who first hoped in the Messiah.
Verse 12 ToDo Items
13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Verse 13 ToDo Items
F Know that it was always God’s plan to allow Gentile believers to trust in the Messiah also.
I Know that our trust is in Christ since we heard and believed the Word of Truth (Jesus), the good news of our salvation. [See John 5:24]
F Know that the Word of Truth (Jesus) is the good news of salvation.
F Know that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. [See Romans 10:17]
F Know that despite being chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world, believers are not born again until the exact time planned by God for them to hear and believe the gospel of salvation.
F Know that all men have need of salvation. [See Romans 3:23]
I Know that in Christ, the Holy Spirit dwells within our heart. [See 2 Corinthians 1:22; Romans 5:5]
I Know that we received the Holy Spirit of promise after we believed.
I Know that the Holy Spirit is God’s seal of ownership upon us.
F Know that the Holy Spirit is God’s seal of ownership upon believers.
P Know that the seal of the Holy Spirit is God’s pledge to fulfil all heavenly blessings bestowed upon a believer.
Verse 13 ToDo Items
14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Verse 14 ToDo Items
I Know that the Holy Spirit is the down payment (pledge) of our inheritance until our bodily redemption. [v13-14] [See Romans 8:23]
I Know that we are each a purchased possession of the Lord. [v13-14] [See 1 Corinthians 6:19-20]
I Know that we have been purchased by the ransom blood of Jesus. [See Acts 20:28]
C Know that the Holy Spirit is glorious.
C Know that the Holy Spirit is worthy of praise.
I Know that our possession of the Holy Spirit is for the praise of His (the Holy Spirit’s) glory. [v13-14]
T Praise the glory of the Holy Spirit.
Verse 14 ToDo Items
15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
Verse 15 ToDo Items
F Know that faith in Jesus and love towards all of the saints go together hand-in-hand for believers.
F Know that faith produces love.
F Know that true faith causes us to take action towards others. [See James 2:18]
I Know that in Christ we are to love all saints and not just those that are "easy" to love. [See 1 John 3:14]
Verse 15 ToDo Items
16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
Verse 16 ToDo Items
T Give thanks and pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ without ceasing.
T Know that it is important to tell people personally that we thank God for them and pray for them.
Verse 16 ToDo Items
17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
Verse 17 ToDo Items
C Know that God is the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ. [See 2 Corinthians 11:31, Ephesians 1:3, 1 Peter 1:3]
C Know that God is the Father of glory (Jesus). [See John 1:14]
F Know that wisdom does not come automatically to believers at time of conversion.
T Remember that wisdom is the principal thing. [See Proverbs 4:7]
T Earnestly seek after wisdom.
F Know that revelation unveils truth about God.
F Know that Paul received and was taught the gospel by the revelation of Jesus Christ. [See Galatians 1:11-12]
T Pray that God may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the experiential knowledge of His character and will. [See Colossians 1:9]
C Know that God wants us to know Him.
C Know that God not only wants us to know about Him but also to know Him personally through a first-hand relationship with Him. [See Colossians 1:10]
C Know that God wants to be part of our lives.
Verse 17 ToDo Items
18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
Verse 18 ToDo Items
T Pray that your understanding may be enlightened to know the certainty of His calling.
I Know that our confident expectation of His calling is eternal life with God. [See 1 Peter 5:10]
I Know that we are called with a holy calling according to His purpose and grace. [See 2 Timothy 1:9]
F Know that there are great riches to be found in the glorious Holy Spirit.
T Pray that you may know and understand the riches of the glory of His inheritance (the Holy Spirit) in you and in the body of Christ. [See 1 Corinthians 12]
Verse 18 ToDo Items
19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
Verse 19 ToDo Items
T Pray that you may know and experience the working of His great and miraculous power that is given to believers. [v18-19]
C Know that God’s power in us (the Holy Spirit) is exceedingly great and mighty.
I Know that as believers God’s exceedingly great and mighty power is at our disposal. [See 2 Corinthians 4:7]
I Know that we are agents of God’s mighty power. [See Acts 1:8]
I Know that power from God allows us to look fear in the face and move on with confidence.
I Know that no matter what situation or pressure may come upon us, we have the power of God to address it.
T Do not underestimate or lose sight of the power of God in your life.
I Know that as believers we are not only to know about God’s exceedingly great and mighty power but we are to put it to work in our lives for His glory. [v13-19] [See Ephesians 3:20]
C Know that God wants to demonstrate His mighty power through us so that He might receive glory. [v18-19]
Verse 19 ToDo Items
20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
Verse 20 ToDo Items
C Know that God can raise the dead.
C Know that God’s power is life giving.
F Know that God raised Jesus from the dead.
F Know that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead raises the believer from spiritual death.
C Know that Jesus, who once was dead, is alive.
F Know that God demonstrated the exceeding greatness of His power when He raised Jesus from the dead. [v19-20]
F Know that God has set Jesus at His own right hand in heaven to share His throne. [See Psalms 110:1]
C Know that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God in heaven. [See Revelation 3:21]
C Know that Jesus is the only one invited by the Father to sit at His right hand in heaven. [See Hebrews 1:13]
Verse 20 ToDo Items
21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
Verse 21 ToDo Items
F Know that God the Father has exalted His Son far above every name. [v20-21] [See Philippians 2:6-11]
C Know that Jesus is set far above every power, authority and name that is named, not only in this world but also in that which is to come. [v20-21]
P Know that there is a world to come after this world.
Verse 21 ToDo Items
22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
Verse 22 ToDo Items
F Know that God the Father has put all things in subjection to Jesus. [See Psalms 8:6, 1 Corinthians 15:27]
C Know that Jesus has absolute sovereignty and supreme authority over all things. [v20-22] [See Matthew 28:18]
F Know that God the Father has set Jesus as supreme head and authority over all things to the church for its benefit. [See Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 4:15, 5:23]
C Know that Jesus is head of the church.
Verse 22 ToDo Items
23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
Verse 23 ToDo Items
F Know that the Church is the living embodiment of Jesus on Earth to manifest His glory. [v22-23]
I Know that in Christ we are members of His body (the Church) and to do as He (the head) commands.
C Know that just as the head commands the body, so Jesus commands the Church. [v22-23]
F Know that the church (His body) is the fulfilment of Jesus who completes every good work pre-ordained for every believer within the body of Christ. [See Philippians 2:13]
Verse 23 ToDo Items