The Navigators - Ephesians: A Double-Edged Bible Study

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ISBN 978-1-61291-410-7

Cover design by Faceout Studio, Jeff Miller

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Unless otherwise identified, all Scripture quotations in this publication are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV). Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. Other versions used include: THE MESSAGE (MSG). Copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.

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contents

introduction to
TH1NK
LifeChange

Double-Edged and Ready for Action

For the word of God is living and active . Sharper than any double-edged sword , it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit , joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart .

Hebrews 4:12

a reason to study

Studying the Bible is more than homework. It is more than reading a textbook. And it is more than an opportunity for a social gathering. Like Hebrews suggests, the Bible knows us, challenges us, and, yes, judges us. Like a double-edged sword, its sharp enough to cut through our layers of insecurity and pretense to change our lives forever.

Deep down, isnt that what we want to actually experience Gods power in our lives through Scripture? Thats what TH1NK LifeChange is all about. The purpose of this Bible study is to connect you intimately with Gods Word. It can change you, not only intellectually but also spiritually, emotionally, maybe even physically. Gods Word is that powerful.

The psalmist wrote,

What you say goes, GOD,

and stays, as permanent as the heavens.

Your truth never goes out of fashion;

its as up-to-date as the earth when the sun comes up....

If your revelation hadnt delighted me so,

I would have given up when the hard times came.

But Ill never forget the advice you gave me;

you saved my life with those wise words.

Save me! Im all yours.

I look high and low for your words of wisdom.

The wicked lie in ambush to destroy me,

but Im only concerned with your plans for me.

I see the limits to everything human,

but the horizons cant contain your commands!

(Psalm 119:89-90,92-96, MSG)

Do you notice the intimate connection the psalmist has with God because of the greatness of the Word? He trusts God, he loves Him, and his greatest desire is to obey Him. But the only way he knows how to do any of this is by knowing Gods voice, Gods words.

the details

Each TH1NK LifeChange study covers one book of the Bible so you can concentrate on its particular, essential details. Although every study covers a different book, there are common threads throughout the series. Each study will:

1. Help you understand the book youre studying so well that it affects your daily thinking

2. Teach valuable Bible study skills you can use on your own to go even deeper into Gods Word

3. Provide a contextual understanding of the book, offering historical background, word definitions, and explanatory notes

4. Allow you to understand the message of the book as a whole

5. Demonstrate how Gods Word can transform you into an authentic representative of Jesus

Every week, plan on spending thirty to forty-five minutes on your own to complete the study. Then get together with your group. Depending on the amount of time it takes, you can go through either a whole or half lesson each week. If you do one lesson per week, youll finish the study in just under three months. Its all up to you.

the structure

The twelve lessons include the following elements:

Study. First youll study the book by yourself. This is where youll answer questions, learn cultural and biographical information, and ask God some questions of your own.

Live. After youve absorbed the information, youll want to look in a mirror figuratively, that is. Think about your life in the context of what youve learned. This is a time to be honest with yourself and with God about who you are and how you are living.

Connect. You know that a small-group study time isnt just for hanging out and drinking soda. A small group provides accountability and support. Its one thing to say to yourself, Im really going to work on this and entirely another thing to say it to a group of friends. Your friends can support your decisions, encourage you to follow through, and pray for you regularly. And vice versa.

In your group, youll want to talk with each other about what you discovered on your own, things that went unanswered, things that challenged you, and things that changed you. Use the guidance in this section to lead your discussion. After that, pray for each other.

Go deeper. Thirsty for more? Just cant get enough? Then use the gu idance in this section to explore more deeply the vastness of Scripture. Its similar to extra credit for all you overachievers who love to learn.

Memory verse of the week. Did a particular verse make you think? Is there a verse you cant get out of your head? Write it down and memorize it. Allow Gods Word to permanently brand itself in your head and your heart.

Notes from group discussion. At the end of each chapter, there is space for notes. Use it to write notes from your group discussion, to ask questions of God or yourself, to write important verses and observations, or for anything else you want to jot down.

now go!

You are now ready to experience God and the Bible in an intense new way. So jump in headfirst. Allow the double-edged sword of Scripture to pierce your mind, your heart, your life.

Introduction to Ephesians

broadened horizons

Its easy, especially in this media-saturated culture, to feel like you can get the full story on just about anything. Want the whole truth? Well then, complete information is just an Internet search away. Knowledge its whats for dinner.

But the early churches didnt have Google; instead, these first Christians relied on letters of instruction and teaching from the church founders, apostles like Paul. And while many of the apostle Pauls letters found in the New Testament were written to address a specific error in spiritual thinking or activity, Ephesians was different. Instead of focusing on one particular heresy, Paul wrote Ephesians with the specific intent of broadening his readers spiritual horizons to help them grasp the mission and purpose God had for them.