Following up on the grand opening doxology of Ephesians 1, the Apostle Paul turns to pray that the truths of that doxology would be worked into the hearts of believers. This passage thus teaches us how to pray, it reveals our deepest needs, and it encourages us with the resources that are ours in Christ.

In a world where so much is too good to be true, how has God assured His people that all of the lofty truths and promises of predestination, election, redemption, forgiveness, and eternal life are true- Here we see believer's claimed by God as His special possession, according to the sovereign plan of God accomplished through the preaching of the gospel, and sealed with the promise of God in the indwelling Holy Spirit.

It isn't necessarily the sharpest trials, but the longest trials that the children of God are in most danger of fainting under. Four times David cries, 'How long, O Lord-' in this Psalm of lament. What then does this teach us about grieving, sorrow, and finding hope when difficulty lingers-

How is the plan and decree of God in eternity worked out in history- What does it mean to 'redeem'- Can we 'redeem culture'- What does it mean that Christ will 'unite all things' in Him- Here we see that God's eternal purposes enter our world through redemption, revelation, and restoration.

What does Predestination and Election have to do with the everyday challenges and struggles of life-

What is the distinguishing mark of Christian thanksgiving- From this Psalm we see a focus on God, His character, His redemption, and the grace He so freely bestows upon His people, which helps us distinguish what true thanksgiving is in light of the world's counterfeits.

God created mankind as both body and soul, united together with both body and soul being inherently good in creation. What are the dangers of separating body and soul as contrasted or opposed aspects of our nature- Here we focus on the cultural implications of dualism.

Why is the introduction of Ephesians more than just a formality- Because it shows us that Paul writes to instill confidence in the word and will of God, comfort in the finished work of Christ, and hope in the power of the in-breaking new-creation.

Ephesians is perhaps the most contemporary book in the New Testament, as it is centered on God and what He has done for us in Christ, the church and Christ as her living head, and the inauguration of the New Creation as God is making all things new.

God created mankind as both body and soul, united together with both body and soul being inherently good in creation. What are the dangers of separating body and soul as contrasted or opposed aspects of our nature-