Ephesians 1:3-14, a single, profound sentence in Greek, invites believers to explore the deep spiritual blessings bestowed upon God's church. Paul’s intent in crafting this continuous declaration might have been to convey the unbroken flow of divine grace and unity. As we approach these texts as “good tourists,” it's essential to be open-hearted and reverent, appreciating the sacred narrative without imposing our preconceived notions. By identifying and discussing the blessings mentioned in these verses, such as adoption, redemption, and the seal of the Holy Spirit, we can better understand our communal life in Christ. Meditating on these passages together helps us discern their significance for our church family, fostering a sense of shared purpose and spiritual growth.

Discussion Questions

1. Read through Ephesians 1:3-14 with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Remember that this is one long sentence in Greek. Why do you think Paul desired that all this be put into a single sentence for his hearers? How can we be “good tourists” in approaching these texts?
2. What blessings do you see given by God to his church in Ephesians 1:3-14? Spend time identifying them and then discussing what each of them means for how we live in community.
3. Take some time and meditate on Ephesians 1:3-14, preferably with others, asking the question “what does this mean for us as a church family”?

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