Disclaimer
There is a big difference between Scripture and commentary.
Scripture is God’s Word.  Commentary is man’s word.
Most of the content in this lesson is from the Scripture.  Some of the content is from commentaries.

Introduction to Ephesians.

Ephesians 1:1-8 NLT
Greetings from Paul
This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus.
I am writing to God’s holy people in Ephesus,
who are faithful followers of Christ Jesus.
²May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
Spiritual Blessings
³ All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. ⁴ Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. ⁵ God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. ⁶ So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. ⁷ He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. ⁸ He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.

Examine the scriptures:

Ephesians 1:1-8 NLT
Greetings from Paul 

¹ This letter is from Paul,

Also Ephesians 3:1 NLT
When I think of all this, I, Paul, …

• Written by Paul – about 60-62 A.D. – while in prison in Rome – one of the Prison Epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon)

There are some differences in dates and locations in other commentaries. (5 of the commentaries I used support the above bullet point.) 

chosen by the will of God

A sovereign God fulfilling His plan.

God’s sovereignty, a theme throughout the book of Ephesians.

Ephesians 1:5 NLT
⁵ God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.

Ephesians 1:9 NLT
⁹ God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan.

Ephesians 1:11 NLT
¹¹ Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. 

Ephesians 2:10 NLT
¹⁰ For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. 

Other scriptures:
Psalm 139:16 NLT
¹⁶ You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed. 

to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. 

Apostle: The word means “Messenger” or “send forth” and served as official title for Paul and the twelve disciples, who were eyewitness of the resurrected Jesus and were chosen by God to lay the foundation for the church. 

• It was God’s plan, not Paul’s plan, for Paul to be an apostle.
  • Paul was commissioned and sent by God with the gospel message.
  • Paul’s authority comes from God.
  • 2 Timothy 3:16 (written by Paul) tells us that all of Paul’s writings were inspired by God.

2 Timothy 3:16 NLT
¹⁶ All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 

I am writing to God’s holy people (saints) in Ephesus, who are faithful followers of Christ Jesus.

God’s holy people described in the book of Ephesians:

Ephesians 1:15 NLT
¹⁵ Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere …

Ephesians 1:18
¹⁸ I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.

Ephesians 2:19
¹⁹ So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.

Ephesians 3:18
¹⁸ And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.

Ephesians 4:12
¹² Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.

Ephesians 5:3
³ Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people.

• Paul is writing this letter to God’s holy people.
• God’s holy people (Saints) are set apart for God’s use.
• The recipients of this letter are faithful followers of Christ Jesus.
• The recipients of this letter are “believers” in Christ Jesus. 

1:1 The most ancient manuscripts do not include in Ephesus. 

Because the name Ephesus is not mentioned in every early manuscript, and because there are no personal greetings in this letter, some scholars believe the letter was meant to be circulated and read among all the churches in Asia Minor and was simply sent fist to the believers in Ephesus.

Ephesians may have been a letter intended for other churches in addition to the church in Ephesus.

• To the Ephesians, but may also have been intended to be circulated among other churches. 

• The book of Ephesians is also written for us.

2 Timothy 3:16 NLT
¹⁶ All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us … 

Romans 15:4 NLT
⁴ Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. 

Psalm 119:105 NLT
¹⁰⁵ Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
and a light for my path.

Interesting facts about Ephesus:

Ephesus was the capital of the Roman province of Asia.

Ephesus was an important port city.

Ephesus was located at an intersection of major trade routes.

At this time was the 4^th largest city in the Roman Empire, with an estimated population of 500,000 people.

Known for its temple of Artemis, (or Diana to the Romans).

This temple was regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world.

Important political, educational, and commercial.

Why is all of this significant?  (Not much different than many cities in America.)

Paul visited Ephesus:

Acts 18:18-23   NLT
Paul Returns to Antioch of Syria (second missionary journey)          A.D. 49-52 (51-53)*
¹⁸ Paul stayed in Corinth for some time after that, then said good-bye to the brothers and sisters and went to nearby Cenchrea. There he shaved his head according to Jewish custom, marking the end of a vow. Then he set sail for Syria, taking Priscilla and Aquila with him.
¹⁹ They stopped first at the port of Ephesus, where Paul left the others behind. While he was there, he went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews. ²⁰ They asked him to stay longer, but he declined. ²¹ As he left, however, he said, “I will come back later, God willing.” Then he set sail from Ephesus. ²² The next stop was at the port of Caesarea. From there he went up and visited the church at Jerusalem and then went back to Antioch.
²³ After spending some time in Antioch, Paul went back through Galatia and Phrygia, visiting and strengthening all the believers.

(third missionary journey)

^19:1 While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior regions until he reached Ephesus, on the coast, where he found several believers.
⁸ Then Paul went to the synagogue and preached boldly for the next three months, arguing persuasively about the Kingdom of God. ⁹ But some became stubborn, rejecting his message and publicly speaking against the Way. So Paul left the synagogue and took the believers with him. Then he held daily discussions at the lecture hall of Tyrannus. ¹⁰ This went on for the next two years, so that people throughout the province of Asia—both Jews and Greeks—heard the word of the Lord.
¹⁸ Many who became believers confessed their sinful practices.  

Acts 20:17 & 31 NLT
Third missionary journey A.D. 54-57
¹⁷ But when we landed at Miletus, he sent a message to the elders of the church at Ephesus, asking them to come and meet him.

³¹ Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you—my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you.

• Paul was very familiar with the believers in Ephesus.

The first three chapters are theological, emphasizing New Testament doctrine,

while the last three chapters are practical and focus on Christian behavior.

• The book of Ephesians challenges the reader to focus on Christ and the Church and teaches practical Christian living.

Example of focusing on the church.
Ephesians 6:18 NLT
¹⁸ Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

• Jews and Gentiles make up the church.

Ephesians is a letter of encouragement and admonition.  The book talks a lot about the church, God’s grace, and who we are in Christ.

Unlike Galatians and Corinthians, Ephesians was not written to address a specific concern or concerns within the church. Instead, it was written to emphasize all that we receive when we become a Christian, and to appreciate the high goals God has for the church.

² May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

These words are more than just a “greeting”.

Grace and peace are major themes in the book of Ephesians.

Paul uses the word “grace” 12 times and “peace” 7 times in Ephesians.

Grace can even be defined by the acronym God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense.

In Christianity, God’s grace and God’s mercy are often confused. Although they are similar expressions of God’s favor and love, they possess a clear distinction. When we experience God’s grace, we receive favor that we do not deserve. When we experience God’s mercy, we are spared punishment that we do deserve.

Grace is undeserved blessing that comes from God’s kindness.

Grace expresses God’s steadfast love toward man.

In the next chapter of Ephesians:

Ephesians 2:4-5 NLT
⁴ But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, ⁵ that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 

 Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT
⁸ God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. ⁹ Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

Peace is a sense of well-being and contentedness rooted in the Good News and brought about by the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 2:14 NLT
¹⁴ For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people …

Ephesians 6:15 NLT
¹⁵ For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News …

Other writings from Paul:

Galatians 5:22 NLT
²² But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
⁶ Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. ⁷ Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Both are gifts from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:1-2 NLT
5 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. ² Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

• Grace is undeserved blessing that comes from God’s kindness.
• God’s saving grace is a theme found throughout the book of Ephesians.
• The Good news of God’s saving grace in Jesus Christ is for the Gentiles as well as for the Jews.
• Peace is a sense of well-being and contentedness rooted in the Good News and brought about by the Holy Spirit.

Spiritual blessings

Note: In Greek, verses 3-14 are one sentence.

³ All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. 

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. NIV

God’s superabundant blessings are given to all of His adopted children.

We are able to be called His children because of what Christ has done for us.

The words “Christ” or “Son” appear, or are implied, in verses 1-7.

2 Peter 1:2-4 (Peter an apostle expands on this thought.)
² May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. ³ By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. ⁴ And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

• God has equipped us with everything we need to live the life he has planned for us. 

⁴ Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us (see verse 5)

This form of the Greek verb “chose” indicates that God not only chose by Himself but for Himself to the praise of His own glory. 

in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.

Colossians 1:22 NLT
²² Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.

Titus 3:5-7 NLT
⁵ he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. ⁶ He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. ⁷ Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.

Jude 24 NLT
²⁴ Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. 

• As a result of what Jesus did for us, God sees us as holy and blameless.

 ⁵ God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.  

Ephesians 1:11 NLT
¹¹ … he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.

 Romans 8:29-30 NLT
²⁹ For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. ³⁰ And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory. 

Colossians 3:12 NLT
¹² Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves …

1 Thessalonians 1:4 NLT
⁴ We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people.

Titus 1:1 NLT
¹ This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen …

John 6:44 NLT
⁴⁴ For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me, and at the last day I will raise them up. 

• God decided in advance to adopt us (believers) into his own family, and it gave Him great pleasure. 

⁶ So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.  

• Praising God is an appropriate response for all He has done for us.

1 Chronicles 16:34 NLT
³⁴ Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.

Revelation 5:12 NLT
¹² And they sang in a mighty chorus:
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered—
to receive power and riches
and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and blessing.”

What did God do for us?

Colossians 1:13 NLT
¹³ For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness (destination – Hell) and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, (destination – Heaven)

Praise God.

Psalm 150:6 NLT
⁶ Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord!

Praise the Lord! 

• Praise God for His amazing grace. 

⁷ He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. 

• God is rich in kindness and grace.

We read about God’s kindness and grace throughout scripture.

Ephesians:

Ephesians 1:14 NLT
¹⁴ The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.

Ephesians 2:13 NLT
¹³ But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.

Ephesians 4:30 NLT
³⁰ … Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

Other scriptures:

Romans 3:24 NLT
²⁴ Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.

Mark 10:45 NLT
⁴⁵ For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

1 Peter 1:18-19 NLT
¹⁸ For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. ¹⁹ It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. 

• God purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.

⁸ He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.

We can ask God for wisdom and understanding.

Colossians 1:9 NLT
⁹ So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.

Proverbs 2:6 NLT
⁶ For the Lord grants wisdom!
From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Colossians 3:16 NLT
¹⁶ Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives.  

• God has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.

 

This thought continues in verse 9

Why do we study the Bible?

Why is it important to immerse our minds, hearts, and souls in the beauty of God’s Word (us, our children, and our grandchildren)?

Reasons to study the Bible?

In the Bible, God tells us to study the Bible.

Joshua 1:8 (NLT)
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

Study continually.
Meditate on it.
Obey everything written in it.

Deuteronomy 6:6-8 NLT
⁶ And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. ⁷ Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. ⁸ Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. 

Commitment
Repetition
Scripture become a part of us. 

1 Peter 2:2-3 NLT
² Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, ³ now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness. 

Crave
Cry out

The Bible gives us many reasons to study the scriptures.

Proverbs 3:1-2 NLT
¹ My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart.² If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying.

… years of life and peace they will add to you. (ESV)
… they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. (NIV)
All will go well for you. (ERV)
Your life will be satisfying. (Contentment)

Psalm 84:10 NLT
¹⁰ A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else!

(Quality vs. quantity)

Psalm 119:105 NLT
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

Keep you from stumbling.

Proverbs 4:10-13
¹⁰ My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life.¹¹ I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths.¹² When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble.¹³ Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life. 

A long, good life.  When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble. 

Revelation 1:3 (NLT)
God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near. 

Blessed by God.

Romans 15:4 NLT
Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. 

The Scriptures give us hope and encouragement.

We need to know the truths of the scriptures so that we are not deceived by false teachers.

2 Peter 2:1-3 NLT
The Danger of False Teachers
^2:1 But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. ² Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered. ³ In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction will not be delayed.

They will cleverly teach destructive heresies

Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality.

Matthew 7:15 NLT
¹⁵ “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.

Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep.

Ephesians 4:14 NLT
¹⁴ Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 

We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.

Colossians 2:8 NLT
⁸ Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.

Philosophies and high-sounding, intellectualism, the tradition of men.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT
³ For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. ⁴ They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

Many of the people we come in contact with will be following false teachers.

2 Corinthians 11:3-4 NLT
³ But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent. ⁴ You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed. 

Your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted.

You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you.

Studying the Word helps us fight spiritual battles and experience victory over the enemy!

We need to know the truths of the scriptures so that we are not misled by teachers with good intentions.

Acts 17:11 NLT
¹¹ And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. 

Spending time studying God’s Word helps us produce spiritual fruit.

Psalm 1:1-3 NLT
¹ Oh, the joys of those who do not
follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers.
² But they delight in the law of the Lord,
meditating on it day and night.
³ They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
and they prosper in all they do.

Bearing fruit each season.

John 15:4-8 NLT
⁴ Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
⁵ “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. ⁷ But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! ⁸ When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.

Produce much fruit.

Scripture teaches us right from wrong.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT
¹⁶ All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.¹⁷ God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

Hebrews 4:12 NLT
¹² For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

Scripture is a supernatural discerning agent showing us right from wrong. 

Study the scriptures for the pleasure and enjoyment it provides to the reader,

Psalm 119:15-16 NLT
¹⁵ I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.¹⁶ I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.

What is a major benefit that comes from studying the scriptures?

Scripture transforms our minds. 

God wants to transform us.

Romans 12:2 NLT
² Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. 

The word transform used here means “keep on being transformed”.

The English word “metamorphosis” comes from the Greek word “transformed.

A change in appearance.

Matthew 17:2 NLT
² As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. 

The disciples caught a glimpse of Jesus’ inner divine nature and glory.

When we think of metamorphosis we often think of butterflies.

There are four stages in the metamorphosis of butterflies and moths: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.  Going from one form to another.

Christians should outwardly manifest their inner, redeemed natures, not once, however, but daily.

Matthew 13:43 NLT
³ Then the righteous (believers) will shine like the sun in their Father’s Kingdom. 

2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT
¹⁸ So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

Ephesians 4:22-23 NLT
²² throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. ²³ Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.

Changing the way you think, (renewing of your mind) is a kind of transformation that can occur only as the Holy Spirit changes your thinking through consis­tent study and meditation on Scripture.

Psalm 119:11 NLT
¹¹ I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.

God’s Word changes us.

We need to:

Philippians 4:8 NLT
⁸ And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Colossians 3:10 NLT
¹⁰ Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.

Colossians 3:16 NLT
¹⁶ Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.

The renewed mind is one saturated with the Word of God.

God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.

Ephesians 4:23 NLT
²³ Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 

Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.

As one’s mind keeps on being made new by the spiritual input of God’s Word, prayer, and Christian fellowship, his lifestyle keeps on being transformed.

What can scripture do?

Examples of transformation.

Psalm 19:7-8 NLT
⁷ The instructions of the Lord are perfect,
reviving the soul.
The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
⁸ The commandments of the Lord are right,
bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are clear,
giving insight for living. 

Revive the soul.
Make the simple wise.
Bring joy to the heart.
Give insight for living. 

Psalm 119:50 NLT
⁵⁰ Your promise revives me;
it comforts me in all my troubles. 

Scripture revives us.
Scripture comforts us. 

Scripture changes us

Proverbs 2:1-6 NLT
¹ My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands.² Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding.³ Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.⁴ Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.⁵ Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God.⁶ For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

You will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God.⁶ For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Matthew 4:4 NLT
⁴ But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say,
‘People do not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Scripture nurtures our spiritual needs in a way that benefits us eternally.

Transforms not just our minds, but our lives (For all eternity).

1 Peter 1:23-25 NLT
²³ For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. ²⁴ As the Scriptures say,
“People are like grass;
their beauty is like a flower in the field.
The grass withers and the flower fades.
²⁵     But the word of the Lord remains forever.”
And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.

2 Timothy 3:14-15 NLT
¹⁴ But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.¹⁵You have been taught the Holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.

Scripture gives us the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.

John 20:30-31 NLT
Purpose of the Book
³⁰ The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. ³¹ But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name. 

Scripture leads us to eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Romans 10:17 NLT
¹⁷ So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. 

Another benefit of studying God’s Word is that as we mature, we can lead others in truth, too!

1 Peter 3:15 NLT
¹⁵ Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.

 

Bible study deepens Godly community.

Bible study helps us grow closer to God.