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Q3. (Ephesians 2:4-5) In verses 4 and 5, which words describe God's motivation and character? Which verbs describe what has happened to us in Christ? God

Q3. (2:16) In what sense are we Christians to "hold fast" the Word of Life? In what sense are we to "hold forth" this Word of Life? How does this relate to the purpose of the church? There is to be a twofold testimony of our lives, we are not only to be shining lights for Jesus but we are also to witness to others. By holding forth the word of life we proclaim our Maker and Redeemer to the whole lost world. To be able to witness the Word we need to be taught it. The purpose of the church, in this context, is to teach us the Word and to help us hold fast to it.

Q2. (Ephesians 2:1-3) Few people would knowingly follow Satan. How can people unwittingly follow Satan? In what sense are we responsible for unwitting rebellion against God? How can God, in all fairness, blame us? Before we became believers, when we are spiritually dead, we unwittingly followed Satan. Our sinful nature, selfishness, and pride made sure of that. We are responsible for the sins we commit and God will hold us accountable, there is no excuse. If we violate His moral law, either in act, thought or nature, we sin and are responsible.

Q2. (2:14-15) How does ceasing complaining and arguing enable a church to shine as stars in a dark sky? What does this shining as stars signify? Have complaining and arguing compromised your church's witness as a God-place? If so, what can you do to change this? By our complaining and arguing we pollute the church and others do not see the unifying power of Christ radiating from that church. Belief in Jesus should be uniting those members who trust our Lord Jesus. As Christians we are to be lights that reflect the glory of the Lord so that others may see Jesus in us. This we do by living a morally pure life that is an effective witness of our Lord Jesus, remembering, that we are the only light in this dark and depraved world. I have not noticed much complaining and arguing in our church, at the moment. Praise the Lord! I would think if we consider our fellow believers and not always demand our own way, and if we can be a bit more humble, this should all go a long way to keep the uniformity of the church.

Q1. (Ephesians 2:1-3) In what sense are our non-believing friends, neighbours, and relatives "dead"? What's the difference between us and them? If we really believed that they were "dead" and subject to God's "wrath," what would we do? Unbelievers are spiritually dead as a result of their trespasses and sins. They have no vital contact with God and live as if He did not exist. They are all subject to God

Q1. (2:12-13). In this passage, what does it mean to "work out your own salvation"? Is this referring to salvation from sin? If not, what kind of salvation is it referring to? Paul has always mentioned that salvation is not by works but by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ; also we cannot earn our salvation and it is a free gift. So therefore, I think Paul is referring to the squabbles and strife at Philippi, and they are to work out their own salvation, that is the solution to these disputes. They are to have the mind of Christ. So the salvation spoken of here is not that of the soul, but rather the deliverance from the snares which would hinder a Christian from doing the will of God.

Q4. (Ephesians 1:20-22) Why do we so often take a "pass" when it comes to spiritual warfare? Why is Christ's exaltation, demonstration of complete victory, and superior rank over all spiritual powers important enough for Paul to mention it to his readers? Why do we tend to feel powerless in the face of spiritual enemies? What was Paul assuring the Ephesians of? What does this encourage us to do? We are in Christ, and God made our Lord Jesus king over every power that there is. In the heavenlies there are different angelic beings, some evil and some good. No matter how great their rule, authority, power, and dominion might be, Christ is far above them. Jesus rules in heaven as king. He rules over all people. He rules over all nations. He rules over all *spirits, both good and evil. We cannot take part in anything spiritual by relying on our own strength; we need Jesus. Paul assures us that Christ's resurrection and glorification were a shattering defeat for Satan and his allies and a glorious spectacle of victorious power. We are encouraged to partake in this victory, while still on earth, by spreading the Good News.

Q4. (2:9-11) We know we're supposed to humble ourselves like Jesus did. But how can we know whether or not God will exalt us? Why do we get impatient with this? What does our impatience sometimes lead to? We are to humble ourselves by subjecting ourselves to God in such a manner that we put our confidence in God alone. We should know that God cares for us and wants us to be completely dependent on him. In the presence of God, man ought to be fully aware of his own insignificance. Indeed, Jesus teaches that when a person humbles himself like a little child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Mat 18:1-5). Because of the trials we endure, there is the danger that we may lose patience and courage to persevere; even knowing that God will not test Christians beyond their endurance. Paul tells us that God responds to our humility with exaltation. The believer who puts his trust in the Lord knows that God upholds this world and is in full control of every situation.

Q3. (Ephesians 1:18d) Why are we powerless sometimes? Is it an inadequacy with the source or with our faith? Why do some congregations and movements produce disciples with miracle-believing faith and others produce disciples with wimpy faith? How can this be changed? It is only when we trust God in our life, and we choose to obey His Word that God will manifest His power in our lives. It is our lack of faith, and the unforgiving sin in our lives that withholds this power. We have to keep focused on our Lord Jesus, confess our sins continuously, study the Word, pray, and let the Holy Spirit transform us daily into the likeness of Jesus. I believe if we try to do things in our own power we will fail miserably.

Q3. (2:7-8) Was Jesus really a human being or only pretending to be one? What do these verses teach? What difference does it really make whether or not Jesus was human? Yes Jesus was really a human being; fully man. Jesus was equal with God, with all the glory of heaven, but He chose to be a man, knowing that He would be killed when He came to earth. Our Lord Jesus came

Q2. (Ephesians 1:18c) If you knew that in a few years you would inherit $10 million, would it affect your life now? How should our expectation of an inheritance in God's presence temper our present-day concerns? Since this inheritance will be shared with "the saints" - our Christian family - how should that affect our fellowship with them? It might corrupt me. It would take my focus off Jesus. I would start worrying about how to invest it, and what to do to preserve the capital amount. On top of this I would start planning and worrying about how to spend the interest! However, the inheritance God promises us is totally different. It is an unlimited amount of wealth, not a miserly $10 million; and it will be ours to share with our Christian family for all eternity!

Q2. (2:6) In your own words, what does it mean that Christ didn't cling to his equality with God? How specifically does this passage teach that Jesus is divine? Jesus gave up many of His privileges, He humbled Himself, but He did not in any sense cease to be God; He was still fully divine and at the same time fully human

Q1. (Ephesians 1:18b) What do we Christians have to look forward to? How should this hope be a major motivation in our present-day lives? How should this hope affect our decisions and our lifestyle? How does our great hope differ from the hope of the average non-believer? What a glorious future we have to look forward to! To think that we shall be with Christ and be like Him forever and also we shall be sons of God and reign with Him forever! Since the whole universe is under the reign of Christ we will therefore also inherit it all. We hope for this, not in the sense that there is any doubt about it, but we know this is what God has promised us. If we really appreciate the wealth of the glory of all He has in store for us, it will turn us away from the attractions and pleasures of this world, which only corrupt. Unlike us, unbelievers are without hope (Eph 2:12; 1Th 4:13). We have Christ who is our hope, and at His second coming this hope of glory will be fulfilled.

Q1. (2:1-4). To achieve unity in your congregation, why is humility necessary? Can you give an example of how lack of humility caused a division in your church? What are you doing to bring unity in your church? Unity cannot be achieved without humility. We have disunity when we become proud and more concerned about ourselves than about others. Paul is saying

Q4. (1:13-14) These verses contain two analogies: (1) seal and (2) down payment, with the balance to be paid in a lump sum at the end of the term. When does the "end of the term" occur? How do these analogies help explain how the Holy Spirit functions in our lives? The end of the term occurs when we become citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20-21). AS soon as we believe we are sealed with the Holy Spirit, that is we belong to God and that we will be kept safe by God until the time we receive our glorified bodies. The indwelling Spirit brands us as God's property (1 Cor 6:19-20), and guarantees that all God

Q4. (1:23) What do Philippians 1:23 and 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 teach about the state of Christians immediately after death? How does this comfort you? How does this energize you? I think Paul did not believe in any theory of soul-sleep, but rather that we as Christian go to be with Christ at the time of our death and that we are immediately in the presence of our Lord. In 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 he mentions that we as Christian can be in one of 3 forms or states. There is the present life on earth in this mortal body. Then there is the state between death and the coming of Christ, a bodiless (disembodied) state, but one in which the spirit and soul are consciously enjoying Christ's presence. Finally, the state when we receive our glorified bodies at the coming again of the Lord Jesus. This is of tremendous comfort; we don

Q3. (Ephesians 1:11-12) According to verses 11 and 12, what is God's purpose for our lives? What do we need to do to fulfil this purpose? How does this purpose relate to Matthew 5:13-16? To bring praise and glory to God! To bring honour and glory to Him by the way we live. We are to be like salt creating a thirst for greater knowledge of our Lord, to tell the world the Good News of Christ. We are to be seen a preservative against the evils of society. As a light we are to shine and give direction, radiating love and pointing others to the proper path. Light-radiating people live so that others see their good deeds and give praise not to them but to their Father in heaven.

Q3. (1:20-21) How can fear keep us from being a bold witness? Why does fear of people bind our tongues? How does "losing our life" for Christ's sake actually give us an abundant life? What fear is keeping your from clear witness? The fear of rejection or of being ridiculed can easily prevent us being a bold witness for our Lord. This could perhaps be my problem? I know the object of our life is to love, worship, and serve our Lord Jesus; in other words our life is to be like the life of Christ. It is by

Q2. (Ephesians 1:9-10) What is the significance that all things will be brought under one head -- Christ himself? How does this relate to the Creator? What does it say about unity? Extra Credit: How does this verse relate to 1 Corinthians 15:24-28? In God

Q2. (1:18b-19) Why is our ability to rejoice so dependent upon our faith that God is in control, working even in the midst of difficulty? What must you believe in order to be able to rejoice in the midst of problems? What is your basis for believing that? As believers,

Q1. (Ephesians 1:7) In what sense have you been "redeemed" from slavery? What do you think your life up to now would have been like, if you hadn't been redeemed? What would your future be like without redemption, do you think? We were slaves to sin, and now that we have been redeemed, we have forgiveness of sins. We are seen as holy and blameless, and living as adopted children of God. As to our future, we would not have had one; we would have been condemned to spend eternity in hell.

Q1. (1:12-14) From the standpoint of witness to others, you are much more credible when you are undergoing personal struggles, stress, and problems. Why is this so? Why was Paul's witness so powerful? What personal struggles are you going through that could enhance your testimony if you handled it right? It is when we ourselves have gone through trials, struggles and fought our battles that we can witness and help others, because then, we are speaking from experience. We have been through the mill and can give good advice to our fellow believers. We know that nothing just happens to us, everything that comes into the life of the child of God comes by divine design. Our lives are divinely ordered. Good health, poor health; prosperity, poverty; all of these God mixes into our lives with a clear blueprint in his mind. And so it was with Paul; it is because of his situation that the gospel was so quickly and widely spread. I thank our Lord that at present I

Q5. (Hebrews 13:16, 20-21) What are the actual requests being made of God in this great benediction? What "pleases" God according to verses 16 and 20? Why should we "make it our aim to please him" (2 Corinthians 5:9, NRSV)? Firstly, We ask God to equip us, make us complete, strengthen us to overcome our shortcomings, and make us perfect so that we may be able to do His will. Secondly, that God will work in us to do what is pleasing to Him. We look to God for help, direction, and wisdom. To please God we are to use our material resources in sharing with those who are in need. Since we are saved by grace through faith, we should be grateful to our Lord and be excited to perform good deeds. We know that God will be pleased with such unselfish living.

Q4. (Ephesians 1:5-6) Why is adoption a particularly apt illustration of God's relationship with us? Why is the concept of adoption encouraging to us? Our heavenly Father not only saved us but He adopted us into His family as sons. He could have saved us without making us His sons, but He chose to do both; we now are members of His family, having the same privileges and responsibilities as a naturally-born son! Because of His boundless love we are set apart to be his own sons, giving us not only a new name, a new legal standing, and a new family-relationship, but also a new image, the image of Christ,

Q4. (1:9-11) Why does Paul ask God to give the Philippian Christians discernment? What will be the result of discernment in their lives? How does selfishness cloud discernment? How is the good the enemy of the best in our lives? It was Paul