Jesus Communities: Ephesians

Here are some resources you may want to check out as we study the book of Ephesians. Content will be added periodically to supplement various sections and themes of the book. Do you have an EPhesian resource you think would be helpful? Send it over to clemsonfoothills@gmail.com.

• Ephesians background: The 6 letters to the Ephesians:

We have a large library of writing to the Ephesian church which is helpful to understand the context and message as well as the application on our day and time.

• Acts 19: Paul in Ephesus

• Acts 20:17-38: Paul addresses the Ephesian elders

• The Book of Ephesians

• 1 Timothy: A letter written to Timothy AND the Ephesian church he was leading

• Revelation 2:1-7

• Ignatius' Letter to the Ephesians: Ignatius was a disciple of the Apostle John and we have a letter he wrote in the early 2nd Century to the Ephesian church while on his way to his execution. You can find it HERE

• Overview of the Book of Ephesians

• Thought Questions in Ephesians

  • Do I love the local church like God loves the local church?

  • Theme 1: Identity and Worth (Chapters 1–2)

    • The "Adopted" Mindset Ephesians 1 emphasizes that you are chosen, adopted, and redeemed. If you truly believed, at your core, that your identity is securely rooted in being loved by God rather than in your performance, achievements, or what others think of you—how would your daily anxiety levels and decisions change?

    • The Masterpiece Perspective Paul writes that we are God’s "workmanship" (or masterpiece), created for good works. When you look in the mirror or reflect on your life, do you view yourself as a flawed project that needs fixing, or as a masterpiece in progress? How does that shift your self-talk?

    Theme 2: Community and Unity (Chapters 3–4)

    • Breaking Down Walls A massive theme in Ephesians is Christ breaking down the "dividing wall of hostility" between different groups of people. Who are the people or groups you naturally tend to build walls against (politically, socially, or personally)? What would it look like to actively extend Christ’s peace toward them?

    • Mature Speech Chapter 4 challenges us to let no unwholesome talk come out of our mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up. If a transcript of your words from the past week (including texts, social media, and internal thoughts about others) was made public, would it reflect a builder or a tear-downer? Where do you need to practice restraint?

    Theme 3: Walking in the Everyday (Chapters 5–6)

    • Making the Most of Time Paul tells the readers to "look carefully how you walk... making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." If you audited how you spend your attention and time, what minor distractions are stealing your focus from the things that actually matter long-term?

    • Mutuality in Relationships Whether discussing marriage, parenting, or work, Ephesians 5 and 6 pivot on the idea of "submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ." In your relationships, where are you demanding your own way or rights instead of asking, "How can I serve you right now?"

    • Unseen Battles The book closes with the famous "Armor of God" passage, reminding us that our battle isn't against flesh and blood (other people), but against spiritual forces. When you face conflict or frustration, do you view the person in front of you as the enemy, or do you recognize the deeper, unseen battle at play?

    • The Source of Strength We are told to "be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might." Where are you currently trying to fight life's battles, stress, or habits using your own willpower alone? What does it look like to practically surrender that specific burden today?