Bible Study Questions
Ephesians 1:4-6
– The Bible Teacher's Commentary –
These Bible study questions are designed to challenge a person or group to understand the meaning of the text as well as applying it to their lives. Don't argue but try to understand why the apostle wrote such things. These studies are free to copy without permission.
“4 Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:4-6).
- What is it that God is said to have given us in Ephesians 1:3?
- The spiritual blessings that the Lord has given to His people are listed in the following verses (up to verse 14). Name those spiritual blessings that He has mentioned in Ephesians 1:4-6.
- We will look at each one. The first one is that the Lord has chosen ‘us’ in ‘Him.’ What does the ‘us’ refer to? How do you know? Who does the the ‘Him’ refer to?
- Why do you choose things? You might think of online shopping, bookstore browsing or food shopping. Is this the same reason God has chosen us? How do you know?
- When did He make this choice? Why then and not later after we were born?
- What was His purpose of choosing His people (Ephesians1:4)? Are we not sinners? How can this come about?
- Sometimes a person fails God. He wants to give up on following Christ. How could you use this teaching about ‘choosing us in Christ before the foundation of the world’ to encourage that Christian to keep following the Lord. If you have a testimony on this matter, please share it.
- People are sinful or as Paul later says in Ephesians ‘dead in your trespasses and sins’ (Ephesians 2:1). Why do some people believe that God is obligated to choose all of them?
- Is it wrong for a man to choose one woman for his wife? Why or why not? His choice of us should cause our hearts to celebrate and be glad, much like a bride’s. How do you respond to Him? Do you feel treasured? Why or why not? How does this relate to self-esteem?
- How did the Lord manage to predestine His people (Ephesians1:5)?
- What is the difference between choosing and predestinating us?
- What was the purpose of this predestination? What does it mean?
- In these verses, is election (choice) and predestination shown in a positive or negative light? Why is it often seen in a negative light?
- What is the ultimate purpose of election and predestination (Ephesians 1:6)?
- Notice here that it says that the Lord predestined us rather than things. God made sure that we would become His children. Do you like the security of being the Lord’s and knowing that nothing can separate you from the love of God which is in Christ (Romans 8:38-39)? What difference does it have on your life?
What are the implications of being adopted into God’s family? How do you treat family members different from those who are not part of your family?
- Some Christians have a jittery faith (Ephesians 4:14). They lose assurance of their salvation. Why is this? Do you think they need to be that way? How can this teaching help them?
- Why would God want praise to go to His Name (Ephesians 1:6)? Is this right and good or inappropriate? Explain.
- Ephesians 1:6 says that the Lord ‘freely bestowed’ on us in His beloved. What is it that He has given to us? What does Paul want us to understand by the term ‘freely’?
- Close this time by joining Paul in giving thanks for expressing His kindness to His people in such awesome ways as choosing us and predestining us to be His sons in Christ.