Ephesians (ASL) - Lesson 1 - Sunset Digital Library

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Ephesians (ASL) - Lesson 1

Introduction to the Book

Gerald Paden,Hollis Maynard • Ephesians 1:1–6

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This lesson introduces the book of Ephesians, written by Paul from prison to encourage the early church. Ephesians, a general epistle meant for all believers, presents a grand vision of the church as God views it: timeless, holy, and set apart by His grace. Paul contrasts human views of the church, often focused on externals, with God's view, which sees the church as the glorious, redeemed body of Christ, carrying divine purpose and mission. Through themes like predestination, unity, and the church’s spiritual blessings, Ephesians calls believers to align with God’s perspective and purpose for His people.

Ephesians (ASL) - Lesson 2

Gerald Paden,Hollis Maynard • Ephesians 1:7–14

This lesson on Ephesians explores how Jesus established the church in harmony with God's eternal plan, emphasizing the grace that made salvation possible. God’s grace, described as praiseworthy, glorious, free, redeeming, and lavish, was given to humanity through Christ’s sacrifice. Believers are redeemed, forgiven, and filled with the riches of God’s grace, securing them as His inheritance. This divine plan, once hidden, is now revealed, allowing believers to align their lives with God's purpose. The church’s existence and mission praise God’s glory, marked and secured by the Holy Spirit, ensuring eternal redemption and inheritance with God.

Ephesians (ASL) - Lesson 3

Gerald Paden,Hollis Maynard • Ephesians 1:14–23

Lesson three focuses on understanding Christ's sovereignty over the world and especially over the church. Paul prays for believers, asking God to grant them wisdom, revelation, and enlightened hearts. These gifts would deepen their grasp of three blessings: the hope of God’s calling, the richness of God’s inheritance in the saints, and the power available to believers. This power, the same that raised Christ, now works within the church, raising believers spiritually. Paul's prayer reflects a desire for Christians to recognize their high status in Christ and live fully within this privilege.

Ephesians (ASL) - Lesson 4

Gerald Paden,Hollis Maynard • Ephesians 2:1–10

Lesson four highlights Paul's message about the church's transformation through God’s grace. Paul contrasts believers' past state—spiritually dead and separated from God due to sin—with their new life in Christ. Before conversion, they lived under the world's influence, driven by fleshly desires, and subject to God’s wrath. However, through God's mercy and love, they were saved, raised, and seated with Christ in the heavenly realm. This divine intervention grants believers a new spiritual status and purpose, showcasing the incomparable riches of God's grace. Paul emphasizes that salvation is a gift, not earned, but received by faith.