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.
Ephesians (ASL) - Lesson 5
Gerald Paden,Hollis Maynard • Ephesians 2:11–22
In this lesson, Paul emphasizes the cross of Christ as the foundation of unity for all humanity. Paul contrasts the previous alienation of Jews and Gentiles from God, highlighting the former’s hopeless state and lack of covenant inclusion. Through Jesus' sacrifice, however, both groups are reconciled to God and each other, forming one unified body, the church. Christ’s sacrifice removes the separation of the law, creating a new, inclusive community built on faith. The church is a spiritual temple with Jesus as the cornerstone, uniting believers as fellow citizens in God’s household.
Ephesians (ASL) - Lesson 6
Gerald Paden,Hollis Maynard • Ephesians 3:1–13
This lesson covers Paul’s message about the "mystery" of God’s plan, now revealed through Christ. Paul explains that he is a steward of this once-hidden plan to unite Jews and Gentiles as one body in Christ. This mystery, which even angels did not fully understand, remained hidden until Christ’s sacrifice made it possible. Paul’s mission is to spread this revelation, emphasizing that prison or hardship cannot limit one’s responsibility to share the gospel. The church is now tasked with proclaiming God’s wisdom and redemption, demonstrating the manifold wisdom of God to all, including heavenly beings.
Ephesians (ASL) - Lesson 7
Gerald Paden,Hollis Maynard • Ephesians 3:14–21
Lesson seven emphasizes God’s empowering presence with the church through prayer, the Holy Spirit, and Christ's indwelling. Paul encourages believers to approach God with confidence, rooted in the privilege granted through Jesus. He prays for the church to be strengthened by the Spirit and for Christ to dwell in their hearts, enabling them to grasp the depth of His love. This understanding propels them in their mission to spread the gospel. Paul concludes by affirming God’s limitless power to exceed all expectations in aiding the church’s work, empowering them to accomplish God’s purpose in the world.
Ephesians (ASL) - Lesson 8
Gerald Paden,Hollis Maynard • Ephesians 4:1–10
Lesson eight focuses on the foundational characteristics established in the church by the Holy Spirit. Paul emphasizes the need for believers to live a life worthy of their calling, marked by humility, gentleness, patience, and unity. He urges Christians to walk in harmony with the spiritual qualities God has instilled: one body, one spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God. This unity, grounded in shared faith and commitment, enables the church to fulfill its mission. The church is called to uphold these divine standards as God’s enduring blueprint for Christian identity.
Ephesians (ASL) - Lesson 9
Gerald Paden,Hollis Maynard • Ephesians 4:11–16
Lesson nine focuses on the roles of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers as essential gifts from Christ to equip the church. These leaders are responsible for training believers in faith and service, ensuring spiritual maturity and unity within the Body of Christ. Through their guidance, the church can grow in knowledge, fulfill its mission, and become resilient against doctrinal errors. Paul urges believers to leave spiritual infancy, to embody Christ’s teachings, and to work collectively in service and evangelism. This preparation strengthens the church’s capacity to fulfill its mission of discipleship and spiritual growth.
Ephesians (ASL) - Lesson 10
Gerald Paden,Hollis Maynard • Ephesians 4:17–32
In lesson ten, Paul is urging Christians to turn from their former pagan lifestyles and embrace a new, Christ-centered way of living. Paul emphasizes the futility and darkness in the Gentiles' thinking, corrupted by passions and ignorance of God. Christians, however, are called to "put off" the old self and adopt a mindset renewed by God, focused on truth, righteousness, and holiness. Paul outlines specific actions, such as rejecting anger, falsehood, stealing, and harmful speech. Instead, believers should embody integrity, peace, and compassion, demonstrating their commitment to Christ’s teachings in all aspects of life.
Ephesians (ASL) - Lesson 11
Gerald Paden,Hollis Maynard • Ephesians 5
This lesson emphasizes the Christian principles of worship and mutual submission in relationships. Paul teaches that worship should be in spirit and truth, focusing on gratitude and praise through music. He stresses mutual submission in marriage, with wives submitting to their husbands as the church submits to Christ. However, husbands are called to love their wives sacrificially, just as Christ loved the church. This mutual care and respect create a profound bond, where both partners serve each other's needs. The relationship between Christ and the church serves as the model for Christian marriages, illustrating unity and selfless love.
Ephesians (ASL) - Lesson 12
Gerald Paden,Hollis Maynard • Ephesians 6
In the last lesson of this series, Paul outlines the spiritual armor Christians should wear to stand firm in spiritual warfare. The armor includes the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet shod with the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (God's Word). Prayer is emphasized as crucial for strength and unity. Paul encourages believers to pray for one another and for boldness in sharing the gospel, even in trials. The lesson teaches Christians to rely on God's protection and truth, remaining alert and firm in faith against spiritual challenges.
