Study Guide
Ephesians, Part 1 / His Story, Our Story / Ephesians 1:1-14
Before the foundation of the world, God saw us, loved us, and chose us to be part of His family through Jesus. Our salvation is not something we could ever earn or achieve on our own—it is the beautiful gift of God’s grace, poured out through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. And God didn’t leave us wondering if we truly belong to Him; He gave us the Holy Spirit as His promise and guarantee that we are His now and forever. In light of all He has done, our hearts can’t help but respond with worship, gratitude, and lives that bring Him praise.
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Icebreakers
- What’s one of the most memorable trips or travels you’ve experienced?
- What’s one thing you appreciate more as you get older?
Read Ephesians 1:1-14 (NLT)
Discuss It
According to Ephesians 1:4–5, God chose us in Christ before He created the world, adopting us into the family of God. This adoption was motivated by His love and initiated by His choice. Before reading this passage, what role did you believe God the Father played in your salvation? If God’s choice was motivated by love and His own will, not by anything you’ve done, how should that shape the way you live today?
Additional Thought
While there are differences of opinion on whether this means God chose specific individuals for salvation before the foundation of the world (Calvinism) or that He chose Christ and that all who place their faith in Him will experience salvation (Arminianism), the fact of the matter is the same: our adoption as children of God originated with Him and is rooted in His love, not in us.
Additional Scripture
John 1:12-13 (NLT) 12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.
Additional Scripture
How does John 1:12–13 help you see that becoming a child of God is rooted in God’s work, not human effort? How would you describe the difference between living a “holy” life to earn your salvation versus living a holy life because you’re already loved and accepted as God’s child?
In verse 4, we’re told that we are chosen in Christ to be “holy and without fault.” Later, in verse 7, we see that this is possible because Jesus “purchased our freedom.” What’s happening here is called a “double-transfer.” This term describes the process by which our sin is placed on Christ, and His righteousness is given to us in return. Why is it important that salvation involves not only the removal of sin but also the receiving of Christ’s righteousness to us? How does this passage shape the way we understand what Jesus has done on the cross?
Additional Scripture
Read Hebrews 10:1-14
Additional Thought
In the Old Testament, sin sacrifices had to be offered day after day, year after year, because sin was a constant problem for the people. The blood of bulls or goats could never fully cleanse or permanently remove the people's sin; it was a temporary covering. In Christ, Jesus’ sacrifice does not need to be repeated, improved, or supplemented. It is complete and final. What used to require ongoing payment for sin has now been finished once and for all through the work of Jesus
Additional Question
What does it say about Jesus that our forgiveness is based on one finished sacrifice, rather than on us trying to earn it by constantly working or making up for our sins? How does knowing this truth set Christianity apart from other ways people try to reach God?
In verse 14, the Holy Spirit is described as a “down payment” for what is still to come. This means the Spirit is not only present with believers now, but also a preview and promise that God will fully complete what He has started in them. What does this reveal about what God knows we need as humans, that He would give us a present glimpse of what is still to come?
Additional Thought
In verse 13, Paul says that God has “identified you as his own” by giving you the Holy Spirit. The NIV translation uses the phrase “marked in Him with a seal” to describe the role of the Holy Spirit in salvation. The term “sealed” in the Greek refers to a wax seal that was placed on a scroll to mark ownership, authority, and protection. In the same way, the Holy Spirit’s presence in the life of a believer shows God’s mark, ownership, and preservation until we see Him face to face in eternity.
Additional Scripture
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (NLT) It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us.
Additional Question
What is the evidence of the Holy Spirit’s presence in your life? How do you make sense of a person who lives a good life without the benefits of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in their life?
Apply It
Ephesians 1:3 (NLT)
In today’s discussion, we looked at the different roles that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit play in the salvation and sanctification of a Christian. As we reflect on all that God has done and continues to do for us, His adopted children, we can all join with Paul in praising and worshiping Him for His goodness and eternal promises.
- Which aspect of God’s plan, as seen in Ephesians 1:1–14, are you most thankful for? Which aspect did you learn about the most?
Pray
How can we be praying for you this week?
About the Current Sermon Series
God has always had a plan. The book of Ephesians reveals the incredible story of God’s plan to bring salvation to all people through Jesus Christ and unite them into one family. In this 13-week series, we’ll discover what it means to live with purpose as people who have been chosen, redeemed, and called by God. Along the way, we’ll explore how the Holy Spirit transforms our everyday relationships—with family, friends, the Church, and the world around us. Ephesians is an invitation to step into God’s greater story and live the kind of life we were created for.