Ephesians

Week 1 – Day 3
Thanksgiving
Ephesians 1:15-16

I hope you are ready to do some Bible page-flipping! We are going all over the New Testament today. Fasten your seatbelt and hop on board. “This is a ride that could change your life.” It makes me think of that Colossal Coaster VBS song, and now it is stuck in my head! Yes, God can put a VBS song in your head and use it to guide you to something bigger. Hold on! Here we go!

I LOVE and DESPISE roller coasters. I’m usually talked into riding them on family vacations by my husband, children, and nieces. They all love my reactions: my obnoxious screams, the buildup of anxiety as I wait in line, and the pictures that are taken that are almost as fun to them as the ride itself. I know one thing for sure, I would never ride them alone. I’m so thankful for these family trips where we make the best memories together. I’m so thankful I never have to ride alone!

The following information about roller coasters is from Wikipedia. Go there with God; allow Him to speak to you through ANYTHING!

“Wooden versus steel”
Wooden roller coasters provide a very different ride and experience from steel roller coasters. While they are traditionally (less capable) than a steel coaster when it comes to inversions and elements, wooden coasters instead rely on an often (rougher) and more “wild” ride, as well as a more psychological approach to inducing (fear.) Their structures and track, which usually move anywhere from a few inches to a few feet with a passing train, give a (sense of unreliability) and the “threat” of collapse or disregard for safety. Of course, this assumption is purely mental, and wooden roller coaster supports and track systems are designed to (sway with the force.) If the track and structure are too rigid, they will (break under the strain) of the passing train. The swaying of the track reduces the force applied per second like a (shock absorber.)”

Using key words from above…
• Do you feel “less capable” at times?
• Do you feel like your life is “often rougher” than others?
• Are you consumed with “fear”?
• Is your life surrounded by people that “give a sense of unreliability”?
• Do you feel like when things are going smoothly, you all of a sudden have to “sway with the force” that daily life can bring?
• Do you sometimes feel like you “will break under the strain”?

Do you feel like that comparison of roller coasters just summed up your life? Please explain:

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Just like a wooden roller coaster needs a shock absorber, so do we, my friend, and His name is Jesus. Paul knew all too well the ups and downs, and twists and turns that life had to offer. And that is precisely why he had an attitude of gratitude for fellow believers. Our focus passage today is Ephesians 1:15-16. Please read and record the two verses here:

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Paul wrote 13 books in the New Testament, all of them letters. Romans through Philemon.

Please read the following verses from many of Paul’s letters. Notice the reoccurring theme. Make any notes you feel necessary.

Romans 1:8-10 _________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

1 Corinthians 1:4-6 _____________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Philippians 1:3-6 _______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Colossians 1:3-4 ________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 ___________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

2 Thessalonians 1:3-4 ___________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

2 Timothy 1:3-7 ________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Philemon 1:4-7 _________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

What is the reoccurring theme in these verses? __________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

What comes to your mind when you think of a great church? Answer honestly.

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

In our focus passage, Ephesians 1:15-16, Paul had a heart full of thanksgiving for fellow Christians who were showing love to others through their faith. What makes a church great? We could write thousands of answers that would be valid, but at the core must be love. The supernatural love of Christ for others. Listen to what Paul wrote in Galatians:

“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature, rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Galatians 5:13-14)

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

Oh Sisters! We have to love each other! We have to carry each other’s burdens, and love each other unconditionally! With our only motive being to fulfill the law of Christ. When you love like that, you will be thankful and appreciate others who love like that as well. It’s a rare and beautiful thing to behold. That’s why Paul continued to pray for these fellow believers who served with this supernatural love.