Made New: An Ephesians Book StudySample

Ephesians continues to emphasize the theme that God is in control of everything. Honestly, that can be a hard pill for you and me to swallow because we want to be in control. I have a hard time keeping my cool in traffic, let alone trusting that God has every detail under control!

In verse ten, Paul describes Jesus’ ascension so high that He can “fill the whole universe.” That means everything is under God’s loving, watchful, and powerful eye.

In Jesus’ power, He gives the church pastors, apostles, teachers, and more. Why? Ephesians 4:12 says, “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up…”

I remember early on thinking that church was all about “me.” How do I feel? Did I like that song? Was the pastor’s message funny, serious, and creative enough? If we’re honest, we’ve all been there.

Ephesians 4:12 points out that God gives us our leaders to equip you and me to do “works of service” and that “the body of Christ may be built up…” The goal of our journey in Jesus’ church is not for us to feel good but to be more deeply equipped to care for our families, show up well at work, and bring the good news of Jesus into every space we find ourselves.

I’m not saying church leaders are perfect. Sometimes, our biggest disappointments come from spiritual leaders we look up to. Here’s my encouragement: don’t give up on God’s church. If God controls everything, “filling the whole universe,” then we believe following Him is the best life we can live. We believe that our churches and leaders point us more toward a life of deeper meaning and bringing that message into the world.

If that’s hard to hear, perhaps God wants to grow your faith exactly this way.

Response
1. Have you considered that God puts leaders in the church? When is a time you’ve wrestled with a leader in your life?

2. Ephesians 4:10 talks about the idea that God is omnipresent, or the concept that He is everywhere all at once. In what area of your life do you need to remind yourself that God is with you?

3. We often wrestle with seeing God as too big but too small. Talk to God about areas in your life where you need to trust that He “fills the whole universe.” Ask God to expand your vision of Him.

Weekly Memory Verse "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:2-3

Written by Derek Beauchamp