Ephesians

OBJECTIVE

The Objective of this series is to delve deeply into the many important theological and practical topics presented by St. Paul in the Pauline Epistles. The students will gain a better understanding of how St. Paul's writings greatly influenced the creation of the church and of Christianity as they exist today. Students will understand St. Paul's definition of grace and will be introduced to the famous chapter about the Armor of God. Students will be able to understand not only what each piece of armor symbolizes, but also how they will be able to practically put those pieces on in their own lives.

INTRODUCTION - 10 Minutes

Last week we learned that two of the most important traits a Christian should have are Godly wisdom and Love. St. Paul gives us another great piece of advice that may help us on our road to growing in these two traits.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2

Discuss:

What does he mean by living sacrifice?
What does he mean when he says do not conform to this world? (What does conform mean?)
What does it mean to be transformed by the renewing of our mind?

HOLY SCRIPTURE - 10 Minutes

Now these three things may seem very difficult to do if you think about it. It is very hard to always think of others and sacrifice your own needs for the good of your parents, friends, and even strangers. It is hard not to want to participate in all the lusts and desires of this world (social media and peer pressure alone make it difficult to resist). It is so hard to constantly come to Christ and ask him to renew our minds, to participate in prayer and fasting and the life of the church. How are we supposed to do all these things?

The answer is: Grace

If we try to live for Christ and love Him and others by our own power, we will fail.

But what is grace?

Ephesians: 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Takeaways:

Grace is defined by St. Paul above as the gifts which God gives us.
- Every good thing that we have, is God giving us His grace. Even our salvation was by God's grace.
We are not able to do anything good from our own power, everything good that we accomplish is through God's grace.
We are God's "workmanship" by grace.
- This means that God not only worked when He created us.
- He also is working to save us and build us up throughout our lives. He loves us and for free builds us up.
- God is most happy when we participate in this work of grace with joy rather than resistance. (this is the renewing of our mind spoken of above).
- God is sad when we resist His grace and are instead conformed to this world.

ACTIVITY - 15 Minutes

Print the attached worksheet below, if possible. Read Ephesians 6: 10-17 with the class.

Option 1:

If you have the worksheet printed for the students. Have them try to remember what each piece of armor refers to and label it on their sheet. They can look them up if they need to.
Underneath each label, they should write what it means to put on this piece of armor. How would they do this in their own lives practically. Have them write down 1 or 2 strategies that they could do right away that would help them put on this piece of armor.

Option 2:

Have students discuss how they might put on each piece of armor. You can split the class into groups and assign each group one of the pieces of armor. Have them come up with 3 practical ways to put on their piece of armor.

CONCLUSION - 1 Minute

There is so much more to cover about St. Paul and his writings. Always make sure to pay close attention to the Pauline Epistle every Sunday and continue to read the writings of St. Paul throughout your life.