Ephesians

Study Guide

By: M. J. Kelley II

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Length: 50 mins

Publisher's summary

Why this book?

There are many Bible Study options today on the New Testament Epistles. The question is, what makes this book different? Why would you want to commit to this study?

More than anything else, it is the approach that this book series takes that sets it apart from the many fine study resources available today. Similar to how Jesus addressed the seven Churches in the Book of Revelation, this study series will examine the Epistles and present the study as if Jesus is speaking the words to the church—to believers, today.

Jesus extended words of encouragement to the seven Churches in Revelation 2-3, but the focus of His message is more exhortation than encouragement. More than comforting, He challenges. He speaks not as the gentle shepherd in John 10, but as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah1 and conquering King of the Book of Revelation.2 This will be the tone of this study series.

1 Peter 5:8 encourages believers to

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

1. 1 Revelation 5:5

2. 2 Revelation 19:11-16

Revelation 12:12 warns believers that

“...The devi...is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.”

These verses remind followers of Christ that this generation bears witness to the fulfillment of the last-days prophecies profiled in Ezekiel 37 and Matthew 24. Satan knows his time is short and is in a fury—prowling around, looking for someone to devour. Church—it’s the fourth quarter and it’s the big game. It’s time to step up, to be all in for the Lord, and to be prepared to finish well for Jesus.

Through this study, I will draw on Scripture to exhort the church today. Like a coach that wants to inspire a good team to overcome setbacks and finish well, I will share truth in love, but also in boldness. A Drill Sargent is not known for being politically correct or exceptionally gentle—a Drill Sargent has a limited time to harden and equip his troops to survive the coming battle. That’s how I see my role.

Evil is on the rise, darkness is falling, governments are crumbling, and economic systems are crashing. And at this critical time in history, the church seems to have lost its way. More than being known as a center for good, prayer, renewed lives, missions, sacrifice, unity, love, wisdom, truth, and miracles, the church is divided and marked by compromise, pettiness, selfishness, showiness, and infighting.