Message H E L L O @ R E A L L Y G R E A T S I T E . C O MW R I T T E N B Y F A I T H L E N I H A NA study onthe book ofEphesiansE P H E S I A N SE P H E S I A N S H E L L O @ R E A L L Y G R E A T S I T E . C O MW R I T T E N B Y F A I T H L E N I H A NA study onthe book ofEphesiansE P H E S I A N SE P H E S I A N S
C O P Y R I G H TFAITHFULFORAGER.ORGCO P Y R I G H T © [ 2 0 2 5 ] [ FA I T H F U L F O R AG E R A N D/ O R FA I T H L E N I H A N ] . A L LR I G H T S R E S E RVE D.N O PA R T O F TH I S P U B L I CAT I O N M AY B E R EP R O D U C E D, STO R E D I N AR E T R I E VAL S Y S T E M , O R T R A N S M I T T E D I N A N Y F O R M O R BY A N Y M E A N S —E L E C T R O N I C , M EC H A N I C A L , P H OTOCO P Y IN G , R E C O RD I N G , OR OT H E RW I S E— W I T H O UT T H E P R I OR W R I T T E N P ER M I S S I O N OF T H E AUT H O R , E XC E P T I NT H E C A S E O F B R I E F Q UOTAT I O N S E M B O D I E D I N C R I T I C AL A RT I C LES O RR E V I E W S .P E R M I S SI O N R E Q U ESTS M AY BE S E N T V I A E M A I L TO :FAI T H FU L F O R A G E RS@ G M A I L .C O M C O P Y R I G H TFAITHFULFORAGER.ORGCO P Y R I G H T © [ 2 0 2 5 ] [ FA I T H F U L F O R A G E R A N D / O R FA I T H L E N I H A N ] . A L LR I G H T S R ES E R V E D.N O PA R T O F T H I S P U B L I C ATI O N M AY B E R E P R O D U C E D, S TO R E D I N AR E T R I E VA L S Y S T E M , O R T R A N S M I T T E D I N A N Y F O R M O R BY A N Y M E A N S —E L E C T R O N I C , M E C H A N I C A L , P H OTO C O P Y I N G , R E C O R D I N G , O R OT H E R W I S E— W I T H O U T T H E P R I O R W R I T T E N P E R M I S S I O N O F T H E A U T H O R , E XCE P T I NT H E C A S E O F B R I E F Q U OTAT I O N S E M B O D I E D I N C R I T I C A L A R T I C L ES O RR E V I E W S .P E R M I S S I O N R EQU E S T S M AY B E S E N T V I A E M A I L TO :FA I T H F U L F O R A G E RS @ G M A I L . C O M
IntroductionC O N T E N T SC H A P T E R 1Study 1:134-11CLICK HERE FOR WEBSITE LESSON IntroductionC O N T E N T SC H A P T E R 1Study 1:134-11CLICK HERE FOR WEBSITE LESSON
OUR IDENTITY IN CHRISTis a powerful letter in the bible that speaks to who we are, how we are loved, and howwe’re called to live as followers of Jesus. Paul wrote this while in prison, not out of fear ordefeat. But with a heart full of hope, encouragement, and a deep desire to remindbelievers of the incredible grace we’ve been given.Ephesians reminds us that our identity in Christ isn't built on what we’ve done or whatothers say about us, it’s rooted in Jesus alone. It speaks to us in our everyday lives. Howwe relate to God, how we love each other, how we live with purpose, and how we standstrong in a world that often pulls us in the wrong direction. - 4 -IntroductionThe book of Ephesians 01As we start this journey through Ephesians together, I want to encourage you not just toread the words of the Bible, but to listen. Let them sink in and take time with each verse.Ask God to not just teach you, but to change you through His Word. It isn’t just aboutgaining more knowledge it’s about growing closer to Jesus.Let’s walk through Ephesians together, expectant and open towhat God will do.If you haven’t subscribed yet, I’d love for you to join us so you don’t miss anything. I onlyask that if you share this study with others, please mention where it came from.This Bible study begins at Ephesians 1:1 and works through the book verse by verse. Youare always welcome to come back to this introduction and select the section you want tostudy more deeply at any time.Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power ofHis might. Ephesians 6:1011) New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. OUR IDENTITY IN CHRISTis a powerful letter in the bible that speaks to who we are, how we areloved, and how we’re called to live as followers of Jesus. Paul wrote thiswhile in prison, not out of fear or defeat. But with a heart full of hope,encouragement, and a deep desire to remind believers of the incrediblegrace we’ve been given.Ephesians reminds us that our identity in Christ isn't built on what we’vedone or what others say about us, it’s rooted in Jesus alone. It speaks to usin our everyday lives. How we relate to God, how we love each other, howwe live with purpose, and how we stand strong in a world that often pullsus in the wrong direction. - 4 -IntroductionThe book of Ephesians 01As we start this journey through Ephesians together, I want to encourageyou not just to read the words of the Bible, but to listen. Let them sink inand take time with each verse. Ask God to not just teach you, but to changeyou through His Word. It isn’t just about gaining more knowledge it’s aboutgrowing closer to Jesus.Let’s walk through Ephesians together, expectant andopen to what God will do.If you haven’t subscribed yet, I’d love for you to join us so you don’t missanything. I only ask that if you share this study with others, please mentionwhere it came from.This Bible study begins at Ephesians 1:1 and works through the book verseby verse. You are always welcome to come back to this introduction andselect the section you want to study more deeply at any time.Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in thepower of His might. Ephesians 6:1011) New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
EPHESIANS 1:1As I was writing this study on Ephesians chapter one, I was reminded once again of howpersonal God’s love is. These aren’t just ancient words to be forgotten, they are for ustoday. They’re a reminder that Jesus saw us, chose us, and called us His own long before weever thought about Him. This chapter grounds us in who we are because of who He is. I’mnot just studying this to gain knowledge. I’m coming to be reminded of God's grace, myidentity in Him, and the deep love Jesus has poured over my life. - 5 -Study 1:1More than head knowledge01Paul is identifying himself as the author of this letter Ephesians He is telling us that he wassent by Jesus with authority to teach and lead, especially to the Gentiles. He also goes onto tell us that it was God’s will that he was an apostle of Christ Jesus. This is an important reminder to us today that our purpose and calling are not random,but they are a part of our life from our relationships, jobs, and challenges are all a part ofGod’s purpose. We are handpicked by God for such a time as this. We are called to live out our faith andwho we are. Like Paul we are called to live according to God’s will, even if it doesn't lookthe way we think it should or what we want do.Ephesians 1:1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will: To the faithfulsaints in Christ Jesus at Ephesus.1Role and Calling1) Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved. EPHESIANS 1:1As I was writing this study on Ephesians chapter one, I was reminded onceagain of how personal God’s love is. These aren’t just ancient words to beforgotten, they are for us today. They’re a reminder that Jesus saw us,chose us, and called us His own long before we ever thought about Him.This chapter grounds us in who we are because of who He is. I’m not juststudying this to gain knowledge. I’m coming to be reminded of God's grace,my identity in Him, and the deep love Jesus has poured over my life. - 5 -Study 1:1More than head knowledge01Paul is identifying himself as the author of this letter Ephesians He is tellingus that he was sent by Jesus with authority to teach and lead, especially tothe Gentiles. He also goes on to tell us that it was God’s will that he was anapostle of Christ Jesus. This is an important reminder to us today that our purpose and calling arenot random, but they are a part of our life from our relationships, jobs, andchallenges are all a part of God’s purpose. We are handpicked by God for such a time as this. We are called to live outour faith and who we are. Like Paul we are called to live according to God’swill, even if it doesn't look the way we think it should or what we want do.Ephesians 1:1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will: To thefaithful saints in Christ Jesus at Ephesus.1Role and Calling1) Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.
ReflectionWHAT PART OF GOD’S PLAN ARE YOU WILLINGTO SAY “YES” TO TODAY?ARE YOU WILLING TO TRUST JESUS, EVEN IF WHAT HE’S CALLING YOUTO FEELS UNCOMFORTABLE OR UNEXPECTED? - 6 -DO YOU FEEL YOUR WERE HANDPICKED BY GODFOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS? EXPLAIN WHY. ReflectionWHAT PART OF GOD’S PLAN ARE YOU WILLINGTO SAY “YES” TO TODAY?ARE YOU WILLING TO TRUST JESUS, EVEN IF WHAT HE’S CALLING YOUTO FEELS UNCOMFORTABLE OR UNEXPECTED? - 6 -DO YOU FEEL YOUR WERE HANDPICKED BY GODFOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS? EXPLAIN WHY.
EPHESIANS 1:1The people Paul was writing to were the believers living in Ephesus which was a major cityin Asia Minor. Today this is in the country of Turkey.This wasn’t just written for the people at that time, it isn't just some ancient letter meantfor those people hundred of years ago. It was written to all of God’s people which includesus living today. The city of Ephesus was a very busy, diverse place, it had commerce, culture andspirituality. I imagine what the city of Ephesus must have looked like in Paul’s time. I would love to goback in time and walk its streets lined with marble columns, busy marketplaces, and grandbuildings. - 7 -Study 1:1The Ephesians01I picture the beauty of the city, the stone roads, the sea breeze drifting in from theharbor, and people from all over the world coming and going. Even in its greatness,God was doing something even greater, planting His Church right there.It must have been amazing to see the message of Jesus starting to spread in such a powerfuland beautiful place.Click here for more information on the city of EphesusWhere is the city of Ephesus located at todayContinuedPictures of Ephesus belong to: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephesus EPHESIANS 1:1The people Paul was writing to were the believers living in Ephesus whichwas a major city in Asia Minor. Today this is in the country of Turkey.This wasn’t just written for the people at that time, it isn't just someancient letter meant for those people hundred of years ago. It was writtento all of God’s people which includes us living today. The city of Ephesus was a very busy, diverse place, it had commerce,culture and spirituality. I imagine what the city of Ephesus must have looked like in Paul’s time. Iwould love to go back in time and walk its streets lined with marblecolumns, busy marketplaces, and grand buildings. - 7 -Study 1:1The Ephesians01I picture the beauty of the city, the stone roads, the sea breeze drifting infrom the harbor, and people from all over the world coming and going.Even in its greatness, God was doing something even greater, planting HisChurch right there.It must have been amazing to see the message of Jesus starting to spreadin such a powerful and beautiful place.Click here for more information on the city of EphesusWhere is the city of Ephesus located at todayContinuedPictures of Ephesus belong to: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephesus
ReflectionARE YOU TRULY LIVING OUT THE CALLING HE’S PLACED ON YOUR LIFE?IF SO, HOW?ARE YOU STEPPING INTO HIS BIGGER PLAN, OR JUST WATCHING FROMTHE SIDELINES? IF SO,HOW CAN YOU STEP OUT? - 8 - ReflectionARE YOU TRULY LIVING OUT THE CALLING HE’S PLACED ON YOUR LIFE?IF SO, HOW?ARE YOU STEPPING INTO HIS BIGGER PLAN, OR JUST WATCHING FROMTHE SIDELINES? IF SO,HOW CAN YOU STEP OUT? - 8 -
EPHESIANS 1:1When Paul calls the believers saints or holy people in some translations he isn’t referring topeople who have it all together or are faithful all the time. - 9 -Study 1:1The Saints/Holy People01ContinuedThe original Greek word for holy is ἅγιος (hagios). It means holy, set apart, consecrated, or sacred.Paul is stating that God set them apart. You and I today are also set apart for God’spurposes. Our holiness isn’t about our own strength or being perfect it’s about beingcovered by what Jesus did for us on the cross and walking in the identity He gave us.Being set apart doesn’t mean we’re better than others; it means we live differently becausewe are deeply loved by Jesus. It’s choosing to say “yes” to God when the world says “doyour own thing.” It’s about leaning into grace, not performance or works, and letting ourlives reflect the One who called us holy.So how do we live that out? It means choosing to belong to Jesus in oureveryday lives. How we speak, how we love, how we serve others, and howwe spend time with Him. EPHESIANS 1:1When Paul calls the believers saints or holy people in some translations heisn’t referring to people who have it all together or are faithful all the time. - 9 -Study 1:1The Saints/Holy People01ContinuedThe original Greek word for holy is ἅγιος (hagios). It means holy, set apart, consecrated, or sacred.Paul is stating that God set them apart. You and I today are also set apartfor God’s purposes. Our holiness isn’t about our own strength or beingperfect it’s about being covered by what Jesus did for us on the cross andwalking in the identity He gave us.Being set apart doesn’t mean we’re better than others; it means we livedifferently because we are deeply loved by Jesus. It’s choosing to say “yes”to God when the world says “do your own thing.” It’s about leaning intograce, not performance or works, and letting our lives reflect the One whocalled us holy.So how do we live that out? It means choosing to belong toJesus in our everyday lives. How we speak, how we love, howwe serve others, and how we spend time with Him.
ReflectionDO YOU TRULY SEE YOURSELF AS SOMEONE GOD HAS CALLED HOLYAND SET APART?IN WHAT AREAS OF YOUR LIFE IS HE INVITING YOU TO LIVEDIFFERENTLY, MORE FULLY ALIGNED WITH HIS PURPOSE AND GRACE? - 1 0 -TAKE A MOMENT TO ASK JESUS TO HELP YOU WALK IN THE IDENTITYHE HAS GIVEN YOU, NOT STRIVING FOR PERFECTION, BUT RESTING INHIS LOVE AND CHOOSING TO LIVE SET APART FOR HIM TODAY. ReflectionDO YOU TRULY SEE YOURSELF AS SOMEONE GOD HAS CALLED HOLYAND SET APART?IN WHAT AREAS OF YOUR LIFE IS HE INVITING YOU TO LIVEDIFFERENTLY, MORE FULLY ALIGNED WITH HIS PURPOSE AND GRACE? - 1 0 -TAKE A MOMENT TO ASK JESUS TO HELP YOU WALK IN THE IDENTITYHE HAS GIVEN YOU, NOT STRIVING FOR PERFECTION, BUT RESTING INHIS LOVE AND CHOOSING TO LIVE SET APART FOR HIM TODAY.
EPHESIANS 1:1The faithful saints reminds us of something powerful, that being faithful doesn't mean beingperfect. It means staying connected to Jesus, even when life is hard, messy, oroverwhelming. - 1 1 -Study 1:1The Faithful in Christ Jesus01ContinuedJust like the Ephesians, our identity is rooted in something that is unshakable. That is JesusHimself. He is our foundation, and that changes everything for us. When we know who weare in Him, it gives us strength, direction, and purpose. Faith isn’t about having it alltogether; it’s about showing up each day, choosing to let Jesus define who we are and howwe live.No matter what you’re facing today, remember, you are His, and that truth is enough tocarry you through everyday, week, month, and year.There will be days when we feel too busy, too broken, or too far gone, buteven in those times, we can keep walking with Him. When Paul called the Ephesians “faithful in Christ Jesus,” he wasn’t speaking to perfectpeople. He was speaking to a community of believers doing their best to stay rooted inChrist in the middle of real life.That same invitation is extended to us today. What does it truly mean to be faithful today,in the chaos, the questions, our work, our family, and in the routines that sometimes leavesus feeling empty?Final ThoughtsCan we let go of striving and instead let our identity be in Him become the foundationbeneath us?What would change if we believed. Really believed, that being in Christ is enough? Letthat truth sink in. Let it challenge you. Let it bring peace.Maybe it's not about doing more, but about resting moredeeply in who Jesus says we are. Because your identity isn’t something you have to earn, it’s a giftfrom the one who gives us life. EPHESIANS 1:1The faithful saints reminds us of something powerful, that being faithfuldoesn't mean being perfect. It means staying connected to Jesus, evenwhen life is hard, messy, or overwhelming. - 1 1 -Study 1:1The Faithful in Christ Jesus01ContinuedJust like the Ephesians, our identity is rooted in something that isunshakable. That is Jesus Himself. He is our foundation, and that changeseverything for us. When we know who we are in Him, it gives us strength,direction, and purpose. Faith isn’t about having it all together; it’s aboutshowing up each day, choosing to let Jesus define who we are and how welive.No matter what you’re facing today, remember, you are His, and thattruth is enough to carry you through everyday, week, month, and year.There will be days when we feel too busy, too broken, or too fargone, but even in those times, we can keep walking with Him. When Paul called the Ephesians “faithful in Christ Jesus,” he wasn’tspeaking to perfect people. He was speaking to a community of believersdoing their best to stay rooted in Christ in the middle of real life.That same invitation is extended to us today. What does it truly mean to befaithful today, in the chaos, the questions, our work, our family, and in theroutines that sometimes leaves us feeling empty?Final ThoughtsCan we let go of striving and instead let our identity be in Him become thefoundation beneath us?What would change if we believed. Really believed, that being in Christ isenough? Let that truth sink in. Let it challenge you. Let it bring peace.Maybe it's not about doing more, but about resting moredeeply in who Jesus says we are. Because your identity isn’t something you have to earn, it’s a giftfrom the one who gives us life.
ReflectionWHERE DO YOU FIND YOUR DENTITY? IS IT IN YOUR PERFORMANCE,CIRCUMSTANCES, OR IN CHRIST?TAKE A MOMENT TO REFLECT ON WHAT VOICES OR PRESSURES MIGHTBE SHAPING HOW YOU SEE YOURSELF. - 1 2 -WHAT DOES FAITHFULNESS TO JESUS LOOK LIKE IN THIS CURRENTSEASON OF YOUR LIFE?TAKE A MOMENT TO REFLECT ON WHAT VOICES OR PRESSURES MIGHTBE SHAPING HOW YOU SEE YOURSELF. ReflectionWHERE DO YOU FIND YOUR DENTITY? IS IT IN YOUR PERFORMANCE,CIRCUMSTANCES, OR IN CHRIST?TAKE A MOMENT TO REFLECT ON WHAT VOICES OR PRESSURES MIGHTBE SHAPING HOW YOU SEE YOURSELF. - 1 2 -WHAT DOES FAITHFULNESS TO JESUS LOOK LIKE IN THIS CURRENTSEASON OF YOUR LIFE?TAKE A MOMENT TO REFLECT ON WHAT VOICES OR PRESSURES MIGHTBE SHAPING HOW YOU SEE YOURSELF.
EPHESIANS 1:2 - 1 3 -Study 1:2Coming Soon01 EPHESIANS 1:2 - 1 3 -Study 1:2Coming Soon01