Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Ministry. Precious. Eyes. in the. Part 1. This Homework Belongs To: Phone Number. My Group Leader is: Group Number

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1 Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Ministry Precious Eyes of God in the Part 1 This Homework Belongs To: Phone Number My Group Leader is: Group Number

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3 Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Bible Study Precious in the Eyes of God Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God... I John 3:1 Lesson 1 Our Precious Treasures Ephesians 1:1-14 Because you are Precious In The Eyes Of God, He has some very valuable riches for you in the book of Ephesians that can only be enjoyed by His children. May your study of this epistle stir in you a new and deeper excitement for the Lord and His Word. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes so you might see and enjoy all the wondrous things God has prepared for you from before the foundation of the world. Pause and thank Him for the precious treasures from His Word that He has specially designed, intricately thought out and set aside just for you! Memorize This Scripture Unto you therefore which believe He is precious 1 Peter 2:7 1. Read Ephesians 1:1-2. This is a typical greeting from the apostle Paul to those he has endeared as his children in the faith. With this in mind, answer the following questions: a. What does the author say about himself? b. Who is he writing to? c. What does he include in his greeting? 2. As you read the book of Ephesians you will find many precious treasures that are yours in Christ Jesus. Read verses 3-4. Below, make a list of what God has done and what He promises to do. 3. What we do know from these verses is that saints (believers in Jesus Christ) have been chosen by God to receive precious treasures. One of the precious treasures that we need to ponder and tuck in our hearts is found in verse 4, which states, He hath chosen us. Look up the verses below to broaden your understanding about being chosen. a. John 15:16 b. 1 Corinthians 1:27 c. 1 Peter 2:9 Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

4 4. Read verses 4 and 5. For what purpose were you chosen? 5. Read verse 6. Write down what it means to you to be accepted in the Beloved. 6. Read verses List all the precious treasures that you find. a. Verse 7: b. Verse 9: c. Verses 11-12: 7. In verse 9, we see more of the great things God has done. One of the greatest things He has done, according to this verse, is to make known to us the mystery of His will. A mystery usually suggests something that is unexplained or kept in secret. But God in His incredible wisdom chose to reveal it to us. From the following verses what can we know about the will of God for us? a. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 b. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 c. 1 Peter 2: What is the Holy Spirit called in verse 13? 9. You, as His precious daughter, are the focus of verse 14. What phrase in this verse describes what God thinks of you? 10. In this lesson you have discovered a few of the precious treasures that God has freely lavished upon you. Choose one of the precious treasures that stood out to you the most and explain why.

5 Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Bible Study Precious in the Eyes of God Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God... I John 3:1 Lesson 2 Spiritual Blessings Ephesians 1:15-23 We are born rich when we come to trust Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. We are literally taken from orphan rags and placed in the riches of Jesus. But this is not enough, for we must grow in our understanding of these riches if we are ever going to use them for the glory of God. Paul's heart's desire was for the Ephesian Christians to fully understand the great wealth they had in Christ. His desire is no less for us today. As you do your homework this week, pray that you will come to a greater understanding of the spiritual blessings that are yours, simply because you know and love Jesus. Memorize This Scripture Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Ephesians 1:3 1. According to verse 15, what were the Ephesian saints known for? 2. What does Paul say about these saints in verse 16? 3. A portion of the verses that we are studying this week records Paul's prayer for the Ephesian church. This prayer shows more of God's desire to pour out more of His riches upon each of His children. Read through verses and list what these riches are. 4. Paul prayed that these saints would have a knowledge and understanding of Jesus. This knowledge is not simply passed on to us without any effort on our part. According to the following verses, what is my part in gaining this knowledge and understanding? a. Psalm 119:105 b. Colossians 2:3 c. John 16:13 Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

6 5. The greatest power shortage today is not our generators or our gas tanks. It is in our personal lives. Although the power of God is available to all believers, many do not experience it in their daily lives. Describe the power that is available to us according to verse Read verse 19 again. It describes for us the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. This is a precious and powerful treasure for us as His purchased possession. What this simply says is that the Holy Spirit does a dynamic and life-changing work in and through us. From the following verses how does the Holy Spirit accomplish this work? a. Acts 1:8 b. Romans 5:5 c. Ephesians 5: According to verse 20, when did God work His mighty power? 8. Ephesians 1:21 tells us how high Christ is seated, not only physically, but in power. What is He far above? 9. Read verses How many things are under Christ's feet? 10. What was your favorite verse in this lesson and how did God speak to you through it?

7 Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Bible Study Precious in the Eyes of God Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God... I John 3:1 Lesson 3 Alive and Changed Ephesians 2:1-10 So far in our study of Ephesians, we've seen that we are rich. Chapter 1 described our many spiritual possessions in Christ. Now, in Chapter 2, Paul describes our spiritual position in Christ. We were once spiritually dead, but when we called upon the Lord and invited Him into our heart, we became alive in Christ! With this new life came a new position. The sinner who trusts Christ has been raised and seated on the throne. We were once dead and in the graveyard of sin and now we are sitting in the throne room of glory! Begin your lesson with a prayer. Ask the Lord to help you to fully grasp the work He has done in you and the position He has given you. Thank Him that you are alive and changed, all because of His wonderful grace! Memorize This Scripture But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us Ephesians 2:4 1. Have you ever tried talking to a dead person? It's impossible! None of the physical senses, mental faculties, or spiritual qualities are able to respond. In this lesson, we will understand how we who once were spiritually dead are now alive in Christ Jesus. Read verses 1-3 and describe the woman who is spiritually dead. 2. Read verses 4-7. This portion of Scripture reveals to us many characteristics of God. From the verses below, record what they reveal about the awesome attributes of our God. a. Verse 4 b. Verse 7 3. What does it mean to you that God is rich and great in mercy, love, kindness, and grace? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

8 4. Verses 5 and 6 have often been referred to as the "Great Before and After" because of how they portray the way we were before we knew God and the wonderful transformation after. What are the changes that take place in the life of the woman who has been made alive in Christ? 5. The word quicken means to make alive. We have been quickened or made alive through Jesus. Describe God's quickening work in our lives from the following verses. a. Colossians 2:13-14 b. Romans 8:11 c. 2 Peter 1: In verse 6 of this chapter, Paul now turns our attentions to our spiritual position in Christ. What is it? 7. To sit with Christ in the heavenly realms means to rest, to abide, and wait on Him. To further explain and broaden our understanding of our spiritual position, what do we learn from the following verses? a. Matthew 11:28-30 b. John 15:4-5 c. Isaiah 40:31 8. What is the gift of God according to verses 6-9? 9. Read verse 10. Describe what we are in Christ Jesus. 10. What one thing has touched your heart and become to you a precious lesson this week?

9 Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Bible Study Precious in the Eyes of God Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God... I John 3:1 Lesson 4 Citizens of Heaven Ephesians 2:11-22 The blessings of God were once only for the Jews, but when Jesus came into the world, this changed. Through His death on the cross He opened the way for all people to be part of the family of God. Now there is no distinction between the Jews and Gentiles, for all have equal access to the Father. Through Jesus, we have literally been invited into the kingdom. We were once without God and hopeless, but now we are part of the family of God. We were once at war with God, but now through Jesus, we are at peace with Him. You have much to rejoice over as you study your lesson this week. May the Lord touch you in a new and special way as you spend time in His Word. Stop and Pray. Ask the Lord to specifically reveal to you all that it means to be a citizen of heaven. Memorize This Scripture I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1 1. The verses for study this week continue the theme of "The Great Before and After", because it vividly contrasts our lives before and after we have committed them to Jesus. This portion of scripture unifies us so that there is neither Jew nor Gentile, rich or poor, slave or free. We are all one. Describe the condition of the non-believer from verses Read verses What was God's solution to our terrible and hopeless condition? 3. In verse 14 who is Jesus? 4. Read verses One of the precious and powerful attributes of Jesus is that He is The Prince of Peace. From the following verses, what do we learn in order to deepen our understanding of this wonderful peace that only Jesus can give? a. John 14:27 b. John 16:33 c. Philippians 4:7 d. Colossians 3:15 Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

10 5. What are the characteristics of a peaceful person? 6. Because of my acceptance of the work of the cross, what precious treasure do I automatically receive according to verse 18? 7. Many foreigners come to the United States as citizens of another country. They often seek to change their citizenship to officially become an American. These foreigners are seeking a better life of freedom, liberty and opportunity. Because of Christ, where is our citizenship according to verse 19? 8. How should our lives change as we recognize that we are citizens of heaven? 9. Read verses According to these verses, we are God's house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. Christ Jesus Himself is the Cornerstone. Sometimes we forget that God does not literally dwell in the church as a physical building, rather, He dwells within us, His Church! What an honor and privilege to be the chosen vessel in which God chooses to dwell! To broaden your understanding about this awesome concept, look up the following verses and record what it teaches about God's dwelling place. a. Ephesians 2:20-21 b. John 14:17 c. 1 Corinthians 3: Share something specific from this lesson that has impacted your life.

11 Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Bible Study Precious in the Eyes of God Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God... I John 3:1 Lesson 5 Christ in Me the Hope of Glory Ephesians 3 In the first portion of this chapter, Paul gives an explanation of his ministry. He explains that God had revealed a special secret to him. Unlike most secrets, this was not a secret to be kept from others, but rather a wonderful revelation that was to be shared with the world. The secret? Paul announced that the Gentiles were part of the body of Christ. He made it clear that believing Gentiles and Jews were one body in Christ. That's great news because it includes us! We too can declare Christ in me the hope of glory. Paul then moves into one long prayer for all who are in Christ. This week we'll take a closer look at that prayer and once again, grasp the incredible love that God has for us. Begin your lesson with a prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to lay hold of all that is spoken to you through this portion of scripture. Memorize This Scripture Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us Ephesians 3:20 1. At this time, Paul was a prisoner under house-arrest chained to a Roman guard. As you read verse 1, what does it tell you about Paul's attitude toward God and himself? 2. Identify the mystery found in verses To broaden our scope about this mystery, look up the following verses and record what you learn? a. Colossians 1:26-27 b. Romans 11:25 c. Ephesians 6:19-20 Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

12 4. A mystery is a secret revealed, not necessarily something that is not solved. The mystery that has been revealed is Christ in me the hope of Glory! This truth empowers us as women of God to be a dynamic influence in this society in which we live. Because of Christ in me, we now have more privileges as a child of God. Two of these are found in verse 6. What are they? 5. Paul has already identified himself as a prisoner of Jesus Christ. In verse 7 he calls himself a minister. How did Paul view his call as a minister? 6. Read verses 8 through 13. What was Paul commissioned by God to do? 7. Part of Paul's commission was to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ. Our wealth in Christ cannot be measured by the human standards of currency. There are spiritual riches in Christ that we have not tapped into. From the following verses what are some of the riches that we should tap into as daughters of God. a. Ephesians 1:7 b. Romans 11:33 c. Ephesians 3:16 8. Beginning in verse 14 is Paul's prayer for the believers in Ephesus. God has given us our earthly families. In this portion of scripture, Paul refers to our heavenly family. The best family to be a part of is the family of God. We become part of this family through the blood of Jesus and through the Spirit of adoption whereby we are able to cry Abba Father! When you ponder the thought of being part of the family of God, what thoughts come to your mind? 9. As you read Paul's prayer in verses 16 through 21, what phrase of his prayer speaks to your heart the most and why? 10. What is one specific treasure from the riches of Christ that you have gained from this lesson and how will you apply it to your life?

13 Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Bible Study Precious in the Eyes of God Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God... I John 3:1 Lesson 6 Walk Worthy Ephesians 4:1-16 In the first three chapters of the book of Ephesians, Paul devotes his time to describing the incredible character and heart of God. Now he transitions to focusing on how Christians should live. He compares the Christian life to a walk, and he exhorts believers to walk worthy of the divine calling to which they have been called. In other words, he encourages them to lead a life that makes it obvious we are living for Christ. One of the greatest evidences that we are walking worthy is unity among believers. Even though we have different personalities and gifts, when they are used properly, they lead to unity. Stop and pray right now. Specifically pray that as you study these verses, you will be stirred to use the gifts that God has given you, and that you will do your part in God's plan for unity. Memorize This Scripture Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. Matthew 25:21 1. The first three chapters of Ephesians explain our riches in Christ. Chapter 4 marks a turning point. Paul now lays out for us our responsibilities as believers. As we begin reading Chapter 4, we see the phrase that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called in verse 1. From your dictionary, define the word vocation. 2. List what our calling is according to verses 2 and Read verses 4 through 6. Paul's emphasis in this portion of scripture is to keep the unity. There are certain things that he points out that will assure us of this unity. Make a list of the words or phrases that follow the word one in these verses. 4. What do verses 3, 13, and 16 say about unity? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

14 5. Notice the way Paul presents this instruction of walking worthy by using the word beseech. This word beseech is an endearing expression of the call of God upon our lives. Describe this walk using the following verses: a. Colossians 1:10 b. Colossians 2:6 c. 1 Thessalonians 2:12 6. Paul now begins in verse 7 to speak of the different giftings that are given to each member of the body of Christ. According to verse 12, what is the purpose of these gifts? 7. Read verses 7 and 8. To whom has God given a gift? 8. Paul lists the gifts in verse 11. What are they? 9. Let's review a familiar story found in Matthew 25 and record any light it sheds on the gifts that God has given to each one of us. a. Matthew 25:14-18 b. Matthew 25: Think about what you have learned from this lesson. Write one way it has changed your life?

15 Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Bible Study Precious in the Eyes of God Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God... I John 3:1 Lesson 7 The New You Ephesians 4:17-32 The Christian life must be radically different from the old life. The woman who is Precious In The Eyes of God must do her part to put away, once and for all, certain sins and behaviors. She must willingly put off those things that defile her and make her look too much like the heathens in the world, and she must put on, so to speak, the new you. This new woman is now a part of God's new creation. Her attitude is different, her dress is different, and her whole lifestyle is different! Even though she still lives in the world, she doesn't let the world dictate to her how to live. Begin your lesson with a prayer of thanksgiving. Thank the Lord for providing a whole new way for you to live. Thank Him for helping you put off the old life. Now, pray for a teachable heart so that you might learn all that He desires through this lesson. Memorize This Scripture And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Ephesians 4:24 1. The idea of walking worthy is to walk in victory. How do we walk in victory? By putting off our grave clothes and putting on our grace clothes. List the ugly grave clothes found in verses For each of the ugly grave clothes that you listed, write a definition. 3. Verse 18 states that the understanding of the unbeliever is darkened. Explain what this means in your own words. 4. The way that we can walk in newness of life is to walk in truth. In verses 20-21, Paul points out to us what the truth is. What is the truth? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

16 5. Read verse 22. What are we to put off? 6. Verse 23 states, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind. It's been said that the battle takes place in the mind. Whoever controls the mind controls the will. So it is important that we have the mind of Christ which is a Spirit-controlled mind. Let's expand our understanding of what it is to be renewed in the spirit of our mind from the following verses. a. Psalm 51:10 b. Romans 12:2 c. 2 Corinthians 4: In one instance we are asked to put off. Now we turn our attentions to putting away. This portion of scripture is very specific concerning the things that we are to put away, or rid ourselves of. These are found in verses 25 through 31. What are they? 8. We live in a violent, angry and volatile society. Tempers run rampant. Therefore it is important that we have anger management according to the Holy Spirit. What can we learn about the proper response to anger from the following verses? a. Ephesians 4:26-27 b. Romans 12:19-21 c. James 1:19 9. Read verses 24 and 32. Verse 24 tells us to put on the new man. Verse 32 further elaborates the characteristics of the new man. What characteristics should be shining forth from your life as a new creation in Christ Jesus? 10. What is one specific way you have been challenged not only to put off the old grave clothes but to put on the new grace clothes?