Sgt_Z_Squad

Q1a.) (Ephesians 2:11-12) Why does being out of touch with what it means to be "lost" impede our willingness to witness? Q1a.) Because we lose the capability to relate to how those without Jesus look at us when we are witnessing to them. We begin to acquire the church talk which is foreign to the unchurched. Q1b.) In your own words, what is the spiritual condition of a friend or co-worker who doesn't know Christ? Q1b.) Drowning in the ocean of their sin. Trying to fill the God hole in their heart with Satan's stuff. The sinful mind is hostile to God. It can not submit to God's will.

Q3a.) According to Ephesians 2:10, what were we created to do? Q3a.) Good works. Q3b.) Why? Q3b.) Because God has prepared these works in advance for us to do. Q3c.) (Matthew 5:16) What is the difference between these works and the works Paul discredits in verse 9? Q3c.) Works without faith are man's deeds trying to earn righteousness before God. Faith with works is a living faith resulting in works to glorify God.

Q2a.) "Saved" has become Christian jargon. How can you "translate" this word into modern speech so people can understand what it really means and why they need it? Q2a.) I like the word picture of "rescued." I recognized my need for a Savior and if I was to stand before God without Him; I was condemned. I have been "plucked" out from drowning in the lake of my sins.

Q1a.) Why is it so hard for us to understand grace? Q1a.) Because we are brought up in a culture which tells us: "In life, nothing is free." Q1b.) What commonly held life principle does it demolish? Q1b.) That if you do good and you have more good deeds than bad deeds, you will get into heaven. Q1c.) Translate the word "grace" into language a 10-year-old child would understand. Q1c.) A special gift.

Q4a.) (Ephesians 2:6) What does it mean that we are seated with Christ in "the heavenly realms"? Q4a.) We are equipped with the power of the Almighty Creator. That power is available to us to transform our heart and lives. To not be manipulated by the powers of this dark world. We are no longer slave to sin. Q4b.) What does this say about God's grace? Q4b.) "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 Q4c.) What does this say about our spiritual authority? Q4c.) It cannot be trumped. If we do not claim this authority, it is our fault. Q4d.) How should this knowledge affect our prayers and our boldness? Q4d.) Knowing this, our faith in answered prayer while being in God's will should be acted with expectation of fulfillment.

Q3a.) (Ephesians 1:4-5) In verses 4 and 5, which words describe God's motivation and character? Q3a.) God's great LOVE, who is RICH in MERCY, MADE us alive, BY His GRACE have been saved. Q3b.) Which verbs describe what has happened to us in Christ? Q3b.) MADE ALIVE, even when we were dead in our transgressions and sin.

Q2a.) (Ephesians 2:1-3) Few people would knowingly follow Satan. How can people unwittingly follow Satan? Q2a.) Without the Holy Spirit to speak to us, we are only setting standards against each other. Satan's name is deceiver, liar, murderer. Thorough deption we deceive ourselves to justify our worldly ways. Q2b.) In what sense are we responsible for unwitting rebellion against God? Q2b.) "Since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly see, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools.." Romans 1:20-22 Q2c.) How can God, in all fairness, blame us? Q2c.) He has given us a way out thrugh faith in Christ.

Q1a.) (Ephesians 2:1-3) In what sense are our non-believing friends, neighbors, and relatives "dead"? Q1a.) Their hearts amy be hard to any pricking of their conscience in wrong doing. It de-sensitizes, we cheat a little on our taxes, we don't return the overage of change we receive from a clerk in error, and we justify it because the store is ripping us off anyways. Let our imagination run wild with our own justification Q1b.) What's the difference between us and them? Q1b.) Nothing except saving faith in Christ and a desire to live a life honoring to Him and His Father. The indwelling Holy Spirit provides that conviction. Q1c.) If we really believed that they were "dead" and subject to God's "wrath," what would we do? Q1c.) Do everything and anything to get back into life with God. Unfortunately, our view of God and sin in the American church for the most part is low. And a low view of God and sin leads to a low view of Scripture and from there we have what we have, overlooking all types of sexual sin, a divorce rate that equals secular society, drug and alcohol abuse which are symptoms of a lack of a saving faith in Christ for so many.

Q5a.) (Ephesians 1:22-23) When we neglect to be an active part of a local congregation, what particular blessings do we miss out on according to Paul in this verse? Q5a.) We miss the opportunity to grow and mature. Q5b.) How do we, by our absence, withhold this blessing from others? Q5b.) We are not able to share the gifts or use them to edify, to strengthen others in Christ.

Q4a.) (Ephesians 1:20-22) Why do we so often take a "pass" when it comes to spiritual warfare? Q4a.) It is a day to day battle and when something is day to day, we become fatigued of the same old grind. It is the path of least resistence (I had a fux pas and began to type existence, but thinking about it, to cave in is to take the path of least existence too.). Q4b.) Why is Christ's exaltation, demonstration of complete victory, and superior rank over all spiritual powers important enough for Paul to mention it to his readers? Q4b.) To encourage, remind us during those times of fatigue, discouragement and doubt. Q4c.) Why do we tend to feel powerless in the face of spiritual enemies? Q4c.) We are trying to fight these powers through our flesh and not through the power of the Holy Spirit. Q4d.) What was Paul assuring the Ephesians of? Q4d.) The war has been won, we just have to be faithful in the battles and skirmishes. Q4e.) What does this encourage us to do? Q4e.) Maintain our vigilence, to keep ourselves fully outfitted in the Armor of God, to walk and live in the Spirit.

Q3a.) (Ephesians 1:18d) Why are we powerless sometimes? Q3a.) Our lack of faith in God's promise. If you look at the miraculous healings of Jesus, there was always a step of faith of that person being healed. Such as, "Go show yourself to the religious leaders!" For the lepers. Q3b.) Is it an inadequacy with the source or with our faith? Q3b.) Our faith. Q3c.) Why do some congregations and movements produce disciples with miracle-believing faith and others produce disciples with wimpy faith? Q3c.) Because the Word of God is not preached, human doubt and weakness are made part of the Gospel message. Q3d.) How can this be changed? Q3d.) Holy and intense following of God through Christ. Prayer, holy living, meditating and chewing on the Word of God.

Q2a.) (Ephesians 1:18c) If you knew that in a few years you would inherit $10 million, would it affect your life now? Q2a.) It wouldn't change my status now. Many would begin spending it before they had it. However, with the promise of the LORD, I can live my life in abundance as has been promised to me through His grace and the adoption as sons in Jesus Christ. Q2b.) How should our expectation of an inheritance in God's presence temper our present-day concerns? Q2b.) "..set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above not on earthly things." (Colossians 3:1,2) Q2c.) Since this inheritance will be shared with "the saints" -- our Christian family -- how should that affect our fellowship with them? Q2c.) "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:24, 25)

Q1a.) (Ephesians 1:18b) What do we Christians have to look forward to? Q1a.) The riches of his glorious interitance in the saints. "..but rather offer ourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life.." (Romans 6:13) "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many borhters. And those he predestined, he also called, those he called, he also justified, those he justified, he also glorified." (Romans 8:29, 30) Q1b.) How should this hope be a major motivation in our present-day lives? Q1b.) "..in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." (Romans 8:37) Q1c.) How should this hope effect our decisions and our lifestyle? Q1c.) Our decisions should be with our eyes on what is eternal. "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal." (Matthew 6: 19) Q1d.) How does our great hope differ from the hope of the average non-believer? Q1d.) We have the hope and reward yet to come which will be eternal. The unbeliever's reward is now and temporal. "..do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full." (Matthew 6: 5)

Q3a.) (Ephesians 1:11-12) According to verses 11 and 12, what is God's purpose for our lives? Q3a.) To live our lives as a worship of praise to God. Q3b.) What do we need to do to fulfill this purpose? Q3b.) An attitude of loving the Lord our God with all of heart, with all of mind, with all of our soul. Jesus always did His Father's will. Q3c.) How does this purpose relate to Matthew 5:13-16? Q3c.) We are told to preach the Gospel daily and if necessary, "USE WORDS!" Yet, if we are Christ-like and being led by the Spirit, we will not be acting as man without the Spirit acts, and this is noticed by those who are not led by the Spirit. "What is different about you?" THEN YOU HAVE EARNED THE RIGHT TO SPEAK INTO THEIR LIVES, ABOUT WHY.

Q2a.) (Ephesians 1:9-10) What is the significance that all things will be brought under one head -- Christ himself? Q2a.) I guess, the concept of unity of command comes to mind. Splintered leadership results in nothing being accomplished. Look at our world now. Q2b.) How does this relate to the Creator? Q2b.) "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation." (Colossians 1:15) Q2c.) What does it say about unity? Q2c.) He is before all things and in him all things hold together. (Colssians 1:17) Q2d.) Extra Credit: How does this verse relate to 1 Corinthians 15:24-28? Q2d.) Christ must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. Until the perfect order created in the beginning, Christ will reign until God's plan is accomplished.

Q1a.) (Ephesians 1:7) In what sense have you been "redeemed" from slavery? Q1a.) From having to stand before a Just and Holy God with my sins not atoned for, and having to face the just punishment for these transgressions before God. Q1b.) What do you think your life up to now would have been like, if you hadn't been redeemed? Q1b.) Living in the world, oblivious to the judgement that waited me. Pridefully patting myself on the back for all the good stuff I was doing. How could God not let me in, or not find me righteous? Q1c.) What would your future be like without redemption, do you think? Q1a.) "If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." (Revelations 20:15)

Q4. (Ephesians 1:5-6) Why is adoption a particularly apt illustration of God's relationship to us? Q4a.) Because we were slaves to sin, but through God's grace, we have been redeemed through Jesus Christ. "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:36) Q4b.) Why is the concept of adoption encouraging to us? Q4b.) Because we need not be related by blood, just washed in the Blood.

Q3a.) (Ephesians 1:4) What does it mean to be "holy"? Q3a.) The simplest definition that stands out for me is "set apart." Q3b.) (Ephesians 1:4) In what sense can you stand "blameless" before God? Q3b.) Because the righteousness of Christ has been imputed (credited to my account) to me, when I received Him as my Lord and Savior. Because he was the lamb without blemish and took the punishment for my sins.

Q2a. (Ephesians 1:4-5) What is scary about predestination? Q2a.) It is beyond our understanding and anything we do not understand, can cause fear in us and the world. Q2b.) What is comforting? Q2b.) It is God's plan and he is in control. Q2c.) Why does Paul bring up predestination? Q2c.) To remind the church, that we are not an accident but a purposeful implementation of God's plan, the salvation of men through Jesus Christ. Q2d.) Why do you think he is praising God for it in the "hearing" of the Ephesians? Q2d.) To remind them that how special we are to be called by God to be His child and to answer His call.

Q1a.) (Ephesians 1:3) What does it mean to you to be "in Christ" -- incorporated into Christ? I think the definition of Danker puts it in proper context. Those that have entered into a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ have submitted their lives to Him. I am under the influence and control of the Holy Spirit that indwells in me. Jesus tells us: "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me; you can do nothing." (John 15:5) Q1b.)What are the implications of this for your life? I can do nothing without out Christ in my life. All my worldly accomplishments are nothing. Just chaff blown in the wind. Burned up in the fire. But in Christ, I am an heir. "Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." (Romans 8:17)

4a.) Children of God and fully relying on Him for everything. 4b.) It will be the needs according to God's glorious riches in Christ Jesus. It will not be ours. 4c.) I am going to quote the key verse for me in this book: "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." (Pilippians 1:21) I thank you Father for the joy and gift you have given me through your Son, Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!

3a.) The gifts are being used to fulfill the "great commisision." The focus is on treasures in heaven. Bringing glory to God through the winning of souls. 3b.) They are using their Spiritual Gifts for glorifying and exalting God. "if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously..." (Romans 12:8)

2a.) Lord Jesus. 2b.) No. As he says: "I can do everything through him.." 2c.) Remember that we have this same power available to us. God is in control. "And we know in that all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

1a.) Pickledilly stated it well. Your focused on getting not giving. Selfishness instead of selflessness. 1b.) Our sinful nature. The comforts of the world. Temporal things that can be eaten by moths and rust. Not the eternal treasures that we should be building in heaven. 1c.) The author of Ecclesiastes observes: "Whoever loves money, never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless." (Ecclesiastes 5:10) Jesus teaches: "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one or love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." (Matthew 6:24 & Luke 16:13). I know in its contet Jesus is warning us about placing all worldly things first before the Father. Paul also addresses this in one of his letters to Timothy. "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (1 Timothy 6:10)

4a.) Paul tells us: "The mind of sinful man is death but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so." (Romans 8: 6-7) Choose life! 4b.) The answer is included above also. 4c.) That God is in control. 4d.) Slowly but surely, my tendency to be a worry wart is almost non-existent. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-29)