Welcome to Week One of our Ephesians for Families Bible Study – Chosen!
Ephesians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Ephesus while he was under house arrest. Instead of focusing on his own hardship, Paul used the opportunity to strengthen and encourage Christ-followers. Ever since encountering the risen Jesus in the book of Acts, his life had been marked by a commitment to proclaim the gospel and build up churches. The goodness of the gospel fueled Paul’s passion to plant churches and encourage believers wherever God sent him.
Following Jesus in the world is both wonderful and challenging. And Paul wanted the Ephesian believers to stay centered on Jesus. They lived in a pluralistic culture that tolerated every worldview—except the Christian one. It sounds a lot like the world we live in today, doesn’t it? They needed to be reminded of God’s redeeming work in Christ. That is, the free grace that saved them, and what that salvation meant for their daily lives.
And we need the same thing: a fresh reminder of who we are in Christ and how to live as His people, both as individuals and the church.
Ephesians is divided into two parts. The first three chapters (1–3) are mostly theology—they explain what God has done for us in Christ and who we are because of Him. The last three chapters (4–6) are practical—they show us how to live out our faith in everyday life in light of all God has done.
For this week’s Bible study, Paul begins by reminding us that we are chosen and blessed in Christ.
Note for Parents: The post is divided into two parts. The first section is for parents, giving you a deeper look at the passage before you teach it to your kids. Feel free to highlight and make notes as you go. The second section is the Family Bible Study, including a prayer, discussion questions, and a family activity.
Let’s Study the Bible Together: For Parents
Bible Passage: Ephesians 1:1-6
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love, he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.”
Big Idea: God chose us in Christ to be part of His family.
Paul begins his letter by introducing himself as the author and reminding his readers of his role as an apostle. An apostle is someone sent by God with authority to share the gospel. Paul understood the magnitude of his part in the mission.
He writes to the saints in Ephesus, which means the believers there whom God had set apart. His greeting, grace and peace, is more than just polite words. Grace points to God’s kindness and unmerited gift of salvation. And peace reminds us of the wholeness we have in Christ because of that salvation.
God Blessed Us
In verses 3–6, Paul overflows with praise: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He celebrates that followers of Jesus already have every spiritual blessing in Christ. Paul wants his readers to know they’re not missing out on anything. God has already equipped His people with everything they need for life and faith.
God Chose Us
Paul then reminds them that God chose us before the foundation of the world. Being chosen means being wanted and loved on purpose. Just as kids know how special it feels to be picked for a team or included in a group, we can have even more confidence knowing that God chose us in His perfect plan before time began.
But Paul doesn’t stop there—he explains that God chose us for a purpose: to be holy and blameless before Him. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are justified, or declared not guilty before God. Even though we still sin, we live each day remembering that in Christ we are seen as holy and blameless. And as we follow Jesus, God is shaping us more and more into His likeness.
God Predestined Us
Paul also says that God predestined us for adoption as His children through Jesus Christ. This is incredible news! We’re forgiven and adopted into God’s family as sons and daughters. Adoption means we are now part of His family. It means we have a new identity and a secure relationship with our Father. To take it a step further, he chose us simply because he loved us. He didn’t look ahead at our lives before time and chose us because of any goodness or success that he saw. He chose us just because he loved us.
Purpose: To Show Off God’s Amazing Love and Grace
Finally, Paul explains why God has done all this: it is according to His will and for the praise of His glorious grace. In other words, our salvation shows off how amazing God’s love and grace really are. We are blessed in Christ, and our lives can point others back to Him.
Family Study Guide: Trusting God As Our Helper
Opening Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us Your Word and for the chance to study it together as a family. As we open the book of Ephesians, help us to listen carefully to what You want to teach us. Remind us that You chose us and brought us into Your family through Jesus. Give us hearts that love You more and lives that show Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read Our Bible Passage: Ephesians 1:1-6 – “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love, he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.”
Discussion Questions
Do you know who wrote this letter?
What does it mean that God “chose” us and “adopted” us?
How do you think it feels to be part of God’s family?
Why do you think Paul praises God so much in these verses?
What is one blessing from this passage that you want to thank God for today?
Note for Parents: You know your kids better than anyone else, so feel free to adjust the questions to work for your family. Enjoy!
Family Life Application
Interactive Prayer Time
- Circle Time: Have the family sit in a circle.
- Reflection: Go around the circle, and each person shares one way they want to live today or this week, remembering that God chose them.
- Prayer Requests: After everyone shares, go around again and have each person share a prayer request.
- Prayer Exchange: The person to their right prays aloud for that request.
- Wrap-Up: Parents, close with a short family prayer thanking God for choosing each member of the family and asking Him to guide them through the week.
Additional Resources:
Parent-Driven Discussions: God’s Creation Shows His Glory
The Trailhead: Devotions For Disciple-Making Parents – Edition 3
Back to School Family Bible Study: Trusting God As Our Helper
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