Ephesians

Self-satisfaction and complacency.

These could very well be a Christian's greatest adversaries. And the apostle Paul knew it.

When Paul wrote his letter to the believers in the city of Ephesus, he wrote to encourage them, to remind them of their immeasurable blessings in Jesus Christ, and to admonish them live in a manner worthy of them. But despite, and partly even because of, Christians' great blessings, they are sure to be tempted by Satan to self-satisfaction and complacency. Thus, Paul reminds them of the spiritual armor supplied through God's Word and by His Spirit, and of their need for vigilant and persistent prayer.

In this book, we learn many profound truths, including:

• God-honoring behavior always springs from right beliefs.
• Prayer is like breathing; unfortunately many believers hold their spiritual breaths for too long.
• It is absurd to accept salvation by grace and then endeavor to maintain righteousness through human effort.
• The great need of the church has always been spiritual maturity rather than organizational restructuring.
• Although there are no classifications of Christians, in matters of role and function God has made distinctions.
• If we are walking worthy of our calling, then we can be absolutely certain that we will have opposition and conflict.

In the MacArthur Bible Study Series, pastor and teacher John MacArthur has undertaken in his definitive style to provide intriguing examinations of the whole of Scripture. Each guide incorporates extensive commentary, detailed observations on overriding themes, explorations of complementary Scripture passages, and probing questions to help you study the Word of God under the guidance of a man whose expository preaching is unparalleled in its breadth and influence.

Lessons include:

1. The Riches of His Grace
2. Prayers That Please the Father
3. Amazing Grace!
4. The Mystery of Unity in Christ
5. The Power and the Love of Christ
6. God's Pattern for the Church
7. Principles of New Life
8. Walking in Love and Light
9. Wise Living
10. God-Honoring Relationships
11. Spiritual Warfare
12. A Praying Church