2026 - Ephesians 1

Personal outline for 2026

Ephesians 1:1 NIV

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:

We’re both a citizen of heaven and Exeter.

Many of our spiritual troubles arise from our failure to remember that we are citizens of two kingdoms.

We tend either to pursue Christ and withdraw from the world, or to become preoccupied with the world and forget that we are also in Christ.

We are to be a:

Society of saints

The longest sentence in the Bible

Because Paul believes he needs to give before he asks, he reminds us of our choice position in Christ: chosen (Eph 1:4); predestined (1:5); accepted (1:6); redeemed (1:7); informed (1:9); heirs (1:11); and sealed (1:13). He declares what God has done for us before demanding we do anything for him.

Ephesians 1:3–14 “3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. 11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.”

In Him we are chosen.

Ephesians 1:4 NIV

4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love

In Him we are predestined.

Ephesians 1:5 NKJV

5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,

In Him we are accepted.

Ephesians 1:6 NKJV

6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

In Him we are redeemed.

Ephesians 1:7 NIV

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace

In Him we are informed.

Ephesians 1:9 NIV

9 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ,

In Him we are heirs.

Ephesians 1:11 NKJV

11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,

In Him we are sealed.

Ephesians 1:13 NKJV

13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,

Paul prays that God will reveal to his readers the riches of their inheritance (hope, calling, glory, and power). Then he reminds them they are Christ’s body. Power, influence, and confidence all come from a strong sense of identity. Are you secure in your identity? Does your influence reflect this strength?

Ephesians 1:15–17 NIV

15 For this reason, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking…..

Ephesians 1:17 NIV

17 give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.

“Wisdom” concerns practical, workable principles; “revelation” refers to clear perception and applicable understanding.(It becomes a lifestyle)

Ephesians 1:18–20 NLT

18 I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. 19 I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him.

Eyes of your understanding being enlightened literally means that your heart may understand the wealth of God’s investment in you.