Memory Verse: Ephesians 6:17-18 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
Heidelberg Catechism 65: Since then we are made partakers of Christ and all his benefits by faith only, whence does this faith proceed? From the Holy Spirit, who works faith in our hearts by the preaching of the gospel, and confirms it by the use of the sacraments.
Monday: Eph 6:21-22. What does Paul want Tychicus to tell the Ephesians? How would that encourage them? “Encourage” can mean “instill courage.” How would hearing how Paul was appropriating for himself all the spiritual blessings (1:3-13) in Christ instill courage in them? How can you hearten a missionary or fellow Christian?
Tuesday: Eph 6:23. Paul prays peace on the Ephesian church. What peace in Christ was already theirs (2:14, 16)? How was that vertical peace to extend horizontally (e.g. 2:14, 4:2-3, 29)? If God were to oxygenate the peace you have in Christ, what would that look like? Praise God for the church -a unique community of (increasing) peace.
Wednesday: Eph 6:23. Skim through Ephesians and note the word “love.” Consider the source of love (1:4-5, 3:17-19). If you prayed for God to oxygenate your love for him, how might he answer? What specific relationship and in what way is God calling you to love more deeply (5:1-2, 25, 4:15)?
Thursday: Eph 6:23. If faith is something you either have or you don’t, how can faith increase? Must faith be rooted in knowledge to grow? If you were to deeply believe Eph 3:17-19, how would that deepen your love for Christ? How would it shape your view of self? How you treat fellow saints? How would deeply believing 3:20 bolster your obedience?
Friday: Eph 6:24. Review grace in Eph 2:5. How can you cherish Jesus’ grace more? Can you remember his mercy more quickly? Can you call to mind an evidence of his unmerited favor for every day this week? According to v 24, what is Paul’s point in praying that God oxygenate these gifts? Will you pray that for you and New Hope? How can you help the church grow in these things?
Saturday: What is your favorite verse in Ephesians? Use it as a foundation for a prayer.