Ephesians: Building a Community in Christ

This is an outstanding small group or individual Bible study on the book of Ephesians. John Stott does a marvelous job of summarizing the message of the book as you go through the lessons. The questions are thought provoking and instructive. It helps to read the commentaries that match up with the studies. These are also available from Intervarsity press.

I've used this in small group bible studies and as an aid for sermon ideas. Although Stott sometimes injects reformed theology into his interpretation of verses, or he sometimes brings in 'pithy phrases' that sound good but may not be accurate (see my review of his commentary on Ephesians for details), there are many great discussion starters in this study guide that will help a discussion leader get on track to a fruitful discussion. Some of the best meetings we've had involved the use of questions right out of this book. For technical accuracy and cross checking I would suggest F.F. Bruce's commentary on Ephesians as a companion. If Bruce concurs with Stott then you know that probably 90% of evangelical scholars are in line....if Bruce doesn't concur or even bother to refute Stott, then you know it's probably just one of the more rare 'pithy phrases' which doesn't really flow out of the text, but has been inserted into the text by Stott. Normally he doesn't do that so it's not a frequent problem. Ephesians is the prince of epistles, as some call it. A book worth spending additional money on if you are leading a group through these six chapters. We spent the better part of a year on the first four chapters in one group I lead and the people are just loving it. It's very rich. The method we've used is essentially what is laid out in this guide. So I recommend you get this guide, Bruce's commentary...also Stott's commentary is really good for discussion/preaching as well. Above all else, stay focused on Jesus while working through this...and He will guide you to the truth on each point in the text. So I heartily recommend you purchase this study guide if you are preaching through Ephesians or if you are leading a study of Ephesians.