Bible Study on Ephesians – Sit, Walk, Stand
1. Background & Context
Author: Paul the Apostle
Recipients: Church in Ephesus and surrounding regions
Purpose:
- Encourage believers in their spiritual identity and unity in Christ
- Teach how to live out faith practically while standing firm against spiritual opposition
Key Theme: Spiritual position → practical conduct → spiritual resistance
Discussion Starter: How does understanding your “position in Christ” change how you live day to day?
2. Structure: Sit, Walk, Stand
Sit – Our Position in Christ (Ephesians 1:3–14; 2:1–10)
Believers are seated with Christ in heavenly places. Salvation is by grace through faith; we are spiritually secure.
Key Verses:
- Ephesians 2:6 – 'And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.'
- Ephesians 1:3 – '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.'
Discussion: What does it mean to be “seated with Christ”? How does that affect your identity and confidence?
Walk – Our Daily Conduct (Ephesians 4:1–5:21)
Living out our position in Christ through humility, love, and unity. Putting off the old self and putting on the new self.
Key Verses:
- Ephesians 4:1 – 'I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.'
- Ephesians 5:1–2 – 'Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us…'
Discussion: What practical habits or attitudes show that you are “walking in Christ”?
Stand – Spiritual Warfare (Ephesians 6:10–20)
Believers are called to stand firm against spiritual opposition. The armor of God equips us to resist the devil’s schemes.
Key Verses:
- Ephesians 6:11 – 'Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.'
- Ephesians 6:13 – 'Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground…'
Discussion: How do you practically “stand” in your faith when challenges arise?
3. Key Themes
- Position in Christ (Sit): Our authority, blessing, and security are spiritual realities
- Practical Conduct (Walk): Faith must translate into daily living and relationships
- Spiritual Resistance (Stand): We are in a battle and must rely on God’s power and armor
4. Practical Application
- Reflect on your spiritual position: do you truly live as seated with Christ?
- Identify areas in your walk where your actions don’t match your position in Christ
- Practice using the armor of God daily: truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, Word, and prayer
- Encourage others to walk in unity and love, modeling the 'walk' in community
5. Group Discussion Questions
- How does knowing you are seated with Christ influence your confidence and decision-making?
- What 'old habits' do you need to put off to walk in the new self?
- How do you currently equip yourself for spiritual warfare? What could be improved?
- Which part of the armor of God do you rely on most? Least?
- How do the 'sit, walk, stand' stages connect? How do they flow into one another in daily life?