SOAP -Ephesians 1:3-14 (NIV)

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[b] predestined us for adoption to sonship[c] 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[d] 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,[e] 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.

Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-14 (NIV)

Observation: In these verses, Paul is expressing gratitude to God for the spiritual blessings believers have received in Christ. The passage emphasizes God's choice of believers before the world's creation, predestining them for adoption through Jesus Christ. The redemption through Christ's blood and the role of the Holy Spirit as a seal are highlighted. The ultimate purpose is to bring unity to all things under Christ.

Application: Consider your own life in light of God's predestined plan and the blessings in Christ. Reflect on the redemptive work of Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. How does this impact your daily living and interactions with others? How can you actively participate in God's plan for unity in Christ?

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for choosing me and adopting me into your family through Jesus Christ. Help me comprehend the depth of your love and the significance of redemption. May the Holy Spirit guide me and be a constant reminder of my identity in Christ. Enable me to live in a way that reflects your glory and contributes to the unity you desire. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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English A2 Comprehension Questions:

1. Comprehension:

   • What is the main theme of the passage?
   • According to the passage, when were believers chosen by God?
   • What is the role of the Holy Spirit mentioned in these verses?

2. Vocabulary:

   • Define "redemption" as used in the passage.
   • Explain the meaning of "predestined" in the context of the text.
   • What does "adoption to sonship" mean according to the passage?

3. Personal Reflection:

   • How does the concept of being chosen by God impact your understanding of your identity?
   • Reflect on a time when you experienced the forgiveness of sins and redemption through Christ.
   • In what ways can the knowledge of being sealed with the Holy Spirit affect your daily life?

4. Application:

   • How can you actively participate in bringing unity to those around you, as mentioned in the passage?
   • What practical steps can you take to live in accordance with the purpose of God's will?
   • Share a specific situation where the truths in this passage can guide your decision-making process.