This document is a lesson plan from Strengthening the Church Comunicación y Gerencia Studies based on the letter to the Ephesians. It discusses the benefits and meaning of being in Christ, the mystery of Christ, unity and strength in Christ, putting on the new self in Christ, finding strength by walking in love as Christ did, the strength of marriage as a mystery of Christ and the church, obedience to Christ, and the strength in battle which comes from God's armor. Memory verses are provided for each of the 9 lessons.

2. Strengthening the Church Comunicación y Gerencia Studies in the letter to the Ephesians January 1 st , 2005

3. The Benefits of Being in Christ “ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places...” (Ephesians 1:3, ESV; emphasis mine) Memory Verse For Lesson #1

4. What Being in Christ Means “ So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God...” (Ephesians 2:19, ESV; emphasis mine) Memory Verse For Lesson #2

5. The Mystery of Christ “ This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” (Ephesians 3:6, ESV; emphasis mine) Memory Verse For Lesson #3

6. The Unity of Strength in Christ “ ...walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing one another in love...” (Ephesians 4:1b-2, ESV) Memory Verse For Lesson #4

7. The Strength of the New Man “ ...to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4: 22-23, ESV) Memory Verse For Lesson #5

8. Finding Strength in Walking “ Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV; emphasis mine) Memory Verse For Lesson #6

9. The Strength of Marriage “ This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” (Ephesians 5:32-33 ESV) Memory Verse For Lesson #7

10. The Strength of Obedience “ … with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man .” (Ephesians 6:5b-7 ESV) Memory Verse For Lesson #8

11. Lesson #9 The Strength in Battle

12. The Strength in Battle “ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:10-11 ESV) Memory Verse For Lesson #9

13. The Strength in Battle Strength in the Armor You cannot fight this battle alone. (Ephesians 6:10) The strength to stand comes from the armor of God. (Ephesians 6:11) The armor is given by God. (Ephesians 6:11)

14. The Strength in Battle The Battle The battle is against the power of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11, 13) He is crafty. (2 Corinthians 11:3) He is a deciever. (2 Corinthians 11:14) He is powerful. (Ephesians 2:2) He is wicked. (1 John 2:13)

15. The Strength in Battle Seven Pieces of Armor Lower Body: Girded at the waist with truth. (Ephesians 6:14) Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel. (Ephesians 6:15)

16. The Strength in Battle Seven Pieces of Armor Upper Body: Breastplate of righteousness. (Ephesians 6:17) Shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16)

17. The Strength in Battle Head: Helmet of salvation. (Ephesians 6:17) Praying always in the Spirit. (Ephesians 6:18) Seven Pieces of Armor

18. The Strength in Battle Weapon: The sword of the Spirit. (Ephesians 6:17) Seven Pieces of Armor

19. The Strength in Battle When the battle comes, a Christian needs the power and strength of the Lord found in the armor of God. You cannot stand alone, but with God you can face anything: Romans 8:31 Where is Your Strength in the Daily Battle

20. Comunicación y Gerencia Studies in the letter to the Ephesians Strengthening the Church The Strength of the Church Depends on You!