Simple Discipleship Guide Using Ephesians

Session 1: Knowing God
Passage: Ephesians 1

  • Have the person you’re discipling read chapter one multiple times, writing down (1) observations and (2) questions.

Big Idea:

  • Salvation begins with God. The Father planned it, the Son accomplished it, and the Spirit secures it.

Key Theological Truths:

  • The Father chose and adopted us (1:3–6)

    • Before we ever pursued God, He pursued us.

  • Salvation is rooted in His grace, not our performance.

    • The Son redeemed us (1:7–12)

  • Redemption means Jesus purchased our freedom through His blood.

    • Our sins are forgiven because Christ paid for them.

  • The Spirit seals us (1:13–14)

    • When we believe the gospel, the Holy Spiritcomes to dwell in us.

  • The Spirit is God’s guarantee that we belong to Him forever.

Application:

  • Thankful prayer (1:15-23)

    • Use Paul’s words of thanksgiving to communicate your thankfulness for the Lord’s work in the life of who you’re meeting with.

Discussion:

  • What does it mean that God “chose us” before the foundation of the world?

  • Why is it important that salvation is based on grace rather than effort?

  • What does it mean that the Holy Spirit “seals” believers?

Christian Habit # 1: Prayer

  • Thank each person of the Trinity in prayer.

  • Memorize Ephesians 1:7.

  • Start a habit of daily gratitude for salvation.

Session 2: Knowing Ourselves
Passage: Ephesians 2

  • Have the person you’re discipling read chapter two multiple times, writing down (1) observations and (2) questions.

Big Idea:

  • We were spiritually dead, but God made us alive through grace.

Key Theological Truths:

  • Our condition without Christ (2:1–3)

    • Dead in sin

    • Following the world

    • Under God’s judgment

  • God’s mercy toward sinners (2:4–7)

    • “But God” are some of the most powerful words in Scripture.

    • God rescues sinners because of His great love.

  • Saved by grace through faith (2:8–9)

    • Faith is the gift from God in v. 8.

    • No one earns it.

  • Saved for good works (2:10)

    • Good works are the result of salvation, not the cause.

Application:

  • A Posture of Unity (2:11-22)

    • Use this section of teaching to discuss prejudice, racism, legalism, etc.

Discussion:

  • What does it mean that we were spiritually dead?

  • Why can’t good works save us?

  • What kind of good works might God want to grow in your life?

Christian Habit # 2: Mission

  • Journal your testimony (before Christ / how you believed / life now).

  • Think about who you could invite to church.

  • Do one intentional act of love or service.

Session 3: Knowing the Church
Passage: Ephesians 3

  • Have the person you’re discipling read chapter three multiple times, writing down (1) observations and (2) questions.

Big Idea:

  • God’s plan is to build a kingdom—the Church—and empower them through prayer.

Key Theological Truths:

  • The mystery of the church (3:1–6)

    • Jews and Gentiles are now one family in Christ.

    • The church is God’s covenant people. (And always has been.)

  • The mission of the church (3:7–13)

    • God’s plan of proclamation is through the church.

Application:

  • The power of prayer (3:14–21)

    • Prayer helps us know what is beyond knowledge (v. 19).

Discussion:

  • Why is the church essential for Christians?

  • What stands out about Paul’s prayer in this chapter?

  • How can you grow in a daily prayer life?

Christian Habit # 3: Church

  • Consider how to be involved in the church.

  • Consider avenues for fellowship in the church.

Session 4: Living a New Life
Passage: Ephesians 4

  • Have the person you’re discipling read chapter four multiple times, writing down (1) observations and (2) questions.

Big Idea:

  • Christians are called to live differently because we have been made new.

Key Theological Truths:

  • Walk worthy of the calling (4:1–6)

    • Humility

    • Gentleness

    • Patience

    • Unity

  • Every believer has a role (4:7–16)

    • God gives spiritual gifts to build the church.

  • Put off the old self (4:17–24)

  • Becoming a Christian means a new way of life.

Application:

  • Practical examples of change (4:25–32)

    • Truth instead of lying

    • Kindness instead of anger

  • Forgiveness instead of bitterness

Discussion:

  • What does it mean to “walk worthy”?

  • Which old habits might God want you to leave behind?

  • What might expressions of your spiritual gifts look like?

Christian Habit # 4: Holiness

  • What is an area of growth you want to honor God with?

    • Speaking truth

    • Controlling anger

    • Showing kindness

    • Forgiving someone

Session 5: Living in Love and Light
Passage: Ephesians 5

  • Have the person you’re discipling read chapter five multiple times, writing down (1) observations and (2) questions.

Big Idea:

  • Followers of Jesus imitate God by walking in love, purity, and wisdom.

Key Theological Truths:

  • Imitate God (5:1–2)

    • Love others like Christ loved us.

  • Walk in purity (5:3–14)

    • Christians are called to live differently than the world.

  • Walk in wisdom (5:15–21)

    • Make the most of your time.

    • Be filled with the Spirit.

Application:

  • God’s design for marriage (5:22–33)

    • Marriage reflects Christ and the church.

    • Husbands lead with sacrificial love.

    • Wives respond with respect and support.

Discussion:

  • What does it mean to imitate God?

  • How does being filled with the Spirit change daily life?

  • Why does Paul connect marriage with the gospel?

Christian Habit # 5: Worship

  • Listen to and/or sing along with worship music once or twice a week.

  • Spend time in worshipful prayer—no requests or needs, just praising God.

  • If married: pray with your spouse this week.

Session 6: Living in Spiritual Strength
Passage: Ephesians 6

  • Have the person you’re discipling read chapter six multiple times, writing down (1) observations and (2) questions.

Big Idea:

  • Christians face spiritual opposition but God provides armor to stand firm.

Key Theological Truths:

  • The gospel impacts all of life (6:1-9)

    • Example One: Parenting

    • Example Two: Work

  • Christian life includes spiritual warfare (6:10–12)

    • Our battle is spiritual, not merely physical.

  • The armor of God (6:13–17)

    • Belt of truth

    • Breastplate of righteousness

    • Gospel shoes

    • Shield of faith

    • Helmet of salvation

    • Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God)

Application:

  • Scripture and prayer are our weapons (6:18-24)

    • Jesus used Scripture to defeat temptation.

Discussion:

  • Why is the Christian life described as a battle?

  • Which piece of armor do you think you need most right now?

  • How can Scripture help you fight temptation?

Christian Habit # 6: Devotion

  • Start a Bible reading habit (10 minutes daily, a chapter or two weekly, etc.).

  • Memorize Ephesians 6:10.

  • Pray daily: “Lord, help me stand firm today.”