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The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus

himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

– Ephesians 5:33

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by Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. It is a study of the book of Ephesians from the New Testament of the Bible. Ephesians is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters, which was written to the church at Ephesus.

In the book of Ephesians Paul reminds us that we are chosen of God. He encourages us to walk in unity in the church. He talks about our various relationships including our relationship with Christ, with each other, the husband-wife relationship and others. He also exhorts us to put on the full armor of God so that we are clothed for battle against the enemy.

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus consists of twelve lessons, which can be used for an individual daily Bible study or a group Bible study. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation called, “Things to think about,” and a prayer for the day.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as …

Daily Bible Reading “Walk in Love” (Ephesians 5:1-16)

Posted on March 19, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

Walk in Love

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Ephesians 5:1-16. Paul continues to exhort us to be followers of God, as “dear children.” What do you think Paul means by that statement? Paul tells us to live a life of love for one another. We are to use Christ for our example. He loved us and died on the cross for our sins as a sacrifice to God that He might please God and do His will.

Paul tells us not to live a life of sexual immorality, impurity, and greediness. He says we should not even let there be a hint of these things in our lives, but to live as saints of God. Paul says we need to be careful of our speech also. He reminds us not to talk about obscene things or tell dirty jokes or talk about foolish things.

Paul says that no one who lives an impure, immoral, and greedy life, which worships the things of this world, will inherit the kingdom of Christ and of God. He warns us not to let anybody deceive us. These sins of disobedience cause the wrath of God to come on those who sin and disobey Him. Paul says we shouldn’t participate with those who do these things either.

Paul reminds us that we were all once in sin. Those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior are now children of the light, and need to walk in the light of Christ. We can’t live Holy lives in our own strength. We have to put Jesus at the center of our life and with His help we can live in obedience and conduct ourselves as children of God.

The fruit of the Spirit, which lives in you if you are a Christian, is goodness, righteousness, and truth. We should try to live in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. In order to do that we need to study the Bible so we can learn what God’s will is for our lives. We need to examine our lives to see if we are children of the light.

As Christians we’re not to have anything to do with fruitless evil works, but we should expose them to the light. Paul says it is a shame to even talk about the sinful things that ungodly people do in secret. When the light of Christ shines on these sinful acts it becomes clear how wrong they are. His light makes everything visible. This is why he says, “Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.”

Paul exhorts us to be careful how we live, not as foolish people, but as wise people. He reminds us to make the most of every opportunity that we have to do good because the days are evil.

Daily Bible Reading:

Ephesians 5:1-16

1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;

4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but: walk as children of light:

9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth:)

10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Things to think about:

What does Paul say the “fruit of the spirit” is?

What does Paul warn us about?

How can we shine the light of Christ into this dark world?

How are you walking in the light of Christ?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Ephesians where Paul exhorts us to live as dear children of God. Help us to live godly lives and not participate in things that are evil. Help us to share Your Word with others that the evil of this world might be exposed to Your light. Help us to use the time we have here on earth to do Your will. Please forgive us of any way we have failed to obey you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus

Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

– Ephesians 5:1-2

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by Deborah H. Bateman

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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which …

Daily Bible Reading “Walk in Purity” (Ephesians 4:17-32)

Posted on March 18, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

Walk in Purity

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Ephesians 4:17-32. We see in chapter four of the book of Ephesians that Paul shifts gears. In chapters one through three he talks about the grace of God and the gift of God, His Son, who He gave to redeem us of our sins. What do you think he is going to talk about next?

Let’s look back at: Ephesians 2:8-10 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

Starting in chapter four, Paul tells us how we should walk. In the first part of this chapter he told us to walk in unity. Now, in this part of chapter four, he is going to talk to us about walking in purity.

Paul says that since we have accepted Jesus as our Lord we shouldn’t walk as other Gentiles do, who are alienated from the life of God. Their hearts and minds are blind to the things of God. They’ve given themselves over to greed and impurity. Paul says since we have Christ in our lives, we’re to put off the old sinful man. We’re to put on the new righteous man, by the renewing of our mind through the Spirit.

Here Gentiles are not called to be Jewish, but Christians – people who are saved by the grace of Jesus Christ. They look to and follow Jesus’ example of how to live in the world. They walk in the light of Jesus Christ and show Him to everyone by the way they live in this world.

Paul says to speak the truth, do away with lying, and not to sin by letting anger get the best of us. We’re not to let the sun go down while we’re still angry, because this only gives a foothold to the devil. You may ask how we do this. In other words, if we have an issue with someone we are encouraged to resolve that issue and not go to bed angry.

He says those of you who used to be thieves should stop stealing and work to get what you need. So we will be able to give to others in need.

Paul reminds us our speech shouldn’t be corrupt, but it should be uplifting and encouraging to those we’re talking to. He says not to grieve the Holy Spirit by the way we live, since He lives within us. He has sealed us to the day of redemption.

Paul says to get rid of all bitterness, wrath, anger, slander, and all malicious behavior and be kind, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God through Christ forgave us. This isn’t easy since we still live in this world and have our “flesh” to deal with. With God’s help and the Holy Spirit working in us we can strive to be what God would have us to be.

Daily Bible Reading:

Ephesians 4:17-32

17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

20 But ye have not so learned Christ;

21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

27 Neither give place to the devil.

28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Things to think about:

What are some of the ways in which Paul says we ought to live?

How can we live the way Paul talks about?

In what ways have you surrendered your life to God?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Ephesians that reminds us since we’ve become Christians, we shouldn’t live like before. We should walk in purity. Help us to live as Paul talks about in this Scripture. Help us to be honest, righteous, and holy so we don’t grieve the Holy Spirit, who lives in us.

Help us to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to one another, as You for Christ’s sake forgave us. Show us the things in our life we need to do away with. Help us to live godly lives so we might be able to point others to You. Forgive us of all the times we’ve failed You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. We love you, LORD. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus

is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

– Ephesians 4:29

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by Deborah H. Bateman

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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of …

Daily Bible Reading “Walk Worthy” (Ephesians 4:1-16)

Posted on March 17, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

Walk Worthy

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Ephesians 4:1-16. Paul, who considers himself a prisoner of the Lord, exhorts the Ephesians to walk worthy of the calling they have received. Why do you think Paul admonishes the Ephesians to do this? He says they should be humble, gentle, patient, and enduring with one another in love. He exhorts them to diligently try to keep the body of Christ united in the Holy Spirit, in peace.

Paul reminds them that there is one body, one Spirit, one hope of their calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, through all, and in us all. Everyone is given the gift of grace by the measure of Christ’s gift.

In Ephesians 4:8, where Paul says, “Christ ascended on high, led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men,” he is referring to Psalm 68:18 where the Scripture says, “Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.”

Paul says that, “He who descended is the same who ascended above the heavens, that He might fulfill all things. God gives different gifts to each believer; some are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.”

As Christians we are a part of the body of Christ, which is the church. God gave us each different gifts so that we would fit together to make one body. We are given these gifts in order to minister and equip the saints, and to build up the church. If we all had the same gifts then parts of the body would be missing. God chose who would have what gift so we might be unified in our faith and the knowledge of Jesus Christ. He wants us to become mature Christians and be filled with the presence, power, and riches of Christ.

First Corinthians 12:18-20 reminds us, “But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body.”

Paul goes on to say we need to be mature in Christ so we are no more like children, who are easily deceived. As Christians we should know and speak the truth and grow in the knowledge of Christ, who is the head of the church. Christ has fit together the whole body of the church so we might work together to edify the body of Christ in love.

We need to study the Bible for ourselves in order to know the truth of the Word of God so people can’t deceive us. Paul warns us that there will be those who try to take advantage of us or lead us down the wrong path.

Daily Bible Reading:

Ephesians 4:1-16

1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Thing to think about:

What are some of the gifts God gives to fulfill the needs of the church?

Why does Paul refer to the church as a “body?”

What gifts has God given you to help further His kingdom?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Ephesians where Paul encourages us to be united together in our faith of the Lord Jesus Christ. He tells us to love and be patient with one another. Help us to work together to bring about Your will in the life of the church today. Help us to encourage and lift up our fellow believers in Christ. Help us to use the gifts You have given us to further Your kingdom. Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus’ precious and holy name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus

the vocation wherewith ye are called,

– Ephesians 4:1

Featured Book:

by Deborah H. Bateman

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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

–Excerpt from God Is Love ~ Deborah H. Bateman

Daily Bible Reading “Know the Love of Christ” (Ephesians 3:13-21)

Posted on March 16, 2025 by Deborah H. Bateman

Know the Love of Christ

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Ephesians 3:13-21. In this Scripture, Paul tells the Ephesians not to be discouraged because he was in prison. It was for their honor and glory he was suffering. Would you be discouraged if your leader was in prison?

Paul says, “For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the creator of everything in heaven and earth.” This shows Paul’s humility and reverence to God.

Paul’s desire for them was that God would give them inner strength by His Spirit through the riches of God’s glory. His prayer was that Christ would dwell in their hearts by faith as they put their trust in Him. He wanted them to be rooted and grounded in love. His prayer for them was that they would be able to understand, as all Christians should, how high, how wide, how long, and how deep is God’s love for us. He also desired that they know the love of Christ, which passes all knowledge, and be filled with the fullness of God.

Paul gives glory to God who is able to do more than we could ever imagine by His power at work in us. He prayed that God be given glory in the church forever through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Paul didn’t try to take glory or honor for anything he did. He made sure whatever he did he gave the glory to God and to Jesus Christ. Paul realized without God he was nothing and he could do nothing without the power of God living in him.

Paul loved the Ephesians, but he knew God loved them even more and he wanted them to understand and know the love of God.

I love this Scripture. As you read this Scripture, this is my prayer for you. I pray God would allow you by the riches of His glory to be strong with His might by His Spirit in your inner man. I pray Christ would dwell in your heart by faith and you would be rooted and grounded in love.

I pray you might be able to comprehend the vastness of Christ’s love for you, even though it surpasses our knowledge. My prayers for you are that you would be filled with the love of God and know in your heart He is able to do much more than we can ask or think, by the power of God that works in us. To God is the glory forever.

Daily Bible Reading:

Ephesians 3:13-21

13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Things to think about:

Do you think we can comprehend how much God loves us?

Does reading this Scripture lift your spirit?

Have you experienced the immeasurable love of God?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear God,

Thank You for this Scripture in Ephesians where Paul is praising and glorifying You. Help us get a glimpse into how much You love us. We give You praise, honor, and glory for all You do for us. We thank You for the wonderful plan You had for us from the beginning of time. In Jesus’ name, we pray. We love You, LORD. Amen.

Bible Verse to Journal or Memorize:

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. – Ephesians 3:19

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Featured Book:

God Is Love

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

God is Love is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. It contains 19 daily devotionals on Scriptures about love from the Bible: including God’s love for us, the love relationship between a husband and wife, love and honoring our parents, and much more.

This devotional would be great for either a personal daily devotions or group Bible studies, including small groups, and Sunday school classes. Each devotional contains a brief commentary by the author, the daily Bible Scripture, a prayer of the day, and several questions for personal reflection or group discussion.

In God is Love, Deborah strives to show you not only what love is, but that love comes from God, as well as the love of God surpasses all imagination. Her goal for you as you read this book is that you would realize how much God loves you.

Benefits of reading God is Love
• You will learn what love is
• You will learn about different kinds of love
• You will learn how much God loves you
• You will learn of the sacrifice made by God because of His love for you

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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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