This past week we started our new series through the book of Ephesians. For my post this week, I thought I would share a few ways that you can get the most out of this series as we go through it together. I am going to divide these recommendations into three categories: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced.
Basic
Read/study the passage in advance — This is pretty simple, but the easiest—and honestly best—way to get more out of any sermon series is to come into Sunday morning having already read through and spent some time thinking about the sermon text for that week. Youcould even write down a few thoughts and questions to bring with you on Sunday—perhaps in the margins of your Bible or in a notebook. This doesn’t have to be extensive—maybe set aside thirty minutes.
Take notes during the sermon — There is a reason we hand out a bulletin each week with a large blank white space on it! Taking notes during a sermon helps you focus and gives you material to reflect on later. It helps you remember more of what you heard. Even if you never look at the notes again, the act of taking notes helps with engagement and memory.
Reflect on the sermon and write out a few takeaways — Early in the week, as soon as Sunday afternoon, read back over the sermon text and reflect on it again in light of the sermon. Were your questions answered? What are a few practical applications you can make? Doing this soon after the sermon, within 24 hours, ensures that you get the most out of it.
Total time per week: 60 minutes (not counting the sermon itself!)
Intermediate
Write a personal response each week — Instead of just jotting down a few applications, write a longer response to the sermon that includes 1) a summary of the passage and its meaning, 2) important observations from your own study and from the sermon, and 3) longer, more detailed applications for your own life. Aim for 1–2 pages in length, or longer if there is more to say!
Pick a verse each week and memorize it — Choose one of the verses that particularly stood out to you. Write it on a notecard and carry it around in your pocket. As you have breaks in the day, review and memorize the verse. As you memorize it, pray through the verse.
Application accountability — Find a friend from church and schedule a time each week to talk through the sermon. Share your applications with each other and ask about the previous week’s application—did you do it? How did it go? What were the challenges and successes?
Total time per week: 3 hours
Advanced
Buy a commentary or two and read through them each week — Below I’ve included a few suggested commentaries and other books on Ephesians. Buy one or two and read through them as we go through the book. Take notes!
Memorize the whole book — Instead of just memorizing a verse or two, why not memorize the entire book of Ephesians? I promise you can do this—it isn’t as hard as you think. It just takes consistency and effort. Use notecards, make use of spare time, and instead of looking at your phone, pull out your notecards and review, review, review. You can do it!
Total time per week: 8 hours
Suggested Resources
Here are a few commentaries and books that I recommend (with Amazon links included):
- Ephesians by S. M. Baugh — This is my favorite commentary on the book, and it isn’t just because Dr. Baugh was my favorite seminary professor. I think it’s the best combination of accessible and rigorous. You’ll learn a lot about Paul’s world, as Dr. Baugh knows more about the first century than almost anyone alive.
- Let’s Study Ephesians by Sinclair Ferguson — Another book that combines accessibility with profundity. Written for the layperson, Ferguson dives deep into this book. Highly recommended!
- Ephesians: An Expositional Commentary by R. C. Sproul — Another great resource! Sproul thought more deeply about the Scriptures than virtually anyone else in the 20th century. His book deeply engages the mind but also the heart.
Week-by-Week Overview of Sermon Texts
- Sept 21 — Eph 1:3–14
- Sept 28 — Eph 1:15–23
- Oct 5 — Eph 2:1–10
- Oct 12 — Eph 2:11–22
- Oct 19 — Eph 3
- Oct 26 — Eph 4:1–16
- Nov 2 — Eph 4:17–32
- Nov 9 — Eph 5:1–20
- Nov 16 — Eph 5:21–6:9
- Nov 23 — Eph 6:10–23