Homework

Here are a few things to remember when you're working on your homework:

1. The answers to the questions in the homework should be obvious, not obscure! In other words, don't look for a 'deep meaning'...look for the obvious. If something isn't obvious to you, then skip it and move on. It may become obvious later.
Sometimes the answer they're looking for is so simple, we think it can't be that easy....but, it usually is! So, don't complicate the questions...look for the obvious, not the obscure.

2. The questions in our homework can be broken down into 3 categories:

a. Observation questions: These are questions designed to help you look at what the text says objectively. These are usually simple and obvious.
Some of you have learned some skills that help you observe the text. For example, if you have learned how to structure a passage, you will have already seen most of the things they're asking you to observe in the homework. And if that's the case, you can skip those questions and move on.
If you're new to this kind of study, the workbook is trying to slow you down and help you observe some details of the text.
b. Interpretation questions: When you're defining words in the Greek, or looking for relationships between ideas, for example, you're trying to understand what Paul meant when he penned Ephesians...you're looking for his flow of thought.
When you're reading all those cross references, you're looking for more information about a particular subject. You're trying to better understand an issue that Paul has mentioned. Sometimes it helps to read other verses that relate to the issue you're studying. The Bible becomes its own commentary in a way.
c. Application questions: These are the questions that encourage you to apply certain truths to your life. Application begins in our thinking...then it spills out into how we live moment by moment. Some of the things we are learning in Ephesians will challenge the ways we think about God! That can be hard...but well worth the effort!

You can go through your homework and every question will fall under one of these 3 categories.

3. Remember: this is a process! Try not to get hung up on one step in the process....go for the cumulative effect, if that makes sense. In other words, if you find yourself bogging down on a question, move on! It really is ok to have blank spaces in your workbook...really, I promise!

You can always use the blog and ask the group how they answered a particular question. That's the main reason we started this blog.

4. Final thought: Our goal is to know God more intimately. As you study Ephesians, are you learning things about God...are you being reminded of some truths about Him? Are you being challenged to grow closer to Him?
"...like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord." 1 Peter 2:2-3