Bible Study Review: Ephesians by Scotty Smith

Am I loved? The central question of every human heart is answered with a resounding yes through this study of the Ephesians. Through an easily accessible, self-contained small group study each participant will grow in their understanding of the love of Christ, and the riches of his grace and how that love shapes every relationship and every interaction with others.

The small group guide includes twelve in-depth lessons that include discussion questions, a short article to read, and a practical application section that can be used for one-to-one discipleship, small group, or large group settings. Explore this resource and find the riches of grace, the out-working of the gospel into every part of life, and the knowledge and love of God you’ve been waiting for. 

Ephesians: The Love We Long For offers Scripture-based, theologically rich content with an easy-to-follow structure to engage readers. Smith invites men and women to reflect of the God of the Bible by reading the book of Ephesians slowly. 

He shares how the New Testament letter presents the love we all deeply long for-God’s great love for us in Jesus. 

In this guide, discover the implications of God’s love for every aspect of your life and relationships. With rich discussion questions, practical application exercises and Scripture-based teaching, Smith helps readers see Jesus more clearly in the themes found in the book of Ephesians. 

AUTHOR

Scotty Smith graduated from The University of North Carolina, Westminster Theological Seminary, and Covenant Theological Seminary (DMin). Smith planted and pastored Christ Community Church in Franklin, TN, for twenty-six years. He worked on pastoral staff of West End Community Church as teacher in residence and also served as adjunct faculty for Covenant Seminary, Westminster (Philadelphia), RTS, Orlando, and Western Seminary in Portland, OR. He authored Unveiled Hope, Objects of His Affection, Restoring Broken Things, Everyday Prayers, Every Season Prayers, and Ephesians: The Love We Long For. Scotty and his wife of over forty-five years, Darlene, live in Franklin, TN.

ENDORSEMENTS

“Every time my longtime friend and mentor, Scotty Smith gets ahold of good gospel truth, it is only a matter of time before that same gospel truth gets ahold of him. Before you know it, he is gushing about the grace and freedom that are ours in Christ Jesus, because gushing about grace and freedom is what Scotty does. This wonderful, practical work on Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is a treasure. Part commentary and part devotional, we learn about the church and also ourselves as seen through the eyes of the One who loved us and gave himself for us. He is the Father, and we are his daughters and sons. He is the Bridegroom, and we are his bride. We were never his choice people because we are sinners, but we will always be his chosen people because he is a God of mercy and grace. Whether you use this book to prepare talks or sermons, as devotional material, or for group discussion, I pray that its effect on you will be contagious, and that the very truths that have gripped the author’s heart will also get a grip on yours.” 
Scott Sauls, Pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church, Nashville, TN; author of A Gentle Answer 

“Scotty Smith is one of the most gospel-rich men I know, and this book is like having Scotty himself right there in your living room, with friends sitting around and together savoring the gospel riches of Ephesians. That circle of honest fellowship is where God’s grace touches our deepest needs.”
Ray Ortlund, Renewal Ministries, Nashville, TN 

“It is a pleasure to commend to all this new study of my favorite book of the Bible written by my favorite pastor/scholar. My friend and mentor Scotty Smith offers in these pages a captivating and accessible study of Ephesians that fills the heart with gospel joy just as much as it transforms the mind with gospel truth. When I succeeded Scotty at Christ Community the first thing I did was start preaching through Ephesians not only because I knew it would reinforce the message he’d always preached there, but because I knew that every time we catch a glimpse of the beauty of this epistle we grow in our astonishment at God’s grace, freshly kindle the flames of our first love for Jesus, and step forward with renewed faith into our calling to love one another. Ephesians is the Swiss Alps of Paul’s writing, and Scotty is just the trusted and experienced guide we need to help us appreciate its beauty. I pray that God will be pleased to give this study a wide readership, and that it will strengthen and equip many to walk with Jesus for the sake of the gospel.”
David Cassidy, Senior Pastor, Christ Community Church, Franklin, TN 

“Scotty Smith has a distinct calling to help men and women explore the heights and depths of the gospel in sermons, seminars and books. This guide to the gospel in Ephesians is clear, concise, compelling, biblical, and emotionally resonant. It also leads you to think and act on the gospel with a group of friends. The questions are wise and penetrating enough to occasionally make you uncomfortable, but it will be a godly discomfort that leads you to the greater comfort of God’s grace and direction in Christ.” 
Dan Doriani, Author; Professor of Theology and Vice President at Large,Covenant Theological Seminary, St. Louis, MO 

“Nothing is more vital to our intimacy with Christ than spending time with him in his Word. But a lot of Bible studies stop short and only deal with concepts and ideas and never really speak to our hearts. That’s why I’m so excited about this series. Each author writes about the unique gospel insights he or she has gained from Scripture and has created a small group study that will help people actually encounter Christ and be changed by the power of his grace. God has used this material powerfully in my life, marriage, and ministry, and that is my prayer for you as well.” 
Bob Osborne, Executive Director, Serge 

Review:

Like my review on Jeff Dodge’s study on Titus, this is designed for small group use. Something about Scotty Smith’s look at Ephesians felt like it was just as appropriate for personal use. Perhaps it’s his passion for the subject, which leaps off the page. He also gives personal examples to emphasize the Biblical principles from Ephesians.

I found, as the author intended, this wasn’t just a look at Ephesians, but a challenge on how to live like Christ. The exercise from each session is a hard reflection on how we are personally doing in the areas of discussion. Although we might not like what we see, we need to grow and change to be part of a healthy Body of Christ.

Julie Arduini

I loved this study and think anyone interested in moving forward in their Bible reading and living for Jesus should definitely check out Scotty Smith’s Ephesians, The Love We Long For.

To purchase, visit the link below:

https://newgrowthpress.com/ephesians-the-love-we-long-for-study-guide-with-leaders-notes/

I received an eBook for review purposes. I was not compensated and all opinions are my own.