The first step in Inductive Bible study is to read carefully and then take notes on what the chapter says. You would do this just as you used to do in school.  Read a paragraph and take notes on what stood out to you, looking for the repeated words, phrases, and ideas.

Please Note: 

1. An author writes the "ideas" that are in their mind. For instance, when you make a grocery list of the things that you need, what you write comes from your head/mind, and then you write them down.  So, when I refer to main "ideas", I am simply referring to what the author is trying to say.  What is his point?  What topics and spiritual truths is he trying to convey?  The main idea and the main topic are interchangeable. 

2. When I refer to "main truths", or spiritual truths, I am simply referring to those things in which you would really only know of because you are a Christ follower that reads the Bible (i.e. grace, God's will, predestination, peace, foreknowledge, etc) In Ephesians, there is a ton of spiritual truth, so just look at the repeated ones and that will lead you to the most important spiritual truths.

   

If you find this process of discovering what the chapter is about difficult, you may enjoy listening to the chapter being read aloud. These websites (or apps) offer free audio Bible readings.

• Click here for ESV: Ephesians | ESV.org (look for the megaphone symbol)

The image below is not clickable, it is just to show you what the screen will look like as you take notes on the main ideas.  Also note, this was captured from a computer screen and will look and possibly work different if you are using a phone or tablet.

• Click here for BSB: Ephesians 1 BSB Audio - Souer (biblehub.com)

  

You may also find the chapter summaries that I have included along with each chapter helpful.

Click the arrow to move on to the next lesson!