When Paul thought of the immeasurable greatness of God’s power, he thought first of Christ’s resurrection. This great resurrection power placed Jesus above all things. But Paul wanted believers to know that God’s immeasurably great power was not only able to raise Jesus back to life again, it is “toward us who believe.” That is, God’s immeasurably great power that is seen in Christ’s resurrection has practical benefits for us who are believers. Our study is in two parts:

1. God demonstrated His Immeasurable Power by putting all things under His feet (v.22a)
2. God demonstrated His Immeasurable Power by appointing Jesus as head over all things for the church (v.22b-23)

God’s power is seen in Christ’s resurrection. God’s power is seen in Christ’s enthronement. And God’s power is seen in Christ’s supremacy, for God put Christ “… far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet” (1:21-22a).

God gave Christ to be the head of the church (v.22b), and just as there is a vital connection between our heads and our bodies, so there is a vital connection between Christ and his church (v.23). Christ, as head of the church “fills it in a special way with his Spirit, grace, and gifts: it is his fullness.” Christ has given the church everything necessary to function in a way that glorifies him. Christ has given us his Spirit, his grace, and every spiritual gift we need to worship and serve him.

Getting Started                          

1. Have you ever experienced a power failure in your home, late at night and all your lights and appliances stopped working? Share your most memorable experience.

• Read Ephesians 1:15-23

2. What insight, principle, or observation from Sunday’s sermon did you find to be the most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling?  

Digging Deeper

3. Verse 19-20 mentions the power God has given to the believer. Does this mean we personally have the power to raise the dead or perform other miracles?  

4. Paul tells us three things about Jesus’ ascension and heavenly rule from verses 21-22. What are they?  

5. Even the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places are subject to the supremacy of Christ (v.22). But how are we to be victorious over Satan and his demonic host? Refer to James 4:7.  

The Heart of the Matter

6. Paul’s prayer is reminding us of God’s power so we will be confident in God's provision for us. But if we do not believe that God has the power to answer our prayers, how will this negatively affect our petitions and our walk with the Lord?   

7. Verse 22 says that God gave Jesus as head over all things, including the church. This rule over all things that Christ has been granted has been granted for the benefit of those He loves, of those who love Him, of His people, of those who trust in Him — of His church. What are some of these benefits belonging to a local church?  

8. It’s easy for us to read and in a measure to understand these words than it is for us to see them worked out in our experience, because we are very acquainted with our own weakness. What are some ways the group can pray for you to experience Gods power to overcome your struggles and weaknesses?