Ephesians - Week 8

DISCUSSION GUIDE / 10.16.22

OPTIONAL INTRODUCTION QUESTION(S)

If you had a magic button on your desk to bring you whatever you wanted, what would it bring?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS -

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

- Ephesians 5:1-5

• Imitate - What is one thing that Jesus does that you wish you were better at imitating?

• Walk in love - What is an example of how we can “walk in love” in a practical way this week?

• Purity - What is something you do to stay pure and free from sexual immorality?

• Words - Do you catch yourself joining in conversations you shouldn’t? How do you exit those conversations and explain to others why you’re not joining in?

• Inheritance - What is our inheritance in the kingdom of God? How should we live as heirs to the Kingdom?

• How can we pray for you?

Ephesians - Week 7

DISCUSSION GUIDE / 10.9.22

OPTIONAL INTRODUCTION QUESTION(S)

If you could eliminate one thing from your daily routine, what would it be and why?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS -

25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

- Ephesians 4:25-32

• Falsehood - What are some ways you are tempted to lie? Why do you think that is?

• Anger - Do you tend to stay angry for long periods of time? What helps you let go?

• Stealing - Have you ever been stolen from? How did it feel? Have you ever been generous with someone with money you had worked hard for? How did it feel?

• Corrupting Talk - What is an example of corrupting talk? How can we avoid it? How can we be more encouraging to those around us?

• Grieving the Holy Spirit - What does it mean to grieve the Holy Spirit? How can we avoid it?

• Wrath - What helps you “put away” bitterness, wrath, and anger? What is one way we can be kind to one another?

• How can we pray for you?

Ephesians - Week 6

DISCUSSION GUIDE / 10.2.22

OPTIONAL INTRODUCTION QUESTION(S)

Pumpkin pie or pecan pie?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS -

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

- Ephesians 4:1-3

• Worthy - What does it mean to walk in a manner worthy of the calling?

• Humility - Who is someone you know that demonstrates humility? What helps you remain humble?

• Gentle - How do we act in gentleness with one another? How do we speak truth in love?

• Patient - Do you struggle with patience? Has God been patient with you? How can we be more patient with others?

• Love - How can we bear with one another in love? Is it easier to demonstrate love when times are good or when times are difficult? How can we be there for one another at all times?

• Unity - Are you eager to maintain unity? Is it a priority for you? How can we maintain or restore unity within our community?

• How can we pray for you?

Discussion Guide 9.23.22

DISCUSSION GUIDE / 9.23.22

OPTIONAL INTRODUCTION QUESTION(S)

What’s is one thing we don’t know about you?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS -

9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

- Romans 12:9-21

• Quietly read Romans 12:9-21. What verse stands out the most to you and why?

• Out of all of the verses discussed, choose one that we can actively achieve together as a life group.

• Which of these verses do you struggle with the most in your own life? Why do you think that is?

• Who is someone in your life that does a good job of living out these verses? Explain.

• Are you better at achieving these verses than you were last year? Why or why not?

• How can we pray for you?

Ephesians - Week 5

DISCUSSION GUIDE / 9.18.22

OPTIONAL INTRODUCTION QUESTION(S)

Are you an early bird or night owl?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS -

14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

- Ephesians 3:14-21

• In what ways has God strengthened you?

• Do you think about Jesus being with you throughout your day? How does this impact the way that you live?

• What does it mean to be “rooted and grounded” in love? What are some things we can do to make sure we are rooted and grounded in love?

• What is something that is difficult for you to comprehend about God?

• How do we grow in our understanding of God’s love?

• How can we pray for you?

Ephesians - Week 4

DISCUSSION GUIDE / 9.11.22

OPTIONAL INTRODUCTION QUESTION(S)

If you could have an animal sidekick, what would it be? Why?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS -

20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

- Ephesians 3:20-21

• If God is able to do more than we ask or think, what is keeping us from trusting Him?

• God chooses to work through people. How is He at work within us? In our life group? In our church?

• We want God to be glorified throughout all generations. How are we reaching the next generation and encouraging them with the gospel?

• What is something you’re trusting the God (who is able!) for in your life?

• Silently read Ephesians 3. What stands out the most to you from this chapter?

• How can we pray for you?

Ephesians - Week 3

DISCUSSION GUIDE / 9.4.22

OPTIONAL INTRODUCTION QUESTION(S)

Favorite fall activity?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS -

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

- Ephesians 2:8-10

• Have you accepted Jesus as your savior? How has it changed your life?

• How would you explain to someone that salvation is not based on works?

• What is one thing that you feel God has created you to do?

• Verse 10 says that God prepared opportunities for us to do good works. Do you have any examples of “God opportunities” in your life that you’ve experienced?

• How can we encourage one another to faithfully walk according to God’s plan for our lives?

• How can we pray for you?

Ephesians - Week 2

DISCUSSION GUIDE / 8.28.22

OPTIONAL INTRODUCTION QUESTION(S)

If you had to go (back) to college what would you major in?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS -

17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 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. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

- Ephesians 1:17-23

• Read verse 17. What area of your life do you need wisdom and revelation?

• Read verse 18. If you could see the situation from God’s perspective what do you think you would see? What would give you more hope?

• Read verse 19. Are you currently experiencing God working in power in your life? Explain.

• Read verse 20-21. Even if God isn’t currently moving in a way that you can see. He did raise Jesus from the dead and made a way for you to have eternal life. How can you thank Him for this?

• Read verse 22-23 What has God been speaking to you lately? How is He directing you?

• How can we pray for you?

Ephesians - Week 1

DISCUSSION GUIDE / 8.21.22

OPTIONAL INTRODUCTION QUESTION(S)

What’s a piece of advice your parents or grandparents gave you that you’d like to pass along?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS -

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

- Ephesians 1:3-14

• Read verse 3. What has God blessed you with?

• Read verse 4. How do we become holy and blameless before God?

• Read verses 5-6. What does being adopted by God imply about who we are?

• Read verses 7-8. Think about all that you have been forgiven of. What should this redemption compel us to do?

• Read verses 11-14. When did you first hear and respond to the word of truth? When is the last time you have share the word of truth?

• How can we pray for you?

Vision - Week 2

DISCUSSION GUIDE / 8.7.22

OPTIONAL INTRODUCTION QUESTION(S)

In your opinion, what is the most beautiful place on Earth?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS -

5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.

- 2 Peter 1:5-10

• While we are saved through faith alone, it’s important to supplement our faith with things like self-control. Why is self-control important for a Christian to practice?

• What does it look like to be ineffective or unfruitful as a Christian? What does it look like to be effective and fruitful?

• Think about all the things God has forgiven in your life. How does that make you feel? What impact does it have on your life?

• Which of the qualities listed in verses 6-7 do you struggle with the most? Explain.

• How can we help one another supplement our faith?

• How can we pray for you?