1. How do you feel when you are lied to? What lies does our a culture tell us?
2. Why did Paul emphasize speaking truth as Christians? 3. When you have acted or spoke in anger, how did that work out for you? 4. How and where are we to labour in this life? 5. How should we use our words and actions as Christians? 6. The letter Paul wrote to the Ephesians is filled with theology and practical guidance. If we were to memorize vs 30-32, how would that help us be doers of the Word and not just hearers? What do these words prompt you to pray?
1. Why is the self-help industry always booming? What do people want?
2. Why do we tend to judge people by their clothes? 3. If we reject God, and live in unbelief, Paul points out some consequences in verses 17 to 19. How do we see them playing out around us? Do you struggle against any of them from time to time yourself? 4. How do we put on our new clothes? Do we do it ourselves? Who and what can help us?
1. What does Paul mean when he writes that Christ descended to the “lowest regions, the Earth?”
2. Why is the “ascension” of Christ important? What is its meaning and significance? 3. What gifts has Christ given the church? How do you see them as precious? 4. What are these gifts for? 5. By becoming a member of your local church, what are you saying or demonstrating?What are you committed to? 6. What is your vital role in the church? 1. How does the Gospel dispel legalism and moralism? 2. What is distinctive about Christian unity and community? 3. As Paul writes in Eph 4:1-6, what three things form the basis of Christian unity? 4. What is the foundation of our calling? 5. What does Christian conduct look like? What aspects of it are despised by our national culture? What does it mean to bear with one another and what is our motivation and strength to do so? 6. What creed or confession is found in verses 4-6? How is the Trinity represented in this creed? How does this confession unify Christians? 7. To what extent are you willing to walk in a manner worthy of your calling?
1. One indication of how important a word is its repeated use within a passage. The modern usage of “mystery” is to denote a truth or fact that must be sought out and discovered because it is hidden, like in a Sherlock Holmes mystery. In the Bible, what does the word “mystery” mean? (Hint: It was defined in the sermon. Or you can go to Oxford English Dictionary online for help.)
2. What is the mystery that Paul describes in this passage? Why do you think it was so radical or unexpected in that ancient culture? 3. When you were saved, did you expect a smoother ride in life? How was Paul’s life? 4. Why is the Church on display? Who is the “audience”? What is the Church’s message? 5. Why is it that we do not loose hope in suffering as children of God? (The sermon discussed 4 points with respect to this hope.) 6. What is amazing about God’s grace? How can we be sinful yet righteous at the same time? 7. Paul calls himself chief amongst sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). How does his self-assessment shape your attitude and actions towards yourself and others?
1. What does verse 19 say about who we were in our natural state? What idea do think Paul is getting across?
2. Before you came to Christ, do you recall any times of feeling isolated, alone or lost? 3. To you, what makes a home a home? 4. Being followers of Christ, who are we now? 5. What is significant about being a stone that is being joined tightly to other stones? What truths does this metaphor illuminate? Why is Christ the cornerstone? 6. How important then is regular church attendance and being involved in life groups and ministries? Why? If we have God, His word and in-dwelling Holy Spirit, why would we need each other? 7. How has God showed us radical hospitality?
1. What is the problem that Paul describes in Eph 2:11-15?
2. What is the solution? How did this solution come about? 3. What does Paul mean by a “new man” in v.15? 4. Read 2 Corinthians 5:18-21. How does this passage and our Ephesians passage show the nature and importance of reconciliation? 5. Can humans have peace and reconciliation with each other apart from peace and reconciliation with God? 6. As followers of Christ, how are we called to treat one another, whether that person is a believer or non-believer?
1. What was our condition and our nature before God saved us? What did Paul mean by the phrase: “…following the prince of the power of the air?”
2. Paul uses the term “the flesh” in much of his writing. How would you explain what this means? 3. How are we saved? 4. Why are we saved? Or what are we saved for? 5. Any other religion, except Christianity, teaches that you must do good works in order to become righteous or to merit reward and blessing. What’s wrong with that thinking? Can’t people still do good apart from God and be rewarded eternally for it? 6. Discuss what you find incredible about verses 4 to 10. |
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