938 Church

**Community Question:**Paul states that “Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry” (Eph 4:11). The challenge is organizing ourselves as one church. What might your role be in maturing our church and pulling us forward in faith?

Read Eph. 4:1-13 as a group and write down what you observe about the passage. Talk about initial observations/questions of the passage as a group and then transition into these questions.

The Gift: Christ gives us the apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers as a gift to equip His people for service.

The Purpose: Paul states that this gift is “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Eph 4:12). However, the biggest mistake a church can make is to outsource ministry solely to professionals rather than raising up leaders from within the body.

The Goal: Paul says, “to the measure of the stature of the fullness of

Community Question: Paul refers to Psalm 68, stating “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people” (Eph 4:8). Jesus has imparted a diverse list of gifts to His people. What spiritual gifts has He given you?

Read Eph. 4:1-10 as a group and write down what you observe about the passage. Talk about initial observations/questions of the passage as a group and then transition into these questions.

Paul mentions that there is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God.

The passage takes a turn in verse 7 where Paul states “to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.” Each one of us has been given unique spiritual gifts.

The Pattern: Ascent – Jesus descended first, in service to others, before he

There is no limit to the potential of Jesus using your gift. How might you

Community Question: What is it that you really want? What would people say about you (are you good, bad, nice)?

Read Ephesians 3:14-21 as a group and write down what you observe about the passage. Talk about initial observations/questions of the passage as a group and then transition into these questions.

In his prayer, Paul prays that “Christ may dwell in your hearts.” Experiencing love is an experience of closeness, because love is local.

Paul prays that “he may grant you to be strengthened with power through

We tend to overestimate what we can do in a week and underestimate what

We pray for love because THAT is what we really want. For whom can you

Community Question: What does freedom mean to you? How do you experience freedom?

Read Ephesians 3:1-13 as a group and write down what you observe about the passage. Talk about initial observations/questions of the passage as a group and then transition into these questions.

Paul speaks of grace two times in this passage. How has grace has been extended to you?

Paul says that he’s a prisoner of Christ Jesus. How does Paul view his identity?

Paul says we should approach God with freedom and confidence and not be discouraged by suffering..

Paul’s bottom line in this passage is that we should not be discouraged. How can you be encouraged and not discouraged?

Community Question: Describe the biggest rivalry that you have had in your life? (examples: neighboring HS, The Dallas Cowboys, a competitor for the heart of a loved one, that family member who always takes your seat)

Read Eph. 2:11-22 as a group and write down what you observe about the passage. Talk about initial observations/questions of the passage as a group and then transition into these questions.

What is your preferred, natural method to get peace in a relationship? Do you prefer to take control and try to get people to see things your way? Or would you rather pretend there is not a problem at all?

How does looking for peace through the lens of our relationship with Jesus change the way we think about it?

The passage says that Jesus “preached peace” to those near and far. Paul gives us four examples of how we can demonstrate them.

Who is someone that is different than you that you can reach out to get to know this week?

Eph 2:1-10

Read Eph. 1:15-23 as a group and write down what you observe about the passage. Talk about initial observations/questions of the passage as a group and then transition into these questions.

In Eph. 1:17, Paul prays for the Ephesians to know Christ better. As a Christian, how can we have the Holy Spirit but still be disconnected in our relationship with Jesus? Examples: Not gathering together with other Christians; not spending time reading God’s Word; not praying

What are you tempted to turn to in your vulnerability? Examples: overworking, sleep,spending all our time on kids’ activities, distancing ourselves from close relationships

Can you share a time where you found the relationships in your life more valuable than anything else?

What application(s) can we draw from looking closely at Paul’s prayer to the Ephesians?

We don’t need to be afraid from our vulnerability as Christians – God will protect us!

Go for depth, not breadth in our relationships.

Who is a trustworthy friend I can ask to stand and pray in the vulnerability with me?