Our Dilemma: The doctrine of divine election challenges us.

Key Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-6

Outline:

I. How do we understand God's Election?

II. Why has God Elected?

Basis

The results

III. how does this impact our lives?

 

Questions:

Look at Paul’s language in vv3-6, 11. What are ways that you’ve considered the idea of God’s “Election” of His people? How do you think this doctrine has been challenging to you or to others?

How does the “prior-ness” of God’s love for His people provide comfort and confidence to you?

How does the “prior-ness” of God’s love for His people challenge your temptation to try and earn righteousness by what you do and don’t do?

Or, how might the “prior-ness” of God’s love for His people challenge your temptation toward self-abasement or self-pity when you fail?

How can you apply the doctrine of election to your own or to one another’s lives tonight? Can you share a current struggle with the Community and invite others to bring comfort through God’s assured love for you in your adoption through Christ?

Our Dilemma: How can anything good come out of our suffering?

Big Idea: God gives us abundant grace in the midst of our trials for a glorious purpose.

Key Scripture:  Romans 8:18-30

We learn that God uses trials and pains for our good.

I. Salvation is a Process

II. God Provides

III. God has a Purpose

 

Questions:

1. Could you share a story of yourself or others who are going through pain and trials? What are some of the challenges in the midst of these?

2. Does this passage of Scripture teach us something we often overlook when we are in pain or when we are seeing other people in pain?

3. How do we help each other in our circumstances when they are not what we expected?

Our Dilemma: With so many clashing differences, how can the Church possibly be the powerful witness Jesus has called her to be?

Big Idea: The power of our witness is shown through our unity in Christ. What does this passage teach us about the Church’s power?

Key Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-16

Outline:

I. Power in our Sameness vv4-6

II. Power in our Difference vv7-14

III. Power in our Need vv15-16

 

Questions:

In vv1-3, how does Paul introduce this second half of his letter which directs us not only to believe certain things, but to live in a certain way? And, how important is his prayer of 3:14-21 in giving a foundation to the Christian priority on both faith and life?

Read the Scott Sauls quote in the inside cover as you think about this passage. What are ways that the Bible’s emphasis on the Church’s unity, family, and interdependency comfort you? How does this discomfort you? In what ways do this text encourage you to change?

What are ways that God has used the gifts He’s given to others to bring growth in maturity to your life?

What do you think are some of the challenges to our church in living out the unity Paul is describing here?

How do you think our common reliance on Christ helps us in challenges such as these?

Ephesians 6:1-4

Ephesians 1:3-14

Acts 1:1-2

Ephesians 1:1-2; Acts 18:1-4, 18-19, 24-27; 19:1, 8-12, 17-20, 23-29

Acts 17:16-34

Psalm 22

Psalm 69