Ephesians 3:14-21

Ryan Moffat

Ephesians 1:1-13 - Ryan Moffat

1. Ephesians suggests that engaging with the "LARGER STORY" or "HIGHER STORY" of God, which includes big and complicated philosophical ideas, is essential for people to "COME ALIVE". What is one specific, "big" idea from Ephesians 1 (e.g., God's plan, predestination, cosmic reconciliation) that you find most challenging or most life-giving?

2. Paul emphasizes that God's core motivation in salvation is LOVE, not the attitude of a "cranky, bothered, frustrated angry old man". How does truly understanding God's love as the core motivation change how you view the doctrines of God's will and plan in your own life?

3. The text describes a profound irony: we should feel SUPER SMALL when reading the cosmic plan of God, yet leave feeling incredibly IMPORTANT to Him. Have you had an experience (like the Grand Canyon trip mentioned ) where you felt small but also felt incredible joy or importance? How does Paul's description of being "chose[n] before the foundation of the world" or "redeemed" contribute to that feeling of importance?

4. The sermon concludes with the idea that the plan of God is to maximize your JOY and His GLORY. In what areas of your life (e.g., possessions, relationships, ambition) do you find yourself "making mud pies in a slum" when "infinite joy" is offered, as C.S. Lewis describes?

Jonathan Martin Galatians 2:15-21

1. Read Galatians 3:1-3 - The Galatians were returning to the Law of Moses rather than continue living in the power of the Holy Spirit. What are some ways in our Christian culture we try to perfect with the flesh - that which was begun by the Spirit?

2. Look at the list of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. Do you ever find yourself faking any of these fruits? What does it look like to fake these fruits vs. having the real fruit of the Spirit?

3. How can you go from faking to the real thing? From outward love - to genuine love. From external patience - to internal patience. From a smile on your face - to a smile in your heart?

4. Some say we need to first beat down the flesh- that this is our job. How is this striving? Can we ultimately win this battle or is this too done in the Spirit’s power? What is the final fruit of the spirit on the list?

5. What did Paul mean when he said, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. ”Describe what it means to live a “Life of Faith”

Ryan Moffat Romans 12:1-2

Sermon Discussion Questions

1. The sermon suggests that life circumstances (like going to the DMV or seeing an online post ) act as “little audits” that reveal our true inner character. What is a recent “audit” that surprised you by revealing an area where you need more maturity or growth?

2. How does viewing God’s mercy as a transforming power (deliverance) change your daily approach to sin and struggle compared to viewing it only as a forgiving pardon (justification)?

3. What does presenting your body (your time, energy, resources, physical presence) as a “living sacrifice” look like in your life tomorrow?

4. In which specific area of the “pattern of this world” (Romans 12:2) do you feel the current pulling you hardest right now, and what one “paddle stroke” can you commit to this week to move against it?

Steve Stratos Romans 3:21-26

1. When was the first time you received an award? How did it make you feel, and what did you do?

2. When was the first time you experienced failure? How did you feel, and what did you do?

3. Explain the cause, effect, and result of justification.

4. How does justification energize the believer to pursue Jesus?

5. What are the benefits of justification? See how many you can list.

Steve Stratos Acts 9:1-19

1. What is your conversion story? If you don’t have one ask God to make Himself known to you as you confess your need for Him?

2. What has been one of the most important discoveries you have had about yourself as you walk with God?

3. Salvation is to be received and maturity is to be achieved. Explain the process and the key ingredients to both.

4. Who has been an Ananias or Barnabas in you life? How did it make a difference?

5. Everyone needs a Paul, a Barnabas, and a Timothy in their life. If you don’t have them, begin to pray that God would show you or bring them to you.

Mark Seekins Acts 4:1-22; Romans 10:14-15

1. Can you give an example of a time in your life when things were going smoothly…and then everything changed? A time when you realized you didn’t have much power, weren’t in control, and couldn’t do much about it?

2. How are you “making waves” as a follower of Jesus? Or do you have an agenda you don’t want disturbed? Are you happy with the status quo of your life? What might Jesus be calling you to shake up?

3. Do you truly believe that Jesus can use an ordinary person like yourself? Do you live like that is true? How do you see this actually playing out in your life? Give an example.

4. If asked, would others say that you have “been with Jesus”. Would they be able to recognize your life is “in Him”? What does “being with Jesus” look like in your life?

5. How can you allow the Gospel to go “unchecked” in your life? What would it look like for God to use the “imperfect”, “unscripted”, and even “inconvenient” times in your life to share the Gospel and be a witness for the Kingdom? What areas of your life are you still trying to control? How can you give those over to God?

6. Spend some time in prayer asking God to be in control of your days! Ask him to lead you to those you can share the good news of Jesus with. Pray that you won’t be able to keep your mouth shut!

Ryan Moffat Acts 2:42-47

Focus on Devotion (Point #1): The early church’s commitment was described as “Steadfast Devotion” versus our culture’s “Selective Engagement.” Where is one area in your spiritual life (time, money, talent) where you are currently practicing “selective engagement,” and what is one small, non-negotiable step you can take this week to move toward “steadfast devotion”?

Focus on Generosity and Loneliness (Points #3 & #5): Your life together was marked by radical generosity and the antidote to isolation. Who is one person in your sphere of influence (a neighbor, a coworker, a quiet family member) that you believe is experiencing modern “loneliness,” and what is a specific, simple act of hospitality or service you can extend to them this week?

Focus on Awe (Point #4): Paul Tripp suggests that when awe of God is absent, it is often replaced by awe of self. In what circumstances or activities do you most often find yourself living in “awe of self” (e.g., career, achievements, personal comfort), and what is one practical way you can intentionally redirect that attention back to God this week? Integration Question (All Points): If we were to judge our church’s health solely by verse 42 (teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, prayer), which of those four elements do you feel is currently strongest in your personal life, and which one needs the most intentional cultivation moving forward?

Ryan Moffat The Book of Acts

1. Reflecting on “Hidden Power Activated”: The sermon highlights that world-changing movements often start small and hidden (like a sequoia seed or the early Netflix), and that the disciples were asked to wait in humility instead of seeking a political takeover. What does your “hidden power” stage look like right now? What is one area of your life (personal, spiritual, or relational) in which you need to prioritize waiting, prayer, or the quiet study of the Word before moving into public ministry or action?

2. Identifying Your Stage in the Cycle: The sermon uses the four movements (Hidden Power - Witness - Conflict - Victory) as a map for Christian life. Which of the four stages do you feel you are primarily experiencing today? What specific challenges (conflict/hostility) or blessings (witness/growth) are you seeing in that stage, and how does knowing the next stage help you persevere?

3. The Priority of the Word: The growth summary statements in Acts repeatedly emphasize that “The Word increased and multiplied,” rather than focusing on organizational growth. What does it mean practically for our group or individual lives to “plant the WORD, the GOSPEL” rather than just planting “church plants”? How does this emphasis affect how you share your faith or conduct ministry?

4. Living as a “Sojourner” and “Citizen of Heaven”: The closing quote describes early Christians as people who shared in all things with others but lived as if foreigners, passing their days on earth but being citizens of heaven. How does your identity as a “citizen of heaven” cause you to “surpass the laws by your lives” (live with a higher standard) in your current neighborhood or workplace? What kind of love or actions might lead people to be “unable to give any reason for their hatred” yet still persecute you?

Steve Stratos John 17:20-26

1. How would you define “oneness”?

2. Where have you experienced your definition of oneness?

3. What is the basis for the oneness that Jesus prays for?

4. Read John 17 and pick out how Jesus teaches us about the What, Why, How, and Result of oneness.

5. Read Galatians 6:1-3, Acts 4:32-35, and Romans 12:15-18, and talk about how to participate.