As we continue our journey through the book of Ephesians, we look back on the past two weeks of teaching. Two weeks ago, Phil walked us through Ephesians 5:3–14, calling us to live as “children of light” by rejecting immorality, greed, and spiritual complacency, and by embracing a purposeful life marked by integrity, thanksgiving, and discernment. Last week, Pastor Jackson built on that foundation, challenging us to live wisely as a Spirit-filled community,stewarding our time well, resting in God’s grace, and using our gifts for the good of the body. This week, Pastor Jackson continues to take us deeper into Paul’s teaching, inviting us to approach Scripture with humility, especially when engaging with difficult or divisive passages like Ephesians 5:18–6:9. Unity in Christ must be guarded with love, as described in 1 Corinthians 13, and true submission is not about forcing others to yield but about “standing under” one another in understanding and service. Mutual submission is a non-negotiable calling for every follower of Jesus, modeled perfectly by Christ, whose sacrificial love redefines greatness as serving others. We are urged to live this out daily in tangible ways, embodying humility, unity, and love in the family of God.

Discussion Questions

1.      What does it look like to approach the Bible with humility? When we consider passages that can be divisive, such as Ephesians 5:18-6:9, how do we make every effort to preserve unity amongst one another? Where does love fit into this? Consider 1 Corinthians 13.

2.      What does it mean to submit to one another? Consider the fact that the participle used here is passive, not active. Does subjecting others or forcing others to submit to us have any place in the body of Christ? How can we understand each other better once we “stand under” one another?

3.      Mutual submission is a non-negotiable reality for followers of Jesus. How does Jesus himself model submission? What do sacrifice and submission have in common? How can we, like Jesus, submit to each other and serve one another? What are some ways you can serve your brothers and sisters this week?

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Last week, Phil took us throughEphesians 5:3–14, reminding us of Paul’s call to live as “children of light” in a world of darkness. He warned against immorality, greed, and spiritual complacency, urging us to intentionally reflect our identity in Christ by living with integrity, thanksgiving, and discernment. His closing challenge—“Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you”—was a powerful reminder that we are not merely called out of darkness, but into a radiant, purposeful life. Building on that foundation, this week Pastor Jackson challenges us to examine how, as a community, we are intentionally pursuing a life of wisdom shaped by Christ-like living, using the unique gifts God as entrusted to each of us for the building up of His people. He calls us to reflect deeply on our relationship with time - whether it controls us or we steward it in freedom—reminding us that our identity must rest not in productivity or consumption, but in the grace of God. We are urged to embrace rhythms of rest and to anchor our purpose in God’s will, as revealed in John 6:39: that we would belong to Christ and be raised up on the last day. Finally, the sermon points us toward the continual filling of the Holy Spirit, as described in Ephesians 5:18-21, so that our lives—both individually andcollectively—bear the unmistakable marks of a Spirit-shaped community: mutual encouragement, joyful worship, heartfelt gratitude, and humble service to one another.

1.      In what ways are we, as a community, seeking to live wisely together? Do we work together, using the gifts God has given each of us to develop the skill of Christ-like living?

2.      How do we use our time? Does it enslave us, or do we liberate it? Is our identity wrapped up in what we produce or consume or is it wrapped up in who we are by God’s grace? Where does rest find its way into our use of time?

3.      Do we seek to know God’s will? What is God’s will? Consider John 6:39.

4.      Are we, as a community, putting ourselves in a position constantly to be filled by the Spirit? Is it evident that we are a Spirit-influenced people? What does that look like? Read and meditate on Ephesians 5:18-21.

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This week Phil takes us thru Ephesians 5:3–14. Paul urges believers to live in a way that reflects their identity in Christ, setting themselves apart from the darkness of the world. He begins by warning against immorality, impurity, and greed—behaviors unfitting for God's holy people. Instead of participating in these things or even joking about them, believers are to live lives marked by thanksgiving and integrity, knowing that such sins are incompatible with the kingdom of God. Paul calls for discernment, reminding Christians not to be deceived by empty words, and to avoid aligning with the disobedient. Rather than merely avoiding darkness, they are to actively expose it by living as “children of light,” producing goodness, righteousness, and truth. This week, one of our elders, Phil, spoke about the danger of spiritual complacency and the call to intentional living—his words echoed Paul’s closing charge: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” It’s a powerful reminder that we’re not just called out of darkness, but into a radiant, purposeful life in Christ.

Discussion Questions

As Pastor Jackson continues to take us through the bookof Ephesians, we’re reminded that Christian living begins not with rules but with relationship—because we are already God’s “dearly loved children” (Eph. 5:1). This identity is not a reward for good behavior, but the foundation from which transformation flows. From this secure place, Paul urges us to put off not only verbal lies but the deeper lie that we can be fully human apart from God. In a world shaped by self-reliance, image-management, and individualism, we are called to speak truth in love—truth that reconnects people to their true Source. Even our work is reoriented: we don’t just earn to provide for ourselves, but “so that we may have something to share with those in need” (Eph. 4:28). This reframes our view of income, time, and talent as tools for building up others—whether through acts of generosity, shared meals, practical help, or church-wide compassion initiatives. Paul’s call to “walk inthe way of love,” modeled after Christ’s sacrificial and joyful offering, invites us to love even when it costs us—our comfort, control, or convenience. And in a world where it’s easier to critique those who don’t follow Jesus, we’re challenged instead to live like Him ourselves. When we live out of ouridentity as God’s beloved children—truthful, generous, and self-giving—our lives become a witness more powerful than words, drawing others to the fragrance of Christ.

Discussion Questions

1. Paul’s exhortations are rooted in a new identity: we are already “dearly loved children.” How does starting from this place of identity (rather than behavior) shift how we think about Christian living?

2. Putting off falsehood is not just about not lying, but about letting go of “the lie” — that we can be fully human apart from God. What are some common lies we believe or tell ourselves and others today? How can we lovingly speak truth into those places?

3. Ephesians 4:28 says we should work “so that we may have something to share with those in need.” How does this reframe your view of your job, income, or resources? What might this look like in practice in our church community

4. Paul calls us to “walk in the way of love” just as Christ did — sacrificially and freely. Where are we being invited right now to walk in that way? What holds us back from sacrificial love?

5. Do we spend more time and energy expecting those who don’t follow Jesus to act like him rather than committing to live like him ourselves? How might our witness change if we focused less on judging the world and more on living as God’s beloved children?

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In Ephesians 4:17–19, Paul urges believers to no longer live as the Gentiles, whose minds are darkened and hearts hardened, living in moral ignorance and indulging in impurity and greed. He calls for a radical shift in lifestyle, urging Christians to "put off the old self" and embrace the "new self"—a transformation that is rooted in truth, righteousness, and holiness. This transformation requires rejecting the world's culture of relativism and suppression of truth, which is often driven by political correctness. As Christians and the local Church, the call is to stand firm in the truth of Christ, cultivating a life that reflects His teachings and purposes. "Learning Christ" involves a deep relational understanding of His character and teachings, which should naturally lead to putting off the old, worldly ways, and putting on the new self. However, the challenge remains: much of the old self still clings to us, and various hindrances such as sin, complacency, and external pressures prevent full commitment to Christ's transformative work. The implications of "putting on the new self" are profound within the Church, as it creates a community that reflects Christ's love, truth, and holiness, fostering unity and growth in the body of believers.

Discussion Questions  

 1. What does it mean to “put off your old self,”and what are some practical ways we can do this in our daily lives?    

2. What is Paul’s appeal in verse 17? List three characteristics of how the Gentiles were living (vv. 18–19).

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In Ephesians 4:13–16, Paul calls the Church to grow intospiritual maturity by becoming united in faith, deeply rooted in the knowledge of Christ, and fully reflecting His character. This growth is not passive but requires resisting immature instability and false teaching, which Paul warns can subtly lead us astray through deceitful tactics. Instead, we are to "truth in love"—a rich phrase that implies living out the truth of the gospel with integrity, humility, and compassion in every relationship and interaction. This kind of love-infused truth-telling fosters real growth and keeps the body of Christ healthy and unified. As Christ is both the source and authority of the Church, He holds all things together and empowers each part to work properly, building the community up in love. For us today, this means practicing gospel truth with Christlike love, speaking life-giving words, standing firm in sound doctrine, and supporting one another toward maturity as one body under one Head.

Discussion Questions

1. How has Paul used the language of “fullness” throughout Ephesians and what does it have to do with us today?
2. What characterizes the teaching/teachers that Paul warns the saints at Ephesus about in verse 14? How do we be on guard against these sorts of teachings/teachers today?
3. While the English translates the Greek as “speaking the truth in love,” Paul is more literally saying that we need to “truth in love” or “be true in love.” What does this look like in our lives as brothers and sisters in Christ? How can we be true in love together and “truth” in everything we do? Why can’t we separate truth and love? 
4. What does it mean that Christ is the head of the body or the church? Many have debated over whether “head” refers to source or authority or both. What do you think and why?
5. What would it look like this week for our community to follow Jesus’ example and “truth in love?” 

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In Ephesians 4:2–13, Paul urges believers to walk in amanner worthy of their calling by cultivating Christlike attitudes—humility,gentleness, patience, and love—essential for preserving unity in the Spiritthrough the bond of peace. This unity is not superficial agreement but a deepspiritual oneness grounded in shared beliefs: one body, Spirit, hope, Lord,faith, baptism, and Father (vv. 4–6). Yet within this unity, Paul celebratesdiversity—Christ distributes different gifts to each believer (vv. 7–10),enabling a rich variety of service. He appoints leaders (apostles, prophets,evangelists, pastors, teachers) not to do all the work, but to equip everybeliever for ministry and build up the church (vv. 11–12). The ultimate goal isspiritual maturity, unity in the faith, and a deeper knowledge of Christ sothat the church reflects His fullness (v. 13). This passage reminds us thatevery Christian is both called and gifted to contribute to a growing, unified,and mission-driven church.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it look like to “bear with one another in love” in today’s church, and what makes that difficult in practice?
2. How can diversity in spiritual gifts strengthen (rather than divide) the unity of a local church?
3. In what ways are you actively being equipped—or equipping others—for the work of ministry?
4. What steps can you take personally to grow in spiritual maturity and help others do the same?

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As Paul urges in Ephesians 4:1, believers are called to live lives worthy of their divine calling—marked by a deep commitment to Christ and a visible expression of God’s character. This calling encompasses not only personal holiness but also an active role in the unity and mission of the Church. Paul highlights five key traits essential for fostering unity—humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with one another in love, and maintaining peace—which are often tested by pride, impatience, or unresolved conflict within church communities. The "unity of the Spirit" in verse 3b refers to a supernatural, God-given bond among believers that transcends the temporary or self-serving alliances found in secular settings like workplaces or social clubs. Unlike worldly unity based on shared interests or goals, spiritual unity is rooted in our shared identity in Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. When explaining personal faith, it is vital to articulate the core truths of the Gospel: God's love, Christ’s redemptive sacrifice, the promise of eternal life, and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Belief in God's grace and Christ’s ultimate victory over sin, death, and evil profoundly shapes how Christians endure hardship, navigate temptation, and live with hope, courage, and purpose in a broken world.

Discussion Questions

1. What is Paul’s appeal to the Ephesians in 4:1? Discuss various aspects of our God-given calling?

2. In detail, discuss the five key areas that Paul emphasizes in verses 2–3 for fostering unity within the Church. What practical challenges might impede the Church’s growth?

3. How would you articulate the Unity of the Spirit as mentioned in 4:3b? How does this differ from the types of unity we observe in worldly settings, such as workplaces, social clubs, sports teams, or other community groups?

4. If someone were to ask you about your core beliefs, how would you explain your faith? What key points would you make sure to include in that conversation?

5. Do you believe that the profound concept of God’s grace and His triumph over all adversaries—like sin, death, and evil forces—through Jesus Christ influences our daily lives in a challenging world? If so, how?

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The legacy of Jesus, as revealed in Acts 2:1–41, is powerfully sustained through the presence and activity of the Holy Spirit, whose arrival at Pentecost marks the birth of the Church and fuels its mission with divine power. This power is seen in bold proclamation, transformed lives, unity among diverse peoples, and hearts convicted to repentance. Just as Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope inspired a nation through perseverance in the face of suffering, so the Holy Spirit enables believers to live with purpose and courage, even amid trials, bearing witness to the risen Christ. The resurrection is the cornerstone of this legacy—proof that death has been defeated and that new life is possible for all who believe. The universal call of the gospel, seen in the multi-lingual proclamation at Pentecost, continues today through a global Church that spans cultures and generations. As we reflect on our personal experiences of the Spirit’s guidance and power, we are challenged to grow in obedience, becoming more sensitive to His leading, and to embrace a Spirit-filled life marked by hope, sacrifice, and unwavering faith—just as Terry Fox ran with a vision greater than himself, we are called to run our spiritual race in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Discussion Questions

1. The Church as the legacy of Jesus is fueled by the power of the Holy Spirit. What is the evidence of the power of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer, in your life specifically, and in the history of the church?

2. The legacy of Jesus through the Church is universal in scope. What does this mean, and what evidence do we have of this today and in Church history?

3. The legacy of Jesus is also rooted in the reality of the resurrection. Why is the resurrection of Jesus important in your life and in the larger church community and the world?

4. How do we foster greater obedience and openness to living in this power?

5. Are you encouraged by the presence of the Spirit in your life, or is it something that does not cross your mind very often? How do we grow into men and women of God who more regularly sense the presence and power of the Holy Spirit?

In Ephesians 3:14–21, Paul’s prayer flows out of deep reflection on the mystery of the Gospel—that through Christ, all people, Jew and Gentile alike, have equal access to God (vv. 12–13). This inclusiveness is the foundation for his heartfelt intercession, in which he asks God to strengthen believers with inner power, to dwell in their hearts through faith, to root them in love, and to grant them the ability to grasp the vastness of Christ’s love. For the Ephesian believers, many of whom were Gentiles, this would have been a powerful reminder that they were fully embraced and empowered by God. Today, we are similarly encouraged: Paul’s prayer speaks personally to our spiritual needs, especially the desire to be deeply known and fully loved. His emphasis on love and unity challenges us to reflect God's inclusive heart in our Philpott community by creating space for every person to belong, be strengthened, and grow. Ultimately, the passage concludes with the reminder that God’s power working in and through us far exceeds what we could ever ask or imagine—fueling our hope and mission.

Discussion Questions

1. Verse 14 starts with the phrase “When I think of all this…” What does “all this” refer to? Look at verses 12-13.

2. Look at the prayer and dissect it. How many things is Paul praying for the Ephesians in this prayer? Let’s look at each one and consider how the first readers would be impacted to know that Paul was praying this for them. How are you impacted? Which part of the prayer means the most to you personally? Why?

3. The theme of the sermon was “inclusiveness.” How does this prayer incorporate or emphasize inclusiveness?

4. How can we practice inclusiveness in our Philpott community?

5. The passage ends with the assurance that God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at

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