Ephesians 1 urges us to see our faith in the Lord Jesus as inseparable from a life of loving one another, for faith is the root from which love flows (Eph 1:15). To live as God’s holy people, we must embody His light in our unique contexts, showing grace, humility, and unity. Knowing God is more than intellectual assent; it’s an intimate, experiential relationship fostered by the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:17), who draws us deeper into His truth. As God’s inheritance, the Church—a global and historic body—is called to cherish and invest in one another, building bonds now that reflect our eternal communion. Finally, Paul’s reference to Christ’s supreme authority over all realms (Eph 1:21-23) reminds us that as the Church, our mission is spiritual as well as earthly: to proclaim Christ’s lordship boldly and live as His hands and feet in a broken world, reflecting His reign over all.

Today Pastor Paramal takes us thru Paul's letter to the Ephesians, where he, meaning Paul, expresses profound gratitude for their faith and love, recognizing the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in their lives (Eph 1:13, 15). He prays fervently for them to be granted the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation, enabling a deeper understanding of God's divine nature and purpose (Eph 1:17; 1 Cor. 2:6-12). Paul's second prayer (Eph 1:18-19) seeks to illuminate the hope to which they are called, the glorious inheritance awaiting them, and the incomparably great power available to believers. Dividing into groups to explore these themes, the Ephesians are encouraged to grasp the magnitude of God's promises. Lastly, Paul underscores the immense power of God demonstrated through Christ's resurrection and exaltation, assuring the Ephesians of God's active and sovereign role in their lives (Eph 1:20-23). To allow God's power to govern our lives, we must fully surrender to His will and seek to be guided by His Spirit in all aspects of our existence.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is Paul thanking God for the Ephesians? Discuss Eph 1:13 and 15 in detail.

2. What is Paul’s first prayer in v. 17? What does Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation mean (see 1 Cor. 2:6–12)?

3. Discuss Paul’s second prayer in verses 18–19. What is the Hope, the Inheritance, and the Power of God Paul want his readers to know? Divide your group in three small groups and in each group discuss one of the above three themes.

4. How does Paul explain God’s immeasurable power working in and through Jesus Christ in verses 20–23?

5. How can we allow the Power of God to govern our lives?

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In the sermon inspired by Ephesians 1:3-14, Pastor Jackson helps us focus on understanding how our faith is inherently communal, emphasizing that Biblical teachings can be misinterpreted if isolated from the concept of community. Being "in Christ" is central to our relationship with God and with each other, highlighting our spiritual unity and shared identity. The terms "chosen," "predestination," and "adoption" are explored through the lens of faith traditions, with Ephesians portraying these as aspects of God's grace extended to us to foster a communal identity. Finally, the sermon urges us to reflect on our inclusion in God's chosen family and how, in our current context, we are called to bless others as an expression of the blessings we have received from the triune God.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Skye Jethani writes, "A significant amount of the Bible’s teaching makes little sense or can be dangerously misapplied if divorced from a communal vision of faith.” How does this apply to Ephesians 1:3-14? What does it look like to read this text in light of our community?

2. What does it mean to be “in Christ,” according to Ephesians? Why is understanding what it means to be “in Christ” so vital for how we understand our relationship to God and to each other?

3. What comes to mind when you hear the words “chosen,” “predestination,” and “adoption”? How have your faith traditions influenced your understanding of these words? What does Ephesians seem to say about these words in light of the Biblical story?

4. If we have been included into the chosen family of God in order to bless others, what does that look like in our context? How can we bless others in light of how the triune God has blessed us?

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Ephesians 1:3-14, a single, profound sentence in Greek, invites believers to explore the deep spiritual blessings bestowed upon God's church. Paul’s intent in crafting this continuous declaration might have been to convey the unbroken flow of divine grace and unity. As we approach these texts as “good tourists,” it's essential to be open-hearted and reverent, appreciating the sacred narrative without imposing our preconceived notions. By identifying and discussing the blessings mentioned in these verses, such as adoption, redemption, and the seal of the Holy Spirit, we can better understand our communal life in Christ. Meditating on these passages together helps us discern their significance for our church family, fostering a sense of shared purpose and spiritual growth.

Discussion Questions

1. Read through Ephesians 1:3-14 with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Remember that this is one long sentence in Greek. Why do you think Paul desired that all this be put into a single sentence for his hearers? How can we be “good tourists” in approaching these texts?
2. What blessings do you see given by God to his church in Ephesians 1:3-14? Spend time identifying them and then discussing what each of them means for how we live in community.
3. Take some time and meditate on Ephesians 1:3-14, preferably with others, asking the question “what does this mean for us as a church family”?

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In Ephesians 2:12-22, Paul underscores the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice in breaking down the barriers that once separated Jews and Gentiles, uniting them into one family under God. This passage emphasizes the shared citizenship and the foundation built on the apostles and prophets, with Christ himself as the cornerstone. In the larger biblical narrative, this unity signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and the inclusion of all people into the covenant community. It highlights the new identity believers have as members of God's household, emphasizing peace, reconciliation, and the formation of a holy temple where God resides through the Spirit. This unity is not merely theoretical but is meant to be lived out in the communal life of the early church and beyond.

Discussion Questions

1. Consider Jesus’ teachings on the family (Matthew 12:46-50, Luke 14:25-26, Matthew 10:35-37). Why are his words seemingly so harsh? What is he trying to tell his listeners?

2. Why is it important that Paul was a Pharisee? What does this mean for how he communicates?

3. Read Ephesians 2:12-22, in light of the larger narrative all throughout scripture, what does this text have to say to us about our identity as members of God’s family? 

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As we start our new sermon series titled - Ephesians: Unity to all under Christ, Pastor Jackson takes us thru Ephesians 1:1-2. We begin to see the early church's inclusive nature, uniting Greek and Jewish believers through Paul's dual greeting of "grace" and "peace." This highlights the church's role as a diverse community. The assertion that personal relationships with Jesus should strengthen the church challenges the individualistic "me and Jesus" mindset, emphasizing communal faith practices. The unity in Acts 19:23-41, centered on civic opposition, contrasts with the spiritual unity in Christ that the church is called to embody. Meditating on Ephesians 1:9-10, we are reminded of God's plan to unite all things in Christ, inspiring the Philpott community to seek collective harmony and purpose in their faith journey.

Discussion Questions

1. With others, reread and reflect on Ephesians 1:1-2. What does this greeting say to us about the nature of the church? How does Paul’s combining of the Greek & Jewish greeting impact our reading of these verses today?
2. What do you think about the assertion that the church is not primarily meant to strengthen my personal relationship with Jesus but that our personal relationships with Jesus are meant to strengthen the church? How do we move away from a “me and Jesus” way of living to a “we and Jesus” reality?
3. With others, reread the story of Acts 19:23-41. What are the differences between the unity of that “ekklesia” (assembly) and the unity we are called to experience as the “ekklesia” (church) of Jesus?
4. Meditate on Ephesians 1:9-10. What do these words have to say to us at Philpott today?

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In this sermon, Pastor Russell takes us thru Paul's heartfelt conclusion to his letter to the Romans, where he recognizes the invaluable contributions of his fellow believers, highlighting the essential role of community and partnership in the church. By examining Paul's praises of God's ability to strengthen believers through the gospel, we delve into what it means for God to establish and fortify us in our faith journeys. Lastly, we unravel the gospel's profound nature as a once-hidden mystery now revealed through Jesus Christ, which amplifies our understanding of God's sovereignty and purposeful plan for salvation. This reflection encourages us to foster meaningful relationships within our faith communities, rely on God's power for spiritual resilience, and marvel at the divine wisdom in His redemptive revelation.

Discussion Questions

1. Paul concludes his letter to the Romans by naming and acknowledging many people who contributed to his ministry.

a. What does this teach us about the importance of community and partnership in the church?

b. How can we apply this to our own relationships within our faith communities?

2. In Romans 16:25-27, Paul praises God for His ability to strengthen believers through the gospel.

a. What does it mean for God to establish and strengthen us through the gospel?

b. How have you experienced this in your own faith journey?

3. Paul describes the gospel as a “mystery” that was once hidden but is now revealed through Jesus Christ.

a. How does understanding the gospel as God’s long-planned revelation shape our view of His sovereignty and purpose in salvation?

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Pastor Jackson takes us thru Matthew 16, in which Jesus questions His disciples about His true identity, leading to Peter’s declaration of Jesus as the Messiah. This pivotal moment emphasizes the importance of recognizing Christ's divinity and the individual's confession of faith. The "rock" in Matthew 16:18 symbolizes Peter, his statement of faith, and the geographic location of Caesarea Philippi, each layer reinforcing the foundation of the Church. This foundation empowers believers with the keys to the kingdom, influencing both spiritual authority and communal responsibilities (Matthew 16:19). The passage critiques the misuse of religious authority (Matthew 23:13-15), highlighting our duty to embody authentic discipleship. As Dallas Willard suggests, Christianity thrives without societal privilege, withstanding pluralism and persecution, as demonstrated by Peter's eventual acceptance of Jesus' path over cultural expectations. Meditating on Matthew 16:24-27, we are called to embrace self-denial and follow Christ's sacrificial path, guided by the Holy Spirit's revelation. This reflection urges believers to embody the true excellence of Christ's Way in every aspect of life.

Discussion Questions

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Today, Pastor Russell delves into the early church's unwavering devotion to prayer amidst persecution, emphasizing the mystery of unanswered prayers, such as those for James. It encourages the congregation to foster a deeper commitment to prayer by creating more opportunities to gather and pray together, while overcoming barriers to consistent prayer. The miraculous escape of Peter highlights the partnership between God's sovereignty and our prayers. The sermon also underscores how prayer helps realign us with God's priorities and calls for a balance between action and prayer. It urges the congregation to take specific steps to follow up on prayers for others, such as offering encouragement, meeting practical needs, or sharing the gospel. Additionally, it addresses how to cultivate perseverance and resilience in prayer during times of discouragement and build a sense of expectancy, believing that God hears and acts.

Discussion Questions

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