UNSHACKLED A study in the Book of Ephesians SESSION 4
POST SPRING BREAK PLAN: -5 week study starts on Wednes Mar 22 nd and Fri, March 24 th -Na:onal Speakers; Excep:onal Program
Small Group QuesFon, 1 st Break: If new members in your group, take a few moments each to introduce one another. What stood out to you from week 4’s Scripture memory verse? Take a moment to share one or two takeaways God revealed to you as your read Ephesians 3 this past week.
FOUNDATIONS (REVIEW): 1. Tone- Healthy correct tone is cri:cal 2. Faith- Confident expecta:on/trust 3. Role of Holy Spirit and the Scriptures
Big Picture of Ephesians (review): Tied to Colossians: Colossians was wriTen about this same :me by Paul; it was a specific leTer to a specific group of people. Broad-brush: Ephesians was probably targeted to a broader group of believers in Ephesus and beyond; much of the same content, but less personal and more big-picture (Paul had been gone from Ephesus for 10 years by now). This leTer is for all believers – including us! Paul is Praying for us: Much of the first three chapters is actually Paul praying for God to remind us who we are. Two Clear Segments: Trus:ng in the truths of the first three chapters makes possible the ac:ons and lifestyle of the second three chapters.
Ephesians chapter three overview 3:1: Paul is a Prisoner – but not of the Romans or the Jews, he is a prisoner of Christ. (probably in Roman prison, c. 60ad) 3:2-13: Paul is a steward of the mystery that the gospel of God’s favor is for all of us. 3:14-19: Paul is asking God for us to understand all that this gospel entails. 3:20-21: Paul’s closing “doxology” that wraps up the first half of this leaer.
There are no more divisions, 3:2-13 The mystery, now revealed, is this: Through Christ, GenFles can now be • part of God’s family Prior to this, the Jewish people thought • they were the “Promised People” Greeks and others thought that they • were excluded from Jewish life This was a mystery even to the • spiritual world We are no longer Klingons!
The Gospel for us, 3:14-19 Here’s what Paul is asking God for: 1. Strength and power in our inner being 2. Faith to have Christ dwell in our heart 3. For us to be rooted and grounded in love 4. Strength to comprehend the breadth, length, height and depth of Christ’s love 5. For us to be filled with the fullness of God
Small Group: the Gospel for us, 3:14-19 If you were having a conversaFon at a local coffee shop with a newer believer, how would you explain what it means to have: Strength and power in our inner being • Faith to have Christ dwell in our heart • For us to be rooted and grounded in love • Strength to comprehend the breadth, • length, height and depth of Christ’s love For us to be filled with the fullness of God • How does this impact the way you live?
God’s Promise, 3:20-21 “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generaAons, forever and ever. — Amen”
God’s Will For Us Strength, Power, Faith, Love, Comprehension of all we’ve been given, God’s fullness “Make It So.”
POST SPRING BREAK PLAN: -5 week study starts on Wednesday, March 22nd -Partnered Program with Men’s and Women’s Ministry. Na:onal Speakers; Strong Exposure.
UNSHACKLED A study in the Book of Ephesians SESSION 4
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