CONNECT: Re-read Mark’s Gospel this week. How can you embrace Jesus more this week?

WARM-UP

1. What do you know about the letter to the Ephesians? Try to brainstorm amongst the group regarding who wrote it to whom, when it was written, from where it was written, and for what purpose?
2. Have you ever been the recipient of an encouraging letter from a brother or sister in Christ? Is there a brother or sister in Christ to whom you could send a letter of encouragement this week?

READ Ephesians 1:1-10

1. In what way does Paul say that followers of Jesus have been “blessed”? What is meant by “every spiritual blessing in Christ”?  
2. What is meant by being chosen before the creation of the world? Can you explain what is meant by being “predestined for adoption”? For what purpose were we chosen?
3. Where do you spend most of your time each week? What does it look like on that frontline to be ‘holy and blameless’ with your actions, words, and thoughts?
4. How is our redemption and forgiveness in accordance with the riches of God’s grace?
5. What has God lavished upon us and how? What difference does this make to you?
6. What helps you to remember the depth of what God has lavished on you? How could you grow in your understanding of the riches of grace that God has poured out?
7. How are we as a church brought into unity as one body under Jesus, our Messiah? How do you think our unity can be a great act of evangelism to the world?
8. What does it look like for us to “put our hope in Christ”? Can you think of some practical examples - perhaps in some challenges that you are facing - of what it looks like to do this?

READ Ephesians 1:11-14

1. According to Paul, how can we know that we have been included in Christ? What are the markers?
2. Can you recall when you first heard the “message of truth”?
3. Who - on your frontlines - do you long to hear and receive the Gospel? What could you do this week to help them take a step closer to hearing the Gospel?
4. In what way is the Spirit a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance? How is this great news for us today?

APPLY:  If your life is part of God’s divine plan, how might that shape how you engage on your main frontline this week?

‍

On Your Frontline This Week: How is God shaping you through the challenges on your frontline?

Listen, Watch, and Read:          

• AUDIO: “Who on earth could put it right” by John Stott
• AUDIO: “An Introduction to the Letter to the Ephesians” by Lee Gatiss
• AUDIO” “God’s Plan and the Church” by Mickey Mantle
  

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Ephesians Series:

• St Bart’s Ephesians Guide and Weekly Overview
• VIDEO: The Bible Project Ephesians Overview
• COMMENTARY: “Paul for Everyone, the Prison Letters” by Tom Wright
• COMMENTARY: “The Story of God Bible Commentary, Ephesians” by Mark Roberts
• RESOURCES: Gospel Coalition Ephesian Courses
• COURSE (PAID): “Paul and his Letter to the Ephesians” by Tom Wright

‍