CONNECT: Pray for strength and power to grasp God’s love even more everyday this week.

WARM-UP

1. How have you been made ‘new’ in Jesus? Is this significant to you?
2. How is following Jesus more than self-improvement, moral credits, or an opportunity to virtue signal?

READ Ephesians 4:18-19

1. According to Paul, what is both the cause and consequence of the futile thinking of the Gentiles?
2. If the Ephesians are still Gentiles, what is meant by no longer living as the Gentiles do?
3. What is the relationship between our thinking, hearts, and actions? Why is this so dangerous?
4. What helps you to set your mind and heart on things of Christ daily and weekly?

READ Ephesians 4:20-24

1. What are the various aspects of what it means to be ‘taught in Christ’? How is being students of Jesus so much more than just learning about a great figure of history and imitating them?
2. If God has saved us and ultimately makes us new, what is our role in this work of re-creation?
3. How are our actions a reflection of what Jesus has achieved for us in his life, death, and resurrection?
4. Can you think of any examples in the New Testament of parallels of being ‘clothed’ with Christ?
5. How is following Jesus not merely about trying not to sin, but actually a whole new way of being?

READ Ephesians 4:25-32

1. Are the lists here meant to be exhaustive and complete? Which of these stands out for you?
2. What do you think it looks like to ‘take off our old humanity’ and ‘put on the new’? Can you think of one particular area in which you need to do this more proactively?
3. What verses in this section refer to how growing in Christ involves a change in our use of words? Can you think of any examples in your own life in which you need a ‘taking off’ and a ‘putting on’?
4. Where do you use words everyday? How could you use them more intentionally for God’s purposes?
5. What are the dangers associated with anger going unchecked? How do we guard against justifying any means when we feel driven by a cause?
6. What is the value and purpose of our work? How can you more intentionally direct your work this way?

APPLY: In one of your frontlines this week, what would be one particular expression of speaking truthfully, living peaceably, giving generously, or readily forgiving?

‍

On Your Frontline This Week: Pray for opportunities to invite people to join you for CAROLS.

Listen, Watch, and Read:          

• AUDIO: “I tell you this” by Chris Wright
• AUDIO: “The Normal Christian Life 3” by Dick Lucas (Parts 1 & 2)
• READ: “Being Careful with Our Anger” by Scotty Smith
• READ: “Jesus, Paul, and Virtue Signalling” by Justin Taylor

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

‍