Ephesians
Living as God's New People
Guarding Unity Through Love
April 28, 2024 • Brett Wendle • Ephesians 4:1–6
Discussion Questions Week of: April 28, 2024 // Sermon Text: Ephesians 4:1-6 Sermon Overview Guard the unity God has given through love. 1. We have unity in and from God (vv. 4-6) 2. We are responsible to guard our unity through love (vv. 1-3) Digging Deeper: 1. What is the “therefore” in Ephesians 4:1 there for? How is Paul now transitioning to a new section in this letter? 2. As you look at your own attitudes and actions towards your church, how are you encouraged to see humility, gentleness and patience (vs. 2)? How could you grow in these areas? 3. If someone experienced our Gospel Community, what kinds of observations do you think they’d make positively? Would they sense humility, gentleness, and patience? 4. If we’re being honest, what observations could someone make critically? Would they pick up on traits like being: a. Exclusive: it’s hard to meet and make friends here b. Religious Show: people seem to have their lives figured out. c. Snobbery: people here thinks they’re better than me. d. Other: ___________________ 5. What is the difference between seeking to “create” unity, and seeking to maintain the unity (4:3) that already exists among us? 6. What are some reasons division could occur among individual believers within a church? What are some reasons whole groups within a church could divide from other groups within a church? What do such divisions communicate to a watching world? 7. How can you, individually, contribute to “maintaining the unity” in our church? How can we do that as a Gospel Community? 8. There is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all. How should these realities breed unity among God’s people? 9. Have you experienced the goodness of dwelling in unity with God’s people (see Psalm 133)? How so? Please share. What observations can you make from what God was up to in the midst of that situation? Prayer
The Fullness of God to the Glory of God
April 21, 2024 • Ryan Fultz • Ephesians 3:14–21
Discussion Questions Sermon Overview: The main idea of this week’s sermon was: We need God’s power to understand God’s love so that we might glorify God by being fully mature Digging Deeper: 1. As part of Paul’s ministry to the church in Ephesus, he prays for them. Prayer for others is ministry. Do you agree or disagree? Please explain / support your answer. Why do you think we can sometimes feel as though the “real work” of ministry is something other than praying for people? 2. We know that we can boldly go to God with confidence (cf. 3:12). Paul models this boldness and confidence in his prayer. For us, what might approaching the throne of grace with “boldness” look like? What sort of “bold” prayers might your Father in heaven delight to hear from you (that you are not bringing to him at this time)? 3. One of Paul’s requests to God for these believers is that they would be "strengthened with power through his Spirit in (their) inner being” (See Rom 7:22 and 2 Cor. 4:16 for just a couple of reasons why we need to be strengthened daily with God’s power in our inner being.). What might this look like? Is this something you pray for yourself and for those around you? Why or why not? What might be the effect of making this prayer a regular habit? 4. Paul’s desire is for Christ’s (continual, ongoing) presence in the hearts of these believers, through faith (3:17a). How should we understand the relationship between trusting Christ and his presence in our lives? 5. Paul’s prayer to God is that he would enable the Ephesian believers to grasp the love of Christ for them. Look back over Ephesians 1:1-3:13. Where / how is God’s love for us revealed? 6. How is the love of God for us most clearly revealed in and through the Gospel (cf. Rom. 5:8, Jn 3:16)? 7. One of the effects, according to 3:19b, of grasping the love of Christ is that we will be “filled with all the fullness of God.” How did the sermon help us understand what is meant here? Have you seen this connection in your own life (or in the lives of those around you), between grasping / internalizing God’s love and growing in maturity? Please share. 8. In v. 20, we are reminded that our God (the one to whom we pray), is "able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think.” How might keeping this in mind (and believing it with all our hearts), affect the way we pray? 9. Is there something in your life currently that feels (if you are honest), too big for God? What might it look like for you to pray more earnestly and more regularly about this issue (and invite others to do the same)? Prayer:
A Cause Worth The Cost
April 14, 2024 • Brett Wendle • Ephesians 3:1–13
Sermon Text: Ephesians 3:1-13 Sermon Overview: The main idea of this week’s sermon was: The cause of spreading the gospel and strengthening the church is worth suffering for. 1. A mystery: God brings the nations into his people through the gospel (vv. 1-6) 2. A means: God gives his people the gift of spreading the gospel (vv. 7-9) 3. A goal: God displays his wisdom through the church (vv. 10-12) 4. A glory: Suffering in this cause is worthwhile (v. 13) Digging Deeper: 1. Name things people pursue and the sacrifices they’re willing to endure to go after them. (e.g., pursue more money so sacrifice time; excel in fitness/academics, so willingly give up hanging out with friends, etc.) 2. As followers of Christ, the things we are called to live for (and if necessary suffer for) are very different than those things for which the world lives. What, according to this passage, does God want us to see as worthy of living for, and if necessary suffering for? 3. What are some of the costs Christians bear in spreading the gospel and strengthening the church? Why do these costs sometimes feel as though they’re not worth it? 4. How does this passage change how we view the prospect of suffering in order to share the gospel message? 5. There are many parts of the world today where living for Christ is costly. What might it look like for us to be more aware of the sufferings of our brothers and sisters around the world? What might it look like for us to support them (cf. Gal. 6:10)? 6. 2 Timothy 3:12 says "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” To what extent do you see the reality of this verse in our midst? If this reality is not happening to the degree that perhaps it should be, why do you think that is? What might need to change? 7. Historically, here in America, living for Christ has not been all that costly. That may be changing. In light of the changing landscape here, what might be some of the costs that come to those who live for the spread of the gospel and the strengthening of the church in the years to come? 8. What would it look like for us to prepare ourselves to suffer well (i.e. in a way that honors and pleases God)? 9. It is a wonder of wonders that God would be so gracious to us, his people, that he would allow us to participate in his global purpose to gather worshipers from all the peoples of the earth through the proclamation of the Gospel (see 3:7-9). How are we at CrossWay Community Church living out our calling to spread the Gospel? How can we grow in this? What is your part in this? Prayer
He is Our Peace
April 7, 2024 • Brett Wendle • Ephesians 2:11–22
Discussion Questions Week of: April 7, 2024 // Sermon Text: Ephesians 2:11-22 SERMON OVERVIEW The main idea of this week’s sermon was: we who trust in Christ have been reconciled to God and to one another through his death. The three main points were: 1. Without Christ, we are separated from God and his people (vv. 11-12) 2. Through his death, Christ has reconciled those who believe to one another and to God (vv. 13-18) 3. We who believe now fully belong to God and his kingdom, family, and temple (vv. 19-22) DIGGING DEEPER 1. Our culture is becoming increasingly divided between “us” and “them.” What are some ways this sort of thinking can (and has) crept into the church? 2. As you interact with others, especially other Christians at CrossWay, what kinds of things could you be tempted to make more important than the unity you have in Christ? (e.g., political affiliation, ethnicity, opinion on a social issue, an approach to parenting or schooling, etc). 3. How can this passage help us guard against this sort of “us” and “them” mentality? 4. Sadly we can be prone to forget things, even really important things. Eph. 2:11-12 encourages us to “remember.” What does God (through Paul) want us to remember? Why is it good to remember these things? What effect might regular obedience to this instruction (to "remember") have on our hearts? 5. In verse 12, Paul highlights five different aspects of what was true of us before we were “brought near by the blood of Christ.” What are they? How do these realities strike you? 6. Christ is our peace (v. 14). How is this true in both an objective and subjective sense? How is objective peace (between us and God), a prerequisite to a deep, abiding subjective peace? 7. Eph. 2:14-15 tells us that Christ "has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace.” How did Pastor Brett help us understand what Paul is speaking of here? Why is it important to grasp this idea? What is the practical takeaway (s) of this truth for us? 8. The Jews used to be able to meet God in the Jerusalem Temple. The Gentiles were excluded. Where does God now dwell (vv. 21-22)? What is this new temple constructed on (v. 20)? 9. According to Eph. 2:19-22, what is now true of us who are in Christ by faith? What might it look like for us to treasure these realities as we ought? What are some ways that we can remind ourselves and one another of these things? What might be the effect of doing so more regularly? 10. Is there anyone who Christ died to reconcile you to, who you are not living in unity with? How will the gospel challenge and enable you to seek peace and friendship with them? 11. In what ways is a church service a foretaste of the life we will enjoy when Jesus returns? If you went to church thinking of it that way, how might it change your attitude or actions there?
By Grace, Through Faith, For Works
March 17, 2024 • Brett Wendle • Ephesians 2:8–10
Discussion Questions Week of: March 17, 2024 // Sermon Text: Ephesians 2:8-10 Scripture Memory Our church-wide scripture memory this year will be selected passages from Ephesians. This is a great opportunity to dive deep into the goodness God has for us from Paul’s letter. Sermon Overview: The main idea of this week’s sermon reminded us that God saves by grace, through faith, for good works. Digging Deeper: Read Ephesians 2:8-10 How are people saved? How are people not saved? (vv. 8-9)1 Grace is God’s powerful favor for the undeserved. Why is it good to recognize that we are undeserving before God? Eph. 2:10 teaches us that we have been saved "for good works.” Why is it crucial to understand the difference between doing good works because we have been saved, and doing good works so that we might be saved? How has God’s grace changed your life on a practical level (e.g., think of your marriage, parenting, work, relationships, school, etc)? How do you hope it will change your life more? Think about your good works. Why do you do them? Are you tempted to do them out of guilt, shame, pride, or fear? What difference does it make if and when you do them out of love?2 Matthew 5:16 says, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” As we “walk” in the good works God has prepared for us, and others see it, they may be tempted to praise us. If / when that happens, what are some ways we can help them instead "give glory to (our) Father who is in heaven" for these evidences of his grace in our lives? Is there anyone you hope will be changed by God’s grace through faith? If so, pray for them and ask God to open a door to share with them the good news of Jesus Christ. Prayer Requests:
Made Alive in Christ
March 10, 2024 • Josh Mathews • Ephesians 2:4–7
Discussion Questions: Scripture Memory Our church-wide scripture memory this year will be selected passages from Ephesians. This is a great opportunity to dive deep into the goodness God has for us from Paul’s letter. Sermon Overview The main idea of this week’s sermon reminded us that God makes the spiritually dead alive. The passage describes God’s method (vv. 5-6), God’s motivation (vv. 4, 7), and God’s masterpiece (v. 7) in making the spiritually dead alive. Digging Deeper Read Ephesians 2:4-7 The first two words of verse 4 (“But God….”), are perhaps among the most precious words in all the Bible. We were dead. We were utterly incapable of making ourselves alive. But God! But God made us alive! How might it change our perspective on the challenges of life if we were to wake up each morning utterly shocked that God has made us alive in Christ? What habits might we want to put in place to remind us often of this precious truth? According to verses 4 and 7, what aspects of God’s character were the driving force in his making us spiritually alive? Why do you think God wants us to know this? How should this affect us? In your own words, what does it mean to be “united with Christ”? We all define our lives by something. We all create an identity. What are common ways you observe people defining their lives by? In this passage, Paul unpacks an identity people can have when united to Jesus of being made alive, raised, and seated. Why is this way of defining our lives far better than any other way? What makes it distinct from any other way of finding our identity? [there’s a wide range of answers here, but could include that: it’s given to us, not earned; it’s dependent on what Jesus did, not what we can do, etc.] Anyone who is a follower of Jesus has been raised up and seated with Jesus in the heavenly places now. How does that change your life now? Part of being united with Jesus means being raised and seated with him. The implication is that we have power, through Jesus, over our own desires, over the influences of the world, and even over the devil. How does Christ’s power in you help you live for him this week? What is an area of your life you want to increasingly tap into that power? Verse 7 tells us that God has made us alive so that he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace toward us in Christ. Is it selfish or loving for God to want to display to us and the world the riches of his grace? How so? Prayer Requests
Why Everyone Needs God's Grace
March 3, 2024 • Brett Wendle • Ephesians 2:1–3
Discussion Questions: Sermon Overview: The main idea of this week’s sermon was that because of our spiritual powerlessness, we needed to be saved by grace. Digging Deeper: Read Ephesians 2:1-3 It can be humbling to think of ourselves as having been spiritually dead before God made us alive in Christ. How did the sermon help you see the significance of the truth that you were spiritually dead? Eph. 2:3 says “among whom we all once lived.” For some of us, it is very clear that at one time we were “following the course of this world.” Regardless of our testimony, and of when we trusted in Christ for salvation, why is it important for all of us who are in Christ to believe that what is written in these verses (Eph. 2:1-3) is true for each and every one of us? What difference should this make in our lives? In our spiritual deadness, we were held captive as we followed in the ways of the world (2:2a), the flesh (2:3a), and the devil (2:2b). Although we are now alive in Christ, we still find ourselves needing to fight the good fight of faith against the world, the flesh and the devil. How are things different now? How should this encourage us in the battle? Because of the unmerited grace of God, we are no longer “children of wrath.” Our destination is no longer one of eternal judgment, but of “pleasures forevermore” at God’s right hand. What effect ought reflection on the contrast between our former destination and our current destination have on our hearts? When we see unbelievers following “the course of this world,” how might calling to mind our own previous condition lead to greater compassion and urgency in our interactions with them? Prayer Requests
“Having the Eyes of Your Hearts Enlightened”
February 25, 2024 • Brett Wendle • Ephesians 1:15–23
Discussion Questions: Scripture Memory Our church-wide scripture memory this year will be selected passages from Ephesians. This is a great opportunity to dive deep into the goodness God has for us from Paul’s letter. Sermon Overview The main idea of this week’s sermon was: knowing God is a work of God, so growing in knowing God requires praying to God. Ice Breaker · When you pray for Christian friends or family members, what kind of things do you tend to pray about?[1] Digging Deeper Read Ephesians 1:15-23. · This passage teaches us that those who know God are marked by faith and love. What are some of the specific evidences of faith and love you see in your brothers and sisters in your Gospel Community? Take this opportunity to “encourage one another,” by pointing out specific evidences of faith and love you see in their lives. Take this opportunity to thank God for these evidences of his grace. · To know God better, who will need to be at work in us? (see vs. 17)[2] · Most of this section is Paul praying. What does Paul pray for? How are his prayer requests similar or different from the prayers you normally hear?[3] · Paul already knows that his readers know Jesus and love him. Why would he keep praying for them to know even more about all that they have in Jesus? Think of several possible reasons.[4] · At the end of verse 18, we might expect Paul to say: “the riches of our glorious inheritance in heaven.” What does Paul say, and why is this surprising?[5] · In verse 18, Paul (who is in prison, see 3:1) is teaching us to pray not for our circumstances to be altered but for our hearts’ view of our circumstances to be altered. Why do we find this hard? What would be great to see life this way?[6] · How should verse 20 excite us about the kind of power that is at work in and for us?[7] The following truths are found in this passage. Spend a minute reviewing them quietly. Then, use them as inspiration to pray for one another.[8] · Jesus is my resurrected savior, proof of God’s immeasurable power toward us who believe (vv. 19-20) · Jesus is my ascended Advocate, representing me from his seat at God’s right hand in heaven (v. 20) · Jesus is ruler of all things, controlling all other authorities, powers, and people of great name (v. 21) · Jesus is King of the ages, controlling everything about my future both in this life and the age to come (v. 21) · Jesus is the victor over evil, able to trample beneath his feet any evil that threatens me (v. 22) · Jesus is the head of the church, which he cares for as his body (vv. 22-23) · Jesus is the filler of all things, so that when I am filled by him I can be a blessing throughout the world (v. 23) Prayer Requests ➔ ➔ [1] Ephesians: Your Place in God’s Plan, Richard Coekin, 13. [2] Ephesians: Your Place in God’s Plan, Richard Coekin, 14. [3] Ephesians: The Love We Long For by Scotty Smith, 15.
Praise the God Who Sovereignly Works and Seals
February 18, 2024 • Brett Wendle • Ephesians 1:11–14
Discussion Questions: Scripture Memory Our church-wide scripture memory this year will be selected passages from Ephesians. This is a great opportunity to dive deep into the goodness God has for us from Paul’s letter. Sermon Overview The main idea of this week’s sermon is to praise the God who sovereignly works and seals. God has worked in a way that secures our future perfect union with him by working out things according to his will and by giving us a down payment in the Holy Spirit. Digging Deeper · God wants us, his children, to know and rejoice in the truth that in Christ we have a glorious inheritance. What effect do you think this truth should have on us in our day-to-day lives? · We can be confident that this future inheritance is going to come through because (1) God has predestined us for it and (2) God sovereignly works all things according to his will. How do these reasons for confidence strike you? Do they strengthen your faith in what God will do for you in the future? How so? · How is the Holy Spirit described in verses 13-14? What do these terms mean?[1] · Are there things that make you wonder if God is going to come through on his promise of inheritance? If so, what are they? · Even if you believe that there is a great inheritance from God in the future, it can be easy to forget about it week in and week out. How can we as a Gospel Community remind each other of this monumental truth? · God tells us about our inheritance so that we trust, love, and praise him with all we have. Why do you think enjoying and praising God is so important to God? What’s in it for God? What’s in it for you? Take It Home · What is one thing you want to take away, remember, do, or change in light of this week’s sermon and discussion? Prayer Requests ➔ ➔ ➔
Praise the God Who Redeems and Reunites
February 11, 2024 • Brett Wendle • Ephesians 1:7–10
Discussion Questions: Scripture Memory Our church-wide scripture memory this year will be selected passages from Ephesians. This is a great opportunity to dive deep into the goodness God has for us from Paul’s letter. Sermon Overview The main idea of this week’s sermon was to praise God for the finished redemption of His people and the future reunion of all things. Digging Deeper 1. According to vs 7, what do we have in Christ?https://icrossway.sharepoint.com/sites/gospelcommunity713/shared%20documents/discussion%20questions/dq%202024.2.11%20(member).docx#_ftn1 2. How did we get it?https://icrossway.sharepoint.com/sites/gospelcommunity713/shared%20documents/discussion%20questions/dq%202024.2.11%20(member).docx#_ftn2 3. The Bible describes a way to look at what you’ve done wrong and deal with it by being forgiven through Jesus’ blood. Without Christ, how does the world address wrongs that have been done? 4. Why is Jesus’ forgiveness through his blood better than any solution the world provides? 5. How can you grow in enjoying the forgiveness you have in Christ? 6. According to vs 10, God will restore all things to their intended perfection. Why is this exciting for someone who has been forgiven? Why is it terrifying for anyone who isn’t forgiven?https://icrossway.sharepoint.com/sites/gospelcommunity713/shared%20documents/discussion%20questions/dq%202024.2.11%20(member).docx#_ftn3 7. Read Colossians 1:15-20 aloud. How does this parallel passage clarify or add to Ephesians 1:10? Take It Home 1. Are there circumstances in your life that can tempt you to lose hope / be discouraged. How might a greater awareness of (and reflection on) the future that awaits us (because of what Christ has done), help you fight the good fight of faith in this area of your life? 2. What is one thing you want to take away, remember, do, or change in light of this week’s sermon and discussion? Prayer Requests https://icrossway.sharepoint.com/sites/gospelcommunity713/shared%20documents/discussion%20questions/dq%202024.2.11%20(member).docx#_ftnref1 Ephesians: Your Place in God’s Plan by Richard Coekin, pg. 10. https://icrossway.sharepoint.com/sites/gospelcommunity713/shared%20documents/discussion%20questions/dq%202024.2.11%20(member).docx#_ftnref2 Ephesians: Your Place in God’s Plan by Richard Coekin, pg. 10. https://icrossway.sharepoint.com/sites/gospelcommunity713/shared%20documents/discussion%20questions/dq%202024.2.11%20(member).docx#_ftnref3 Ephesians: Your Place in God’s Plan by Richard Coekin, pg. 11. _____________________________ Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532
Praise the God Who Blesses and Chooses
February 4, 2024 • Brett Wendle • Ephesians 1:1–6
Discussion Questions: Scripture Memory: Our church-wide scripture memory this year will be selected passages from Ephesians. This is a great opportunity to dive deep into the goodness God has for us from Paul’s letter. Sermon Overview: The main idea of this week’s sermon was to praise God because of His complete blessing and unconditional choice of His people. Digging Deeper: Brett highlighted three themes in Ephesians 1:1-2 that show up throughout the letter. What are they? How would you describe them? Verse 3 says that those who are in Christ have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. What does this mean? Verses 4-6 unpack how God has chosen unconditionally and purposefully. According to these verses: When did God choose his people? Why did God choose his people? What purpose did God choose his people? Verse 5 describes being “adopted as sons.” If you’re a follower of Jesus, how does it land on you that you’re a child of God? If you’re not a follower of Jesus, what do you think of this concept? Take It Home: What might it look like practically for us to grow in praising God in our day-to-day lives for his blessings to us and for the fact that he has chosen us in Christ? What is one thing you want to take away, remember, do, or change in light of this week’s sermon and discussion? Prayer Requests: _____________________________ Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532