Sermon Discussion Guide -- The Church...The Master-Planned Community
Part of Sermon Discussion Questions

The Church…a Master-Planned Community

Sermon Discussion Guide

Each week during the Ephesians sermon series, we have provided a discussion guide based on the sermon passage for that week. It is intended as a way for you to dig deeper into the passage throughout the week, hopefully in the company of others (small groups, family, friendship groups, etc.).

Week One - September 8, 2024

INTRODUCTION TO THE CHURCH…A MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITY
Ephesians 1:1-2

Getting Started

Take a few minutes in your group to share about a time you were (or are) a member of a club, gym, or organization. What were the benefits or amenities of that membership?

Digging Deep
1. How does being a part of a “master” planned community help you to better understand Paul’s emphasis for the church in the book of Ephesians?
2. What is the big “mystery” that Paul writes about in chapter 1? How might this influence us in the church today?
3. From your previous readings and studies from Ephesians in the past, what stands out to you the most?
4. John Scott has said, “the letter to the Ephesians is one of the most significant documents ever written.” Why do you feel he would say that? What makes Ephesians different from the other New Testament letters?
5. Paul was chosen by God as an apostle, and it forever changed him. How do you feel about being called “holy“ and seen as a “saint“ by God himself?

A Matter of Prayer
Paul opens so many of his letters with the “grace and peace“ salutation. How might our daily experience change if we were more aware that the grace and peace is ours today?

Week 2 - September 15, 2024

PRICELESS GIVEAWAYS FOR NEW MEMBERS – PART 1
Ephesians 1:3-6

Getting Started

Can you think about a time during your childhood, at school, or adult years on-the-job when you had a strong advantage over your peers? Maybe it was a talent, or special training, or an experience that gave you an edge? Maybe it was because of your parents? What was that like? How did that make you feel?

Digging Deep
Read through Ephesians 1:1-14 together as a group.
1. When people describe how they are “blessed” today, what does that usually include?
2. How would you explain a “spiritual blessing,” as opposed to a “non-spiritual blessing”? What are the spiritual blessings listed in verses 1:4-6?
3. Why do you think Paul makes sure we know we’ve been blessed in the “heavenly realms”? (v.3) (see also 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, 2 Kings 6:13-18)
4. Verse four says, “He chose us in him before the foundations of the earth.” Do you think that timing may be significant? If so, why? Why not?
5. What is the purpose of being chosen, and how might that influence us in our day-to-day lives? (see also Ephesians 5:25-27 and Colossians 1:21-22)
6. From verse five, when you hear the words “he predestined us”, what images and ideas come to mind?
7. What are the potential positives and negatives that could come from knowing “he predestined us to be adopted”?
8. How does God feel about adopting us as sons and daughters? (v.5)
9. In verse six, we see God’s grace available to us in large quantities. What hinders, or keeps people from receiving “his glorious grace”?

A Matter of Prayer
Think for a moment…the God of the universe adopted you as His son or daughter. You have all the rights and privileges of the family. The Lord Himself picked you to be in His family. Take a few minutes in your small group to thank Him for adopting you as His own. Ask Him to help everyone in your group experience the overwhelming joy of being highly valued.

Week 3 - September 22, 2024

PRICELESS GIVEAWAYS FOR NEW MEMBERS – PART 2
Ephesians 1:7-10

Getting Started

Our self-perception/self-image (how we see ourselves) has massive influence on our success in living, how we get along with others, how we do our jobs, how we parent, and how much we enjoy life. Psychologists today tell us our self-image is largely formed by how we perceive highly significant people in our lives view us. Take a few minutes in your group to talk about one highly significant person in your life and how they’ve influenced your self-perception.

Digging Deep
Read through Ephesians 1:1-14, then just 1:3 and verses 7-10 together as a group.
1. What are the two “spiritual blessings” or “priceless giveaways” in verse seven, and what is the source of these blessings? What makes those blessings possible for us? See also Eph 1:3.
2. What comes to mind when you see the word “redemption?” How would define it as it is used in the Bible?
3. Verse seven says, “In him we have (present tense, we possess this now!) redemption.” According to Eph. 2:1-3 and 1 Peter 1:18-19, what was life like before we had redemption, before we were “redeemed?”
4. The book of Romans says, “In him we have redemption through his blood.” From Romans 3:21-26 (especially v.25), Hebrews 9:14 and 22, and I Corinthians 6:20, what can we learn about redemption and the blood of Christ?
5. If God used the blood of his Son Jesus Christ as the currency to buy us, or redeem us out of slavery, what does that tell us about our value to him? What do you feel keeps many followers of Jesus from experiencing God’s tremendous affection for them?
6. Another result of the blood of Christ is that we are completely forgiven of our sins. How “completely forgiven” are we according to Psalm 103:12 and Micah 7:18-19?
7. In many surveys of followers of Christ, it has been shown that most know they are forgiven of their sins, but they often don’t “feel” forgiven and struggle with guilt. Why do you think that is?
8. What can we learn from v.7-8 about God’s motives and character when it comes to our redemption and forgiveness?
9. According to verse nine, what did God decide? How was Christ a part of that? What kinds of emotions did God express? See also Eph 3:8-11.
10. What will God do in verse ten? When will he do it? What is the part Jesus plays in that?

A Matter of Prayer
1. What could you do as a small group to help one another experience more of the joy of redemption and the forgiveness of sins?
2. If God desires to bring about this colossal unity under Christ one day, how might verses 9-10 apply to our church family at Greater Portland?

Week 4 - September 29, 2024

PRICELESS GIVEAWAYS FOR NEW MEMBERS – PART 3
Ephesians 1:11-14

Getting Started

Think back for a minute on all the jobs you’ve had over the years since childhood–the jobs where you worked for a business, a company, an organization, where you had a boss, a manager, or supervisor. Can you recall when (and I guess “if”) you were first struck with the reality that what you do on-the-job (how you do your job) directly reflects on the company, business, organization, or boss, or supervisor? What was that like? Did your company or boss do things on your behalf that encouraged you to work harder and be more conscientious of representing them in the best possible light?

Digging Deep
Read through Ephesians 1:3-14 together as a group.
1. From verse 3-10, how has God “blessed us… with every spiritual blessing”? What are these blessings?
2. Which of these blessings have meant the most to you? Why is that? What are the spiritual blessings in verses11-14?
3. What can we learn about the character of God in v.11? How could those character qualities influence our day-to-day lives? If possible, give a personal example of this?
4. According to v.12, what is one of the key reasons God “predestined us”?
5. How would you describe “for the praise of his glory” to a third grader? How might they apply this truth to their world? How about to your world?
6. In verse 12 Paul uses the pronoun “we,” and in verse 13 he switches to “you.” Who are the “we” and the “you” he is referring to and why do you think he distinguishes between the two?
7. How are we “included in Christ” according to v.13? When did you first hear “the word of truth, the gospel (or good news), of your salvation”? How did you initially respond to it and why?
8. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in v.13 and 14? What is the purpose of the “sealing”? How can you tell if you have “the seal”? Are there any other Bible verses that come to mind that would shed light on this?
9. What kind of inheritance is Paul talking about in v.14? When might we have access to it?

A Matter of Prayer
This entire opening section (v.3-14) ends with the phrase “to the praise of his glory.” What connection could there be with this phrase to the all the spiritual blessings he just listed are ours? How might this truth re-direct your day tomorrow? The next day?

Week 5 - October 6, 2024

AMENITIES, PRIVILEGES & CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Ephesians 1:15-23

Getting Started

I think generally speaking, Americans tend to be very independent people. We try to do things ourselves and not lean on outside help. Take a few minutes in your group and share why this is and how this attitude could impact our prayers?

Digging Deep
Read through Ephesians 1:15-23 together as a group.
1. Think for a moment about what people usually pray for. When someone offers a prayer of thanks what are the things mentioned most often?
2. What can we learn from v.15-16 about what Paul was thankful for and how that is different from our common prayers?
3. According to v.17, how can we get to know God better? Why do you think he chose “wisdom and revelation” instead of, say, “knowledge and understanding”?
4. Based on your experience, what advice would you give to a newer follower of Jesus who wants to know God better?
5. From v.18 and 19, what insights does Paul want the Ephesians to have? Why do you feel he uses the phrase “eyes of your heart may be enlightened” instead of a more everyday phrase?
6. How would you describe the “hope” and “glorious inheritance”? How might a deeper awareness of these truths influence us today?
7. In v.19, how does Paul describe the power he wants us to know? Are there any conditions placed on, or connected to this power?
8. From v.19-21, what does Paul compare, or liken, this power to? In v.18 he mentions our hope, our inheritance, and power, but spends five verses telling us about power. Why do you think this is so significant to the Ephesian church? What difference could this make for our lives as Christ-followers today?
9. What can we learn about the church in v.22-23?
10. What is the practical significance of knowing Jesus has been appointed head of the Church? In other words, how should this truth influence how we organize and implement “church”?
11. Do you feel Paul’s description of the as “Christ’s “body” is a helpful picture for us? Why/why not?

A Matter of Prayer
How might this truth of “God’s power made available to us” change the way you do things or pray this week?

Spend some time as a group praying the prayer in v.15-19 for one another and for your friends and loved ones.

Week 6 - October 13, 2024

BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS…LOOKING BACK TO MOVE AHEAD
Ephesians 2:1-10

Getting Started

Many psychologists today hold to the idea that we are born “Tabula Raza”, or clean slate. This essentially means we are born morally neutral and it’s our environment that influences us to become “good” or “evil.” Would you agree or disagree with this idea? Why/Why not? How might Ephesians 2:1-3 sway our view on this?

Digging Deep
Read through Ephesians 2:1-10 together as a group.
1. From v.1-3, what can we learn about being dead in our transgressions and sins?
2. How would you describe “the ways of this world”? What do they look like today?
3. Do you feel people actively or passively follow the “ruler of the kingdom of the air,” or “Satan” today? Explain your answer.
4. How do we “gratify the cravings of our sinful nature”? Do we have control over that or not? Why/Why not?
5. In v.4-5, what did God actually do on our behalf? Why did he do this? What were his motives?
6. V.5 and 8-9 talk about our being “saved by grace through faith.” How would you explain this to a junior high student?
7. In v.9 it says we’ve been saved or rescued “not by works so that no one can boast.” What is the big deal about “boasting”?
8. Take a few minutes in your group and have many people tell their story how they first put their faith or trust in Christ.
9. What impact might the truth of v.6-7 have on us today?
10. Does v.10 contradict v.8-9? Why/Why not?

A Matter of Prayer
What influence could v.10 have on our level of motivation towards our relationship with God?

What are some “good works” to do that you have not done, but would like to do in your lifetime?

Week 7 - October 20, 2024

NO INSIDERS OR OUTSIDERS…OLDTIMERS & NEWCOMERS HAVE THE SAME BENEFITS
Ephesians 2:11-22

Getting Started

Thinking back to your high school days, was there a time or situation you recall where you felt like an outsider, excluded from a certain group? What was it like? Can you remember a time when you were an “insider” in a group looking out at others “outside”? What did that feel like?

Digging Deep
Read through Ephesians 2:11-22 together as a group.
1. From v.11-12, what are the things Paul wants the Gentile Ephesians to remember?
2. While we don’t have the Jew/Gentile division to the extent the Ephesians did, what might be a parallel division today?
3. The apostle Paul emphasizes the need to “remember” in v.11-12. Why do you feel he is making such a big deal about this?
4. What do you think Paul’s main point is in v.13-17?
5. He uses the word “peace” four times in these verses. What does he mean by “peace”?
6. According to v.15-16, how does God create ‘one new person’ out of Jews and Gentiles?
7. How could being “reconciled” to God affect our relationships with others?
8. What difference might this truth make in our church?
9. What are some of the benefits of becoming “one” in v.18-22? How do you think people felt about this?
10. What can we learn about this “new temple” getting built in v.19-22?

A Matter of Prayer
How might v.19-22 influence us today? See also I Peter 2:6.

What from v.18-22 would you like to experience more and why?

Can you think of a division in any of your relationships? How would like others to pray for that?

Week 8 - Oct 27, 2024

TELLING OUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE MASTER PLANNED COMMUNITY
(Eph. 3:1-13)

Getting Started
So many of us shy away from religious discussions. We’ve been turned off by others who may have been a little overbearing, or even obnoxious. Can you remember the first time you talked to someone about your faith? Maybe it was at work, or with a friend or relative. How did you feel at the time? How did you feel afterwards? What did you learn from that first encounter?

Digging Deep
Read through Ephesians 3:1-13 together as a group

  1. Paul is writing this letter from a Roman jail. According to v.1, why does he say he is a prisoner on behalf of the Gentiles? See also Acts 21:17-36.
  2. In v.13 the Ephesians were discouraged because of Paul’s jail time. Why might that be? How could his suffering be for their glory?
  3. What can we learn about the “mystery” in v.2-5? What difference could it make to the Ephesian Gentiles to know this new mystery was hidden from everyone?
  4. From v.6, what are the three things that the Gentile believers have in common with the Jewish believers? What impact could this news have these Gentiles?
  5. In v.7-9, Paul shares kind of a snapshot personal story of his “call” into the ministry. What can we learn about that call from these verses?
  6. When (or if) did you first sense God “calling you” to do something on his behalf? (like teach Sunday school, lead a small group, be an usher, etc…?) What was it like? Did it make a difference in your motivation level?
  7. What can we see from Paul’s attitude toward himself in v.8 that we can apply to our own situations and the way we volunteer to serve God?
  8. Read v.8 in multiple versions of the Bible, –especially The Message and the New Living Translation. How do they vary?
  9. Paul is preaching the “unsearchable riches of Christ” to the Gentiles, or the non-churched crowd. What do you think he means by unsearchable riches?

A Matter of Prayer
- Take a few minutes in your group to share how Christ has uniquely enriched your life.
- What role does “The Church” play in v.10-11? How could this truth encourage the Ephesians?
- Read v.12 in multiple versions of the Bible. Why might the Ephesians need to hear this?

Week 9 - November 3, 2024

THE ULTIMATE IN BENEFITS AND PURPOSE (Eph. 3:14-21)

Getting Started
Has anyone ever told you that you are either not good enough, not strong enough, not talented enough, or smart enough to accomplish a certain task or goal? What was the short-term and (if any) long-term effect of that comment? How do Christians tend to do that with God? How do we put limits on what God can do? Take a few minutes in your group to discuss these questions.

Digging Deep
Read through Ephesians 3:14-21 together as a group

  1. In v.14 Paul kneels in prayer. The common form of Jewish prayer at the time was to stand and pray. Kneeling communicates a major seriousness about this prayer. Why do you think Paul was so serious about this prayer in v.16-21?
  2. How does Paul specifically pray in v.16 & 17a? What is the purpose of this prayer?
  3. Since these Ephesians to whom Paul is writing are already believers, his prayer for “Christ to dwell in your hearts” must mean something else. What do you feel he is getting at? And what does “faith” have to do with this?
  4. What keeps many followers of Jesus from being conscious of his indwelling presence in their lives?
  5. In v.17b, Paul uses two metaphors, one from nature (“rooted”) and one from architecture (“established/grounded”, literally a building’s foundation). What do you feel he is trying to communicate with these?
  6. Paul prays for them to know the love of Christ. How does he describe this love in v.18-19?
  7. Why do you think it’s important for believers to know the love of Christ to this extent? What are the things that keep us from experiencing this love?
  8. Is there a connection between the first half of v.19 and the second half? If so, what is it?
  9. If v.20-21 were all you were ever told about God, what do they tell us?

A Matter of Prayer
- Can you think of an area or two in your life where God may want to do more than you can imagine? What would those be?
- Consider closing your small group time reading v.20-21 together out loud and then praying for one another to set no limits on what God can do!

Week 10 - November 10, 2024

UNITY..HOW TO GET ALONG WITH YOUR NEW NEIGHBORS (Eph. 4:1-6)

Getting Started
Sometimes we must work alongside people we do not know or agree with. It might be as part of a jury, work-related project, a school assignment or a committee. Describe a similar experience you have had. What was the outcome? What does it take for such a group to work well together?

Digging Deep
Read through Ephesians 4:1-6 together as a group

  1. Paul urges us to “live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” What is the calling (vocation) Paul is describing? What was received? (Review Chapters 1-3)
  2. What do you think a “worthy life” looks like?
  3. How would living in a worthy manner lead to peace? How would living through the bond of peace keep unity in the Spirit?
  4. To what do the following “ones” apply: Why the big deal about the “ones”?
    • One Body
    • One Spirit
    • One Hope
    • One Lord
    • One Faith
    • One Baptism
    • One God and Father
  5. Paul wraps up the idea of oneness with the inclusiveness of God the Father with four “all” statements. What point do you think he is trying to make about God the Father here?

A Matter of Prayer
- If the people of God would live in a “manner worthy,” what difference would that make in our jobs? Our church? Our homes? What keeps us from living this way?
- Why do you believe it’s important to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit? If we did this what might that look like at Greater Portland? In your family? How could it change the face of the Christian church? (i.e. less denominations, more interchurch cooperation, etc.)
- If you treated your faith like a vocation or calling, how might your life look different?

Week 11 - November 17, 2024

LEVERAGING YOUR DIFFERENCES TO GROW A NEW COMMUNITY (Eph. 4:7-16)

Getting Started
If you could have a superpower what would it be and why?

Digging Deep
Read through Ephesians 4:7-16 together as a group.

  1. According to v.7 who do you think Paul is referring to when he says, “each one” and what kind of “grace” has been given them?

  2. What do you believe are the “gifts” he is talking about in v.8? (See also Rom 12:4-8.) Do you know what your gift is? If so, what is it, and how did you find out?

  3. From v.11-13, how has God designed the Church to work? How are these three verses connected to one another?

  4. According to v.11-13, complete the sentence “A healthy church is

    Reveal Answer
    .”

  5. What do you feel are some current examples of “waves”, “every wind of teaching”, and “deceitful scheming” listed in v.14?

  6. What are some results of a healthy church found in v.15 and 16?

A Matter of Prayer
- On a scale of 1 to 10, how much are your current volunteer activities in line with your spiritual gifts and talents–how God has wired you?
- What could you do to serve/volunteer more in line with your gifts and talents while not leaving big holes in needed ministries at church?

Week 12 - November 24, 2024

NEW STANDARDS AND THE POWER TO CHANGE…HOW (NOT) TO LIVE IN A MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITY (Eph. 4:17-5:2)

Getting Started
Do you have a favorite movie or story where a character undergoes a significant character change (or perhaps tries and fails)? “My Fair Lady” or “A Christmas Carol” would be classic examples, but there are countless others, from “Star Wars Episode III” to “Groundhog Day.” What sorts of things cause changes in these stories? Why do these stories intrigue people?

Digging Deep
Read through Ephesians 4:17-5:2 together as a group.

  1. What two ways of life are contrasted in vs. 17-20?
  2. What characterizes the lives of ‘Gentiles’ in vs. 18-19? What is the root of these characteristics according to Paul?
  3. If Paul is writing to people who are already Christ-followers, why does he even spend any time describing how the ‘Gentiles’ live? Is it just to gloat, to say, “at least we’re not like them” or is there another reason?
  4. What is the ‘that way’ that Paul is referring to at the end of vs. 20? What characterizes the ‘Gentile” way of knowledge in vs. 18-19? What characterizes a Christian’s way of knowing in comparison in 20-24?
  5. How do you go about “putting off” the old ways and instead put on the “new self,” being “imitators of God?” Do you feel you are getting better at it, fighting the same old battles, or what characterizes your efforts to be imitating God?
  6. Since you have become interested in following Jesus, what changes have occurred of which Paul might say, “That’s what I’m talking about!” What has helped or hindered these changes?
  7. Consider Paul’s concrete recommendations below:
    a. How does being ‘members of one body” naturally prohibit lying (vs. 25)?
    b. How does harboring anger “give the devil a foothold” (26-27)?
    c. How is theft the opposite of sharing with those in need (28)? What goes through the mind of a thief immediately before he steals? How does that contrast with what goes through the mind of someone who is going to share with someone?
    d. What usually motivates ‘unwholesome talk?’ How would this contrast with the motivations behind speaking to help others?
  8. Which of these four recommendations would you like to change the most?
  9. What do you see in the life of Jesus that is in accord with what Paul recommends for believers? For instance, was Jesus ever angry? How did he deal with it? Was he ever tempted to steal, and did he work or share instead?

Activities for the Upcoming Week
Paul recommends here in 5:1-2, “Be imitators of God”. Throughout the next week, note some examples where people are obviously attempting to imitate someone else. Why do you think this person chose this role model? For “bonus points”, the next time someone has an unexpected reaction to something you do (positive or negative), ask yourself “who was I imitating, and why?”

Week 13 - January 5, 2025

STORM WARNING…JUSTICE IN THE MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITY (Eph. 5:3-20)

Getting Started
Do you think we live in an imitative culture or not? On the one hand, there is the constant refrain to “be yourself” while on the other are constant examples of people whom the culture admires (celebrities, sports stars, business successes). Can you think of anyone who acts as a role model to be an imitator of God? What sort of example do most people seem to imitate?

Digging Deep
Read through Ephesians 5:3-20 together as a group. If these verses contained the only available information you had about Jesus, what would you know?

  1. Read the verses aloud and notice every time Paul uses a word like “but” or “instead”; pick one or two of these below. Ask some of these questions: What characterizes each side of the “but/instead”? What motivates a person to be one or the other according to the verses here? What are the effects of following after the behaviors on either side of the “but”?
    • Be imitators of God…but among you there must not be even a hint…. (5:1-3)
    • Nor should there be obscenity…but rather thanksgiving. (5:4)
    • For you were once darkness but now you are light (5:8)
    • Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness but rather expose them (5:11)
    • Be careful , then, how you live – not as unwise, but as wise (5:15-16)
    • Do not get drunk on wine…instead, be filled with the Spirit (5:18)
  2. Paul recommends that we “understand what the Lord’s will is”; what, according to this passage, is the Lord’s will? (v.17)
  3. Is there a conflict between “have nothing to do” and “shameful to even mention” (vs 11-12) with “expose them”? What is Paul actually calling us to do in this section?
  4. Similarly, what does Paul mean by “do not be partners with them?” Christians historically have interpreted passages like this in many ways; how do you see this recommendation modeled in the life of Jesus?
  5. Why do you think Paul does not go into any detail about what constitutes “impurity” or “immorality” or “greed” (this would certainly clear up a lot of modern disputes!)? Do you see the desire to precisely define what is right and wrong as a good impulse or not? Why?

A Matter of Prayer

  • Since you became a follower of Christ, what sorts of changes have you seen that Paul expects in this passage? What about changes in others who have been following Jesus? Take a minute to thank God for these changes.

  • With this start of the New Year, you often hear people making resolutions such as “lose 20 pounds”, “invest money more intelligently”, “clean out the garage.” How often have you heard someone with a goal of “become more sexually pure”, “make the most of the time God has given me” or even “be more thankful”? Why do you think these sorts of resolutions are much less common? Pick one of Paul’s suggestions in this section to focus on for the coming year; if the particular thought seems too vague, start by praying regularly that God will make it clear how He would want you to be different (e.g. “Lord, show me examples and empower me to be ‘light in the Lord’”).

Week 14 - January 12, 2025

KEY RELATIONSHIPS IN A MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITY…WHAT’S A WIFE TO DO (Eph. 5:21-24)

Getting Started
• Which of these TV families best reflects your family: Cleavers, Flintstones, Bradys, Simpsons, or another? Why that family?
• Do you know of a married couple that you feel showed you what a good marriage should be like? What about that relationship impacted you?

Digging Deep
Read through Ephesians 5:21-24, 33b together as a group.

  1. In verse 21, to whom should we submit and for what reason?
  2. Why would living a submitted life to one another be important for the people of the church? (see 5:1, 8, 15-16)
  3. Read verses 22 with 33b “22 Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord… 33b and the wife must respect her husband.” How is verse 22’s call to submission different than verse 21? How does verse 33b add to or change the emphasis of verse 22?
  4. What do you feel are some things that make it difficult for wives to submit to or respect their husbands?
  5. In Biblical times women were considered more as property and were compelled to obey to their husband. Who is the command to “submit” made to and why should they submit? (Compare with Col 3:18). How is this a different approach to marriage?
  6. Compare the relationship of the wife and husband, with the church and Christ. How is Christ the head of the church and how should the church respond to his authority? (Verses 23-24)

A Matter of Prayer (Mixed groups may want to split by gender for this portion)

Women Only: How do you feel about the standard in verses 23 and 24. If married, how do you implement this in your marriage? Is there anything you could do differently?

Men Only: How should a man react if they do not feel like their wife respects them. If married, do you get in the way of your wife’s worship by either compelling her to submit or deferring your headship? Is there anything you could do differently?

All: How well do you think the church submits to Christ as its head? Ideally what would that look like and in what way is the reality different than the ideal?

Week 15 - January 19, 2025

KEY RELATIONSHIPS IN A MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITY…WHAT’S A HUSBAND TO DO (Eph. 5:25-33)

Getting Started
Pseudo-Love is a love that says “I love you because…” or “I love you when…”. What are some common examples of pseudo-love?

Digging Deep
Read through Ephesians 5:23, 25-33 together as a group. There are two parallel concepts being discussed and compared in the passage. Before answering the questions, look at each of the verses (23, 25-33) and briefly write/say what the verse says about the husband and what each verse says about Christ.

  1. In our society, the role of the husband has changed over the years. Which changes do you think are good and which ones are not?

  2. Comparing the relationship of the wife and husband, with the church and Christ, how does Christ being the head of the church compare to the husband’s role? (v. 23)

  3. What are some of the ways Christ loved the church, and, based on your understanding about Christ, how did he do these things? (v.23-27, 29)

  4. From verse 25, what are some examples of this today?

  5. What do you think verse 28 means by “a husband is to love his wife as his own body?”

  6. In verse 33, Paul is making a clear distinction between the husband “loving” his wife and the wife “respecting” her husband. What do you think the difference is and why?

A Matter of Prayer

  • How is this approach for husbands different than our cultural approach? Practically speaking, how could a husband implement some of these principles in his marriage?

  • For those who are married: Consider last week’s and this week’s sessions. How can you make changes to your approach to your marriage to better fit God’s plan? Ask someone in the study or someone else to hold you accountable to begin a new marriage-building practice.

Week 16 - January 26, 2025

KEY RELATIONSHIPS IN A MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITY…EMPLOYEES & EMPLOYERS (Eph. 6:5-9)

Getting Started
The slave/master relationship presented in this passage has many principles relevant to the employee/employer relationship today. In light of this reality, these discussion questions are worded with respect to employees/employers. What do you feel are the top three “motivation-killers” in the workplace today?

Digging Deep
Read through Ephesians 6:5-9 together as a group.

  1. In v.5 Paul says to “obey your earthly masters with respect and fear.” What would that look like in your job? What do you think it would mean to do your job with “sincerity of heart”?
  2. According to v.6, what should motivate us to work hard on the job even when no one is watching?
  3. What are some of the dangers you’ve encountered when others try too hard to please the boss or make sure they get credit for a recent accomplishment? (v.6)
  4. In v.6, Paul likens doing our job (whatever it may be) to “doing the will of God.” How might this truth influence our workplace motivation?
  5. What are the drawbacks to working “wholeheartedly”? What are the upsides? (v.7)
  6. Do you feel it’s hard for us as followers of Christ to work as though Jesus is our “true boss,” not our human supervisor? Why/why not? (v.5-7)
  7. How can the truth of v.8 encourage us on the job? Give specific examples.
  8. What advice does Paul give to bosses or employers in v.9? Give an example of a “good boss” you’ve had, and what made them so.

A Matter of Prayer

  • What area(s) of motivation do you tend to have the hardest time with and how can others pray for you?

  • What kind of reputation do you feel Greater Portland members have in the workplace in our region?

Week 17 - February 2, 2025

KEY RELATIONSHIPS IN A MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITY…Kids and Parents (Eph. 6:1-4)

Getting Started
What sorts of things have you promised yourself “my family will (or won’t) be like the family I grew up in because we will (or won’t)…?” Do you think your parents ever thought like this? What will your children someday be saying about their family of origin?

Digging Deep
Read through Ephesians 6:1-4 together as a group.

  1. What individuals are addressed in this passage? What individuals are affected by the advice given in this passage?
  2. There have been many interpretations of what it means to “obey your parents in the Lord;” which of the following do you agree with (or disagree with)? Why?
    • Obey them if it’s in accordance with God’s will
    • Obey them if they are your “spiritual parents” (parents “in the Lord”)
    • Obey them if they are raising you “in the Lord”
    • Obey them in any case not obviously sinful, since they are given to you by God and He is working through them even if it’s not obvious.
  3. What would be examples of fathers “exasperating” their children? You might check some other translations of Bibles in your group or refer to Col 3:21 for more thoughts about how to interpret this.
  4. Why do you think Paul goes out of his way to point out that this command is the “first commandment with a promise?”
  5. According to this passage, what are the implied purposes of parenthood?
  6. In Roman society of the time, fathers literally had the power of life and death over their children (at least in theory). Why do you think Paul specifically mentioned fathers in this passage? How would the message of Ephesians be good news to fathers and children? How would Paul’s reference to the commands in the Old Covenant help to maintain a healthy family?
  7. What is the purpose of parenthood according to “common wisdom” or society at large? How are these purposes affirmed by Paul? How are they inadequate?

A Matter of Prayer

  • What is one area of parenting you could use some coaching and encouragement?

Week 18 February 9, 2025

A COMMUNITY MOBILIZED FOR WAR…WE ARE FOREWARNED AND FOREARMED (Eph. 6:10-20)

Getting Started
In his book The Screwtape Letters, C. S. Lewis wrote “There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.” Have you seen others err on either side of this? If so, what did it look like?

Digging Deep
Read through Ephesians 6:10-20 together as a group.

  1. What would it look like for someone to take Paul’s advice in v.10?
  2. How is this different from other prayers for strength/power in Ephesians?
  3. Why do you feel Paul goes into such detail about our struggle against four different sources in v.12?
  4. How might our understanding of v.11-12 influence our response to some of the challenges we face from day-to-day?
  5. From v.14-17, describe the various pieces of armor and how you have or have not experienced them in the past.
  6. Is your role in this “battle” or “struggle” primarily defensive or offensive? Why/why not?
  7. How is prayer in v.18-20 different from the full armor of God in v.14-17?

A Matter of Prayer

  • Agree/disagree: Paul’s prayer request in v.19-20 is unique to an apostle and not something for all believers to pray. Why/why not?

  • What is one piece of armor you could use help in putting on? What has hindered your use of it in the past?

Week 19 - February 16, 2025

EPILOGUE: EPHESIANS, A MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITY IN RETROSPECT (Eph. 6:21-24)

Getting Started
We’ve been studying the book of Ephesians for the last few months. Take a few minutes to share personal highlights and lessons learned from this great book.

Digging Deep
Read through Ephesians 1:1-12 together as a group.

  1. How many ways can you find that God has blessed us with in v.1:1-12?

  2. These blessings can be a source of major encouragement when it comes to our identity and self-image. What do you feel keeps followers of Jesus from experiencing this?

  3. According to Eph. 1:17 and John 15:15, what can we do to help other believers enjoy their friendship with Jesus?

  4. What can we learn about God’s love for us in Eph 3:17-19? How has the Lord revealed this truth to your head and your heart?

  5. What are the personal benefits of having a sense of mission in life versus no sense of mission?

  6. What are the components to the mission God has called us to in Eph. 5:1-2, 6:12-12, 6:19-20?

A Matter of Prayer

  • How does Paul describe Tychicus’ purpose and character? Have you known someone like him? How were they similar/dissimilar?

  • Take a minute in your group to read 6:23-24 aloud and close with a time of prayer asking the Lord to bring this blessing to fulfillment in your group and in our church.