
Welcome
This week we will be discussing the purpose of transformation: that all things come under the authority of Jesus Christ to the praise of his glory. This is not a utopian view of the world but a passion to see all things living under the Lordship of Christ. As you begin, share with your group about a time in your life when it felt like things were going the way they were supposed to, and life was especially good (if that time is right now, share it!). When did that change?
Worship
Use Ephesians 1:7-10 (The Message) as a guide to prayer.
“Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we’re a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth.”
- Thank God for the riches we have in Jesus Christ.
- Pray that each of you and other Christians may know abundant freedom
- Pray that all parts of our city and world that are not reconciled with Christ would be “brought together and summed up in Him.”
Word
Read Ephesians 1:2-14
1. The city of Ephesus at that time was a city of architectural wonders, from the great library to the temple of Artemis. In the midst of all those wonders, what does Paul describe here that is truly wonderful?
2. In your words describe the ‘blessings in Christ’ (verses 3-7)?
3. What are seven things that God has done for us, starting in verse 4?
4. How does being chosen by God relate to our believing and salvation (verse 13)?
5. When did you come to appreciate all that God has done for you in Jesus Christ? What are you still appreciating?
6. How do you know you are chosen and adopted? How does this change your understanding of yourself and God?
7. How do you feel about the quality of love of the One who has chosen you? How does this affect your love for others?
Witness
Paul describes in verses 3-14 the new identity we have in Christ. What are some practical ways to live out that new identity in the next week?
Daily Readings
Mon: Ephesians 1
Tues: Ephesians 2
Wed: Ephesians 3
Thurs: Ephesians 4
Fri: Ephesians 5
Sat: Ephesians 6