“Ephesians shows us that God is forming a new through , by the .”
1. The gospel has the power to transform .
Acts 9:1-6;
Acts 9:15;
Acts 18:19-21;
Galatians 1:1;
Ephesians 3:1, 8
2. The gospel has the power to transform .
1 Corinthians 16:8-9;
Acts 19:8-20;
Acts 19:23;
Acts 19:25-27;
Acts 20:31
MY NOTES:
SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS:
DISCUSSION
- Read Ephesians 1:1-2. What strikes you most about this passage or the sermon? Why?
- Paul refers to himself as an apostle, i.e., someone sent under God’s
orders, and describes the Ephesian church as saints or holy. A. What is your identity in Christ? Is that identity foremost in your relationships? Why or why not? B. How does that identity play out in the church, your workplace, and your neighborhood?
- Take a look at Acts 18:19 and 19:8. Paul “reasoned” and “argued persuasively” with the Jews in Ephesus. But when before King Agrippa in Acts 26:12-18, he related a personal experience. A. When sharing Christ, how do we choose one approach over the other? B. What are some examples of what we should say?
- In Acts 19:9-10, Paul departed from some Ephesians and concentrated on teaching others. A. What characterized those he left? B. Are you witnessing to some that you should concentrate on, leaving others who are antagonistic? Are you witnessing to those who are able to receive it? How do you decide?
- Read Acts 19:23-28. We see here a strong reaction in Ephesus. A. What were the primary drivers of this reaction? B. What are the idols (false gods) in your own life that are threatened by the light of the Gospel?
- Read Acts 19:11-20. A. Verse 17 says that “…they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor.” A. Why was this their reaction? In vv. 18-19, what was the response of those who believed? B. What are you called to do with the “books of magic” or other idols in your own life? Refer to question 5B. How could your group help you?
APPLICATION
The “1% Challenge” includes spending 1% of your year (4 days) on mission. Bethel’s 2021 missional focus will require us to view group life with fresh eyes. Let’s dream together of small and large ways to extend our group’s reach outward into the community. This will be a bit of a challenge, but there are ways for us to minister while maintaining current state guidelines and our personal concerns about the virus. For some examples of local outreach opportunities, see https://www.bethel.ch/local.