THE MYSTERY OF THE GOSPEL

1. We are in God’s .

Ephesians 3:1-9

Acts 9:15

2. We are God’s new .

Ephesians 3:10;

1 Peter 1:10-12;

Luke 15:8-10

3. We have access to God’s .

Ephesians 3:11-13

MY NOTES:

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS:

DISCUSSION

1. Was there anything in particular that the Holy Spirit may have impressed upon you in this week’s message or passage, Ephesians 3:1-13?
2. Read Ephesians 3:1-6. To better understand the great significance of the Gentiles gaining access to God, consider that the Jews viewed Gentiles with contempt. What is an example of a group of people who despised, or despises, another group?
3. What was the mystery that was revealed to Paul and others of his
   generation?
4. The word “grace” is used three times in this passage.
   A. In Eph. 3:2-3, how did Paul view the grace given him?
   B. We who believe today have also been given this same grace-gift. Is it our culture’s tendency to keep it for ourselves or to share it with others? Why do you think this is?
5. We minister to others “according to the gift of God’s grace,” v. 7. In what ways can you use the variety of gifts in your small group to minister to others?
6. Take a look at Eph. 3:7-11. What kind of godly wisdom is revealed through the church as opposed to through individual Christians?
7. Sometimes we view ourselves as inadequate vessels to preach the gospel. What was Paul’s assessment of his qualifications in verse 8? What encouragement might you draw from his view of himself, his words, and his actions?
8. Paul refers to his sufferings for Christ and the Ephesians in v. 13. How have you suffered for Jesus or others?

APPLICATION

God’s ultimate plan has always been to restore what was corrupted in the Fall. In Jesus, we are called to work with Him to bring that plan to completion by offering redemption to the lost. We do this primarily by preaching the gospel (with words) backed up and proven by our actions (works). As a group, discuss what you should be praying for and what you can do to grow compassion for your neighbor.