Ephesians

Today Alan looks at the final passage of Ephesians. He thinks about how Paul’s military metaphor challenges us to see ourselves as part of a supportive and encouraging community.

Verses for Reflection:

• Colossians 3:13
• Galatians 6:2

Discussion Questions:

• Think about the characteristics of each piece of the armour – truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation and the word of God. What does it mean to ‘wear’ each of these in your everyday life? What other meaning might we get when we consider what part of the body they protect?
• Alan’s challenge was to ‘Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power’. Where are you trying to get through life in your own power? What would it mean to take that area of your life and be strong in God’s power?
• Who could you pray for this week? How will you remind yourself?

Today we look at a controversial passage in Ephesians and Dave continues to talk about living a life of love.

Discussion Questions:

• • When we think about living lovingly towards people, which do you find easier? Random strangers and casual acquaintances or committed relationships?
  • Is there a difference between society’s ideal view of relationships, such as marriage, and reality? What about a difference with the Bible’s view?
  • Are there particular committed relationships – marriage, family, employment, etc – that you find hard to put love into? Why is this?
  • Who has God prompted you to make a special effort for this week? What will you do?

Dave thinks about the simple, yet profoundly difficult, way to live out the new life God is giving us.

Verses for Reflection:

• Romans 13:8
• 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
• 1 John 4:12

Discussion Questions:

• What are some of the differences between the way people commonly use the word ‘love’ and what the Bible means? How can we tell the difference? Where do they overlap?
• Who could you chose and act to love this week? Who do you cross paths with that you could prefer, serve or engage?

Today Dave joins us from a special location to talk about the key, and perhaps unexpected, quality to live the life God has for us.

Verses for Reflection:

• • 2 Samuel 22:26
  • 1 Chronicles 29:17
  • Proverbs 28:6
  • Colossians 3:9

Discussion Questions:

• • Where are we likely to see people project a false image of themselves? What is their motive fro this?
  • Where are you tempted to try to hide your mess? Which of the 5 areas of insecurity do these effect?
  • Where are you going to choose to be honest this week? What area of your life was God prompting you about?
  • Who could you encourage by speaking the truth to them this week?

Our next instalment of Ephesians. Dave talks about the gifts God has given the church to help us be discipled and disciple each other.

Discussion Questions:

• • Which of the 4 gifts do you resonate with? What has helped you decide? Can you share experiences of how you’ve seen this gift outworking in your work, family or even church life?
  • How might you use this gift in your Hub to strengthen and encourage the Hub?
  • What specific thing could you do this week?

Today Colin looks at the next section of Ephesians and thinks about how our attitude towards the Church compares with what Paul writes in the passage.

Discussion Questions:

• • Colin contrasts the way Paul understands church with the perceptions people – whether it’s us or Noel Edmunds – might have. How would you describe what church is to a visitor from another planet? What are the important aspects of church? What is not so important? Could you sum up the church in one sentence or a few key words?
  • What would it be like to really think of Church as family? Think about what this means for connection and commitment? They say you can’t choose your family, but obviously we can choose our church. How do we balance this to find ourself connected and committed to a church, but not being a consumer?
  • Colin tried to say, “Top to toe in tattoos” twice, but didn’t manage it. Can you manage this tongue-twister?