Ephesians 4

Recall:

Lesson plan – Ephesians 3

God’s Marvellous Plan for the Gentiles

3 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—

2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

A Prayer for the Ephesians

14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Theme: The inclusiveness of the Christian faith

The aim of the lesson is to help us understand that the Christian faith is an inclusive one, available for all people. However, most of the time, we tend to stick to our own groups of friends, and shut out others. We should reflect on the condition of their groups, whether in church or outside, and see if they have been doing so. If yes, what can we do about it? If no, what can we do to prevent it?

*This may or may not follow from last week’s idea about how we treat our friends and whether we judge others :x



Questions:



1. Why are the Gentiles heirs together with Israel? (v6){comprehension question} What does that imply about the early church? {implied that the church served as one body, without distinction, or at least ideally that was what they aimed for}What implications does this have on our church today?{thinking question}

2. What then is God’s plan? How does it affect the way we live? {thinking question}

3. Why does Paul call himself “less than the least of God’s people”? (v8) – is it implying low self-esteem? (It’s not btw – he was comparing what he had to what was in God [which is really very little]) link here: http://www.preceptaustin.org/ephesians_38-9.htm {Just a reminder that any and everyone can be used by God – not crucial, can skip} Thus, who are we to gather in cliques and deny others the opportunity/comfort of seeking God? {thinking question}

4. We know we can approach God without hesitation- in the same way, when relating to others; do we assure them that we are approachable? WWJD? {thinking question}

5. But we know we can’t do it alone, because human nature is selfish. So, Paul’s prayer to the Ephesians rings true in our lives as well – leaders can pray this prayer in your groups=)



I hope the lesson helps us all to think and reflect about the condition of our small groups, and maybe our own lives, to keep us in check :x jyjy guys!

Done by: Joshua Tang