Small Group Questions | Mutual Submission | Ephesians 5:21-33

In the Fall of 2025, Coastline began a journey through the book of Ephesians. This letter from the Apostle Paul is packed with timeless truth about who we are in Christ and how we are called to live as His people. From God’s eternal plan of salvation to the call for unity in the church, Ephesians grounds us in the gospel and shows us what it means to walk faithfully in a broken world. As we’ve studied this book together, our congregation has been both encouraged and challenged. Each week, we’ve created small group questions designed to help people reflect deeply, apply personally, and grow spiritually. I’m sharing those questions here so others can benefit; whether you’re leading a small group, studying on your own, or walking through Ephesians with your church.

Small Group Questions | Mutual Submission | Ephesians 5:21-33

As we continue our sermon series through the New Testament letter to the church in Ephesus we see Paul teach on mutual submission in a marriage relationship. This teaching was particularly important for Ephesus because it was a Gentile city; meaning it didn’t have God at the center. In our passage today we read Paul’s instruction on mutual submission for a thriving marriage that honors God. Paul teaches couples have to live the new life in Christ they have received are leaning in to. Paul takes the time to teach on marriage from a Biblical perspective. In today's text we’ll see how submission starts with God and models the mystery of Christ and the Church. 

1) The sermon started with funny quotes on marriage from kids. Which one stood out to you most? Why do you think humor like that helps us talk about serious topics like marriage or relationships?

2) Read Ephesians 5:21. What does “mutual submission” look like in our daily life? How does mutual submission honor God in our marriage, families, friendships, or the workplace? 

3) Genesis 1:27, 2 Corinthians 5:17, and Genesis 2:24. Neal taught that we’re created in God’s image and that our identity is in Christ. How does remembering that truth shape the way we treat others whether in marriage, dating, or singleness?

4) Read Ephesians 5:22-24. Paul invited wives to submit to their husbands “as to the Lord.” What might that look like today? How can trusting in God’s goodness help someone live out challenging passages of Scripture?

5) Read Ephesians 5:25-27. Paul called husbands to love “as Christ loved the church.”  This was a radical idea in this time period. How does Jesus’ sacrificial love challenge all of us, married or not, in how we love people around us?

6) Read Ephesians 5:28-31. Paul repeats his teaching for husbands to love their wives and for wives to respect their husbands. For those who are married, what are some practical ways to live this out? For those who aren’t married, what principles can still apply in your relationships? (see Colossians 3:18–19)? 

7) Read Ephesians 5:31-33. Paul teaches that a husband and wife become “one flesh” and connects this to the mystery of Christ and the church. What is the “mystery” Paul is describing here, and how does it reveal the gospel?

8) Think about your own relationships: marriage, friendships, or future hopes. What is one way you can reflect the gospel through love and surrender this week?

Small Group Questions | Walk in New Life | Ephesians 5:1-13

In the Fall of 2025, Coastline began a journey through the book of Ephesians. This letter from the Apostle Paul is packed with timeless truth about who we are in Christ and how we are called to live as His people. From God’s eternal plan of salvation to the call for unity in the church, Ephesians grounds us in the gospel and shows us what it means to walk faithfully in a broken world. As we’ve studied this book together, our congregation has been both encouraged and challenged. Each week, we’ve created small group questions designed to help people reflect deeply, apply personally, and grow spiritually. I’m sharing those questions here so others can benefit; whether you’re leading a small group, studying on your own, or walking through Ephesians with your church.

Small Group Questions | Walk in New Life | Ephesians 5:1-13

Today we continue our sermon series through the New Testament letter to the church in Ephesus. This church was started by Paul on his second missionary journey. He spent a considerable amount of time with the church. For example, Paul spent three years in Ephesus and only eighteen months in Corinth. Paul was able to teach this church about the great love of God. The Holy Spirit began working in the life of God’s people and lives were radically changed. In our passage today we’re going to see Paul make a statement and then help the church understand how to live this out for Jesus. He teaches them to walk in God’s love, to walk in righteousness, and to walk in light.

1) Thinking of the story of Jimmy Choi who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and chose to walk to regain strength. Share about a time when choosing to take small, consistent steps in your faith helped you grow spiritually.

2) Read Ephesians 5:1-2. Paul encouraged the church in Ephesus to: “Follow God’s example… and walk in the way of love.” What does it mean to imitate God’s love in practical, everyday ways?

3) Read Micah 6:8 and Luke 10:25-37. Think about a time when you saw someone reflect Christ’s love through forgiveness or compassion. What impact did their example have on you or on the person who received the love of Jesus? 

4) Read Ephesians 5:3-7. Paul calls believers to live differently from the culture around them. What are some ways our culture normalizes behavior that God calls us to leave behind as we grow in spiritual maturity?

5) In these couple of verses, Paul emphasizes living a life of righteousness. How can we pursue purity, righteousness, and holiness while still showing humility and grace toward others?

6) Read Ephesians 5:3-7. Paul says, “You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.” (See also Matthew 5:14–16, Colossians 1:13–14, and 1 Thessalonians 5:5.) How does that truth shape your identity and daily choices?

7) Read Psalm 32:3–5, James 5:16, and 1 John 1:7–9. Confession brings light into dark places. Why do you think confession is so freeing, and what sometimes holds people back from practicing it regularly? 

8) Close your time in prayer with either confession of sin or asking Jesus to help you be light in our darkening world. 

Field Tested: Outdoor Vitals Pursuit Hybrid Fleece

This October, I took my son camping along the Kern River for Fall Break, and it turned out to be the perfect opportunity to test the brand new Outdoor Vitals Pursuit Hybrid Fleece. It ended up being the ideal piece of outerwear for that environment.

Our campsite was right on the river, and as soon as the sun went down, the temps dropped quickly. I needed to throw on an outer layer, and I was immediately thankful to have the Pursuit Hybrid Fleece on hand. I put it on and felt warm almost instantly.

What really stood out to me was how lightweight and comfortable this piece is. It moves with your body and doesn’t feel bulky or restrictive but somehow, it still provides the warmth you're hoping for. I also loved that it has a hoodie built in. Mornings were brisk, and that hood went up the moment I crawled out of the tent.

One of my favorite moments with the fleece was on a fishing morning with my son. It started off chilly, and the fleece kept me warm, but as the sun came up and the day heated up, I was able to vent out excess heat just by unzipping it a bit. The breathability and temperature regulation were spot-on.

I’ve owned several fleeces over the years and am always on the lookout for that perfect outerwear layer. Honestly, I think I found it with the Pursuit Hybrid Fleece from Outdoor Vitals.

If you're in the market for a reliable fleece this fall and winter, I’d definitely recommend checking this one out.