Small Group Questions | Living the New Life | Ephesians 6:1-9

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 | Living the New Life | Ephesians 6:1-9

This week, our small groups will take a deeper look at what it means for Jesus to be Lord over every relationship in our lives. In Ephesians 6:1–9, Paul reminds us that following Jesus changes how we treat everyone: at home, at work, and in the world. These questions are designed to help you reflect on how the gospel shapes your daily interactions, challenges your attitudes, and strengthens your witness. We all have different relationships where God is at work shaping us to become more like Christ. As you talk together, be honest about what’s hard, celebrate where you’ve seen God at work, and encourage each other to live out your faith in practical, Christ-centered ways.

1) The sermon started with a story about Neal taking his son on a camping trip. Think back to your childhood and share with the group one of your favorite things to do with your parents when you were a child. 

2) Read Ephesians 6:1–3. Paul is helping the church walk in their new life with Christ. What do you notice about the promise attached to honoring our parents? Why do you think God included Exodus 20:12 in the Ten Commandments? 

3) Read Ephesians 6:4, Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Proverbs 22:6, and Colossians 3:21.What are some modern ways parents can unintentionally provoke or discourage their kids intentionally or unintentionally? 

4) Thinking back to your childhood, what are some ways that your parent(s) helped you know the truth of God? As you think about your parenting or future parenting desires, how do you want to help your kids grow in their faith? 

5) Read Ephesians 6:5-8. The modern context would be an employee/employer relationship. Share with your group how you can choose to reflect Christ in your workplace as a way to implement this passage. 

6) Read Colossians 3:12–14, Romans 12:9–10, Philippians 2:3–5. How do you respond when authority feels unfair or frustrating? What do these passages teach us about reflecting God in the workplace (and all areas of our lives)? 

7) Read Ephesians 6:9. Paul has a call for those in leadership or any position of authority. Read Job 31:13–15. What do these passages teach us about humility and modeling the call to serve others? 

Pray for God to help you in the different relationships you find yourself in. 

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. 

Small Group Questions | The New Life | Ephesians 4:17-32

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 | The New Life | Ephesians 4:17-32

Today we’re continuing our journey through the New Testament letter of Ephesians. In Chapter four we see a shift to spiritual growth in Christ. Through Paul’s ministry, the hope of Jesus spread across Ephesus and transformed countless lives. In this week’s passage, Paul challenges the church to live differently because of what Christ has done. He reminds them to leave behind their old way of life, to walk in the new life God offers, and to show evidence of that transformation in how they speak, think, and treat others. As we talk today, we’ll explore what this transformation looks like for us; how God renews our minds, reshapes our actions, and forms us to be more like Jesus.

1) Placing our faith in Jesus is one of the best decisions a person can make in life. Who would be willing to briefly share their faith story with the group and describe how God has changed your life since following Him?

2) Read Ephesians 4:17–19. Paul reminds the Ephesian believers about their old way of life. Why do you think it was helpful for the early church—and for us today—to remember what life was like before Christ?

3) In Ephesians 4:18 Paul uses the word separated, which in Greek conveys being alienated or estranged from God. How does living in contrast to God’s ways make a person feel distant or disconnected from Him?

4) Read Ephesians 4:20–21. Paul uses the language of “learned” and “taught.” Then read John 14:6, Philippians 3:8–10, and Titus 2:11–12. What have you learned about following Jesus recently that has helped you grow in your faith journey?

5) Read Ephesians 4:22-24. Paul talks about being “made new in the attitude of your minds.” How does changing the way we think lead to lasting spiritual transformation? See: 2 Corinthians 10:4–5, Colossians 3:1–2, and Romans 12:2. 

6) In the sermon we learned how to share our faith story: vs. 22— What my life was like before Christ, vs. 23— How I met Jesus, vs. 24— What my life is like now. How comfortable do you feel using this framework to share your story with someone?

7) Read Ephesians 4:25–32. Which of the six evidences of transformation stood out to you the most, and why? (Speaking truth, controlling anger, working honestly, using words to build up, honoring the Spirit, practicing compassion and forgiveness.)

8) Close your time in prayer by asking the Holy Spirit to give you the strength to “put off the old” and “put on the new.”

Small Group Questions | Unity in Christ | Ephesians 4:1-16

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 | Unity in Christ | Ephesians 4:1-16

We love when things are working in unity. It might be in our workplace, our favorite band, or when things in our church family are going well. We love the moments of connection with others because unity feels right and it’s something we strive for. Paul longs for the church to be united in Christ and throughout this section he writes to that end. Paul encouraged the early church to: “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” He gave the church a greater vision of unity than they could establish on their own accord. Not only did he teach on unity but on using the gifts we have in God’s family and growing in spiritual maturity. 

1) Share about a time when you experienced a powerful moment of unity. It could have been at a sporting event, a concert, or another time when you felt ‘in sync’ with others. What made that experience so meaningful? 

2) Read Ephesians 4:1-6. We do not drift into unity in any relationship. If anything we drift out of unity. We have to be intentional to pursue and desire unity. What are some intentional ways we can pursue unity in our families, friendships, and church?

3) Paul invites believers to unity in the church, not uniformity. What’s the difference? In the sermon we had a list of seven ways the church reflects the character of God when live in unity. What one of those stood out most to you? 

4) Read Psalm 133:1, John 17:20–23, and Colossians 2:2-4. Paul connected unity with our witness to the world. In what ways can division among Christians damage our credibility? Conversely, how can unity draw people toward the love of Christ?

5) Read Ephesians 4:11-13. Paul ties in unity and our spiritual gifts. How does discovering and using your spiritual gifts strengthen the church’s unity and health?

6) Read these other passages on Spiritual Gifts: Romans 12:6–8, 1 Corinthians 12:4–11; 27–31, Ephesians 4:11, and 1 Peter 4:10–11. How have you seen people in our group use their spiritual gifts?

7) Ephesians 4:14-16. Neal said, “We will never drift toward spiritual maturity.” What are some practical rhythms that help you mature in your faith instead of drift? What are you currently doing to actively grow in your faith and not stagnate?

8) Looking back at the Big Idea — “A healthy church grows in unity, serves with gifts, and matures in Christ.” Use this verse to pray for our church as you close your time. 

Small Group Questions | Immeasurably More | Ephesians 3:14-21

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 | Immeasurably More | Ephesians 3:14-21

Just like Redwood trees, Christians were never meant to do life alone. We are called to be connected in a church community with other believers. Today we’re continuing our sermon series through the New Testament Letter of Ephesians. The letter was written by the Apostle Paul who ministered in the city for over three years. Paul lived among the people, experienced the city, and saw life change first hand. Today we’re going to see the pastoral heart of Paul really lived out. Today we’ll see Paul’s pastoral heart: how he prayed for the church, how he invites us into a powerful life of prayer, and how he points us to the God who does superabundantly more.

1) In the beginning of the sermon we learned about how Redwood trees have roots that only go about 10 feet deep but over a hundred feet wide. They are connected to each other. Who are you connected with in your spiritual life? 

2) Read Ephesians 3:14–15. Paul describes a posture of prayer and praying on our knees. Read Daniel 6:1-10. In the sermon we were invited to take the next 30 days to pray on our knees. Have you tried praying on your knees yet?

3) Paul traces our spiritual family tree. Let’s look at three other passages that expand this truth: Read John 1:12, Romans 8:15–16, and Ephesians 2:19. When you think about your life, what makes it so special to be united in the family of God? 

4) Read Ephesians 3:16-19. Paul prays two powerful prayers for the church: They would be strengthened in the power of the Holy Spirit. Because we are rooted and established in love we have power in Christ. How do these encourage you to pray bigger prayers in your daily life? 

5) We learn that Christ will dwell in our hearts through faith. Read: John 14:23 and Colossians 3:16. What does it mean for Christ to “dwell in your heart”? What would it look like to make your heart a more welcoming place for Christ to dwell?

6) Paul mixes metaphors here: rooted like trees, built like a house. Let’s see how the Bible uses both pictures: Read Jeremiah 17:7–8 and Matthew 7:24–25. How do roots and foundations help us picture the Christian life?

7) Read Ephesians 3:20-21. God is able to do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” Where do you need to trust Him for “immeasurably more” right now?

8) Think about your “My Circle” card. How does this passage in Ephesians change your thoughts on praying for others and praying for God to do radical life change? 

Small Group Questions | No Longer Divided | Ephesians 2:11-22

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 | No Longer Divided | Ephesians 2:11-22

Throughout time humanity has been great at building walls that divide. Humanity has not only been good at building physical walls, but invisible walls as well. We’ve built invisible barriers around politics. Culturally and socially we’ve built walls around generational differences, barriers between those who live in urban areas and those who live in rural ones for example. We’ve built economic walls, educational walls, and walls that even divide the church. In Ephesians 2:11-22 Paul teaches us the walls in our life can keep us from contact and connection with others. We learn that God came to destroy the walls to seek to divide us.  

1) In the beginning of the sermon Neal talked about two physical walls that brought division to the locations they were built; the Great Wall of China and the Berlin Wall. When you think about walls that divide, what is the first wall that comes to mind? 

2) Read Ephesians 2:11–13. Paul teaches us that at one point there was a wall between us and God but through the blood of Jesus that wall is broken down. Share with your group how Jesus pursued you and brought you into relationship with Him. 

3) Paul describes what our separation from God looked like by using the language of: “foreigners and excluded from citizenship in Heaven.” How do we see Jesus draw people to Himself and invite us to be citizens of Heaven? 

4) Read Ephesians 2:14-16. Jesus came to break down the walls that divide us. Read Acts 10:34–35, Galatians 3:28, and James 2:1. What practical steps can we take as individuals or as a group to live out racial reconciliation and unity in Christ?

5) Paul writes that Jesus came to reconcile us back to the Lord (v. 16). Reconciliation is: to reestablish proper friendly interpersonal relations after these have been disrupted or broken. Is there someone you need to reconcile with? 

6) Read Ephesians 2:14-18. Part of breaking down walls that divide us means living in peace. Read Matthew 5:9, Romans 12:18, and Hebrews 12:14. How can we be a group of people who live in peace with others?  

7) Read Ephesians 2:19-22. How does remembering that our primary citizenship is in heaven shape the way we live as Christians in America?

8) Think about your “My Circle” card. Who in your circle still feels far from God, and how might you pray for or reach out to them this week?

Small Group Questions | From Death to Life | Ephesians 2:1-10

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 | From Death to Life | Ephesians 2:1-10

Scripture teaches us that we are completely dead without Christ. Completely separated from God. No pulse. No hope. That’s the bad news. Paul doesn’t leave us hopeless. Paul describes our spiritual condition and then some of the most hope-filled words in the entire Bible show up: “But God…” God steps in and brings the dead back to life. God takes our life, that was dead without Him and brings hope to our current condition. You’re going to see in our passage today that Paul had a vision to see God’s Kingdom built up. Today we’ll see that Paul teaches us we were once dead in our sins, now we are alive in Christ, and we’ve been saved by grace. 

1) Neal shared the Princess Bride illustration when Miracle Max said Westley was: “mostly dead” vs. “completely dead.” Think back to your life before trusting Christ, where can you now see that you were completely dead in your sins? 

2) Read Ephesians 2:1–3. What stands out to you about Paul’s description of our condition before Christ? (read John 10:10, Galatians 5:19-21, and Romans 12:2) How do you see “the world, the flesh, and the devil” at work in today’s culture?

3) Paul uses two words—transgressions (active rebellion) and sins (anything contrary to God’s plan). Which one do you tend to recognize more easily in your own life? 

4) Read Ephesians 2:4–7. What do the words “But God” mean to you personally? Share a moment where God stepped in and brought new life or hope into your story. Read Mark 5:18-20 and Luke 19:9-10. What do these passages teach us about the new life God brings to His people? 

5) Paul says we are “seated with Christ” (v. 6). What does that truth say about our identity and worth in God’s eyes? How does this statement impact our current situation and the future hope we have in Christ?  

6) Read Ephesians 2:8–10. Paul teaches us the importance of remembering that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works (read 2 Timothy 1:9 and Titus 3:5) How does this truth shape the way we relate to others? 

7) Verse 10 says we are God’s workmanship (poema). How does knowing you are God’s masterpiece affect the way you view yourself and others? (see Genesis 1:27)

8) This Sunday, Coastline gave out a new prayer card to write down names of people you want to see come to faith. Who are some of the people God is putting on your heart? How can our group commit to praying with you for them this week? 

Small Group Questions | The Riches of Knowing God | Ephesians 1:15-23

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 | The Riches of Knowing God | Ephesians 1:15-23

This Fall we’re studying the New Testament letter written to the church in Ephesus. Ephesus is a real city in Modern Day Turkey. The Apostle Paul stopped there on his second missionary journey. This is the trip where the gospel first moved to a different continent. Paul lived among the people in a very pagan city; he didn’t avoid the city because of the idol worship, slavery, or pagan culture. Paul chose to invest his life in people who were far from God and lost without the truth of Jesus. So Paul lovingly came in, shared the Gospel, and lived among the people. Paul never stopped praying for this church and maintained his desire for them to live in the power of God.

1) Neal opened with the story of a man and his Bitcoin account he can’t access. How is that similar to how Christians sometimes live in relation to God’s power and presence? Can you relate to that illustration personally?

2) Read Ephesians 1:15. Paul commends the Ephesians for their faith in Jesus and love for others. Where have you seen those two qualities, faith and love, lived out in your own life or in someone else’s? (see Hebrews 11:1 and Mark 12:29-31)

3) Read Ephesians 1:16-17. Paul tells the church he has never stopped praying for them (see 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Romans 12:12, and Colossians 4:2). We learn two things about Paul’s prayer life: Paul prayed continually and with thankfulness. How might you grow in consistency in your own prayer life this week? 

4) Read Ephesians 1:18. Paul highlights hope as central to the Christian life (see Psalm 42:11 and Hebrews 6:19) . In what ways do people around us put their hope in things that ultimately disappoint instead of placing our hope in Christ? 

5) It can be easy to think of an inheritance as something we receive later in life or when someone passes away. Paul teaches that our inheritance in Christ is not just future but present. What difference could that make in the way you live this week?

6) Read Ephesians 1:19-21. Paul describes God’s power toward us as the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. What would it look like for you to live this week connected to that resurrection power instead of “white-knuckling” your faith?

7) Which part of Paul’s prayer do you most need right now: to grow in faith and love, to deepen in hope, to grasp your inheritance, or to live in God’s power? How can the group pray for you specifically in that area?

Ephesians 6 | Small Group Questions

Most of our life we are concerned and consumed with the three dimensional world we can see. We wake up, drink coffee, eat food, go to work, eat more food, connect with people we love, and sleep. We think that paying the bills, mowing the lawn, and grocery shopping are requirements of the week. What if the world is more than three dimensional? For those who believe in God that means we believe the world is at least four dimensions. The Bible teaches us about spiritual things but we don’t always focus on our spiritual growth; that is what “The Battle” is all about In this series we’ll lean in to God’s word and examine what is taking place in the spiritual realm. For this series I volunteered to write the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone. 

Small Group Questions | Armor Up | Ephesians 6:10-20

Imagine the chance of meeting the Apostle Paul, that he came to your town and set up home base there and started a ministry to the entire region of Asia Minor!  That is exactly what happened to the people of Ephesus.  A place once recognized for being a center of pagan worship has now became a “beach-head” for spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We believe that Paul worked in Ephesus around AD 55-59 and remained there, with the people, for about three years (see Acts 19:10, 20:31). After leaving Ephesus, Paul found himself imprisoned. Being incarcerated and with no other way to spread the Good News; Paul decides to write letters, also known as Epistles.

1) Neal shared about an unwanted spiritual encounter that he had while in college. Share about a time that you had an unwanted spiritual encounter. What were some of the main details and how did you respond in the situation? 

2) Read Ephesians 6:10-12. Paul encourages us to find our strength in the Lord. So often we are great at doing things on our own. Read 1 Samuel 30:6, Psalm 28:7, Isaiah 40:31, and Jeremiah 17:15. Discuss what it looks like to find strength in God. 

3) Paul commands us to put on the full armor of God to protect us in the spiritual battle. Read I Thessalonians 5:8, Romans 13:12, & Isaiah 59:17. What do these passages teach us about the full armor of God as we follow Jesus? 

4) The Bible has a number of adjectives for the devil. One is a schemer. When you think about a person who is a schemer what comes to mind? Knowing that, how can you be more aware of the schemes of the devil? 

5) Read Ephesians 6:13-15. The first half of the armor of God deals with truth,  peace, and righteousness. Read Exodus 20:16, Philippians 3:9, and John 14:27. What changes in your life when you fit yourself with this armor?  

6) Read Ephesians 6:16-17. The second half of the armor of God focuses on faith, salvation, and God’s word. Read Romans 10:17, Acts 4:12, & John 1:1-5, 14. What changes in your life when you fit yourself with this armor?  

7) Read Ephesians 6:18-20. Paul takes time to focus on having a life dedicated to prayer. He longs for wisdom, boldness, and clarity in sharing the truth of God. Where, or how,  would you like to see your prayer life grow this year? 

Close your time in prayer. Pray for strength to invite a friend to meet Jesus.