Big Idea: “Christ’s saving grace and unifying power transforms our identity, deepens our relationships and guides our purpose.” How Can We Live With Enlightened Hearts? 1. Take One Step To Know Jesus Better 15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. Ephesians 1:15-17 (NIV) But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ–the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. Philippians 3:7-9 (NIV) 2. Give Thanks for the Hope We Have In Heaven 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, “the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,” Ephesians 1:18 (NIV) For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs–heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:15-17 (NIV) 3. Live In The Power Of Christ 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, Ephesians 1:19-20 (NIV) 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. Ephesians 1:21-23 (NIV) I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:10-11 (NIV) Will you pray with me for God to enlighten our hearts so we can fully live out His truth in our lives? My Next Right Step: Take One Step To Know Jesus Better Give thanks for the hope of heaven Live In The Power Of Christ Sign Up to be in a Small Group Family Corner: [Choose one day this week to ask questions to go deeper in faith as a family. Try this over dinner. Keep it to 12 minutes or less.] Opening Prayer: Begin the session with a prayer, asking God to open the eyes of our hearts and guide the discussion. Icebreaker: Share a time when you discovered something new about yourself or a situation that brought clarity and hope. How did it change your perspective? Read Ephesians 1:15-22 together as a group 1. Take One Step To Know Jesus Better Read Ephesians 1:15-17, Philippians 3:7-9 Which of the things Paul prayed for could you use most right now? Who are the people you are most thankful for? Who is someone you could pray this prayer for? 2. Give Thanks for the Hope We Have In Heaven Read Ephesians 1:18 and Romans 8:15-17 What does the “hope of His calling” mean to you personally? How can we remind ourselves daily of the hope we have in Christ? What does it mean to you to be an heir of God? Blessings List: Take a few minutes to list the blessings and promises that come with being part of God’s family. Share some of your lists with the group. How can we show respect, love, and kindness to others as co-heirs with Christ? 3. Live In The Power Of Christ Read Ephesians 1:19-23 and Philippians 3:10-11 Identify an area in your life where you need God’s strength. Share it with the group if comfortable. What step of faith can you take this week, to trust in God’s power? Testimonies: Share any past experiences where you relied on God’s strength and saw His power at work. How can you practically incorporate daily reminders of your hope, inheritance, and God’s power in your life? As a Small Group, how can we support each other in living out these truths? Prayer Partners: Pair up with someone in the group to pray for each other’s specific needs related to knowing Jesus better, hope, inheritance, and power throughout the week. Closing Activity: Provide small cards or pieces of paper. Ask each member to write down one area where they need God’s power and one way they can share hope with others this week. Collect the cards and distribute them among the group to pray for each other’s commitments. Closing Prayer: Finish with a prayer, thanking God for the hope, inheritance, and power we have in Christ. Ask for His guidance and strength as we apply these truths in our lives.