GATHERING / WORSHIP / PRAYER ● Take a few minutes to catch up with each other and build community. If you have new people present give time to getting to know each other. ● Song - Tauren Wells “Citizen of Heaven”- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rzp_Oflpo4 ● Use Ephesians 1:2-3 to lead you into a time of praise for God’s greatness and his blessings in your life. FOCUS Our series ‘The Good and the Beautiful’ is based on three books by James Bryan Smith. Our focus throughout June and July is from the second book 'The Good and Beautiful Life’. Jesus said he came to give life and give it to the full (John 10:10). What does that life look like? Through this second series of studies we will be encouraged to unpack Jesus’ narratives about life in the Kingdom of God. SETTING THE SCENE Ephesians is one of four letters known as the Captivity Letters (or Prison Epistles). The three books of Colossians, Ephesians and Philemon were written by Paul as a response to a visit from Epaphras while he was in prison. The book of Philippians was written in prison on another occasion. The books of Ephesians and Colossians are more similar in language and content than any other two letters in the New Testament. Seventy five of the 155 verses in Ephesians are found in parallel form in Colossians. Part 1 of Ephesians concerns doctrine in chapters 1-3, and Part 2 is about ethics in chapters 4-6. Throughout the emphasis is on unity. In part 1 Paul emphasises the great reconciling work of Christ - firstly between God and the human race, and then between people themselves. OPENING GOD’s WORD Warm Up Question: Share on one of the following questions ● What country did your ancestors come from? And how has that influenced you? ● If your parents migrated, do you think citizenship in their country of birth or Australia meant more to them? Explain. ● Is there a time when traveling to another country that you felt like an “alien”? Explain. Read: Ephesians 1 & 2 ● Take turns reading a few verses each - different translations are okay. ● Suggested: Ephesians 1:1-10, 11-14, 15-23. Ch 2:1-10, 11-13, 14-18, 19-22 ● Is there a section in say The Message that one person wants to highlight? Discussion Questions ○ Focus on chapter 1:3-14. List the activities and descriptive words relating to the work of God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. E.g. he blesses us etc. Share what this shows you about God and his relationship with us. ○ Paul prayed fervently for the Ephesians in chapter 1:17-19. How would you expect to feel/change if we as your small group prayed these verses into your life? Would you like this to happen now? ○ In chapter 2:1-10 Paul describes some of the new life in Christ. Given that salvation is not by works but by God’s grace, what good works do you think God has created for you? Past, present and future? Share with your small group and encourage each other. ○ Paul describes some aspects of the new citizenship of God’s household in verses 11-22 of chapter 2. He moves from discussion of the reconciliation of individuals to the reconciliation of two very different people groups - the Jews and Gentiles. How does living a new life in Christ change how you should relate to people, some of whom may have a very different background. LIVING OUT GOD’s WORD ● MEMORY VERSES - Ephesians 2:8-10 - Set yourself a challenge this coming week. ● Do you sense that there are some social barriers in your community that you could play a part to overcome, in view of what you have learnt here? PRAYER ● Pray verses 16-19a of chapter 1 over the whole group. ● Other prayer needs. Contacts If you would like more information or further help please contact: scott.button@hopevalleychurch.com.au