Signs of the Spirit - Week 6 The Charismatic Community Focus: Jesus announced the ultimate good news that God’s Kingdom was coming near to dwell with humanity; and this good news once heard would change everything, for all time, for all people. In Jesus would come a new covenant of life, favour, and freedom founded on His resurrection; empowered not by human strength but by His Spirit. For “...I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you…” (Ezekiel 36:26). Study by: Charis Button Sermons can be viewed on the Hope Valley Church YouTube Channel 1. Sharing Our Journey Praise, Thanks, and Reflection Invite people to share from one or more of the questions below. It can be done as a whole group or in subgroups. What are you thankful for? Where have you seen the Holy Spirit at work? Where have you struggled to follow the way of Jesus? Listen to the song ‘Bind Us Together’ and reflect on the meaning of its lyrics. Care and Prayer In prayer, capture the things you have shared above after also inviting people to share any personal needs for prayer or support. 2. Opening God’s Word Setting the Scene The book of Ephesians is a letter of Paul written to the church at Ephesus. Having spent the first half of the letter establishing his readers' new identity in Christ, Paul turns in chapter four to exhort them to live their lives in a manner that reflects this new identity. Paul roots his appeal on everything that he has said in the first three chapters and appeals to them to maintain the unity that already exists in the one body God has created. This unity is an essential and natural by-product of the common faith they confess, but it must also be maintained through developing the social virtues associated with selfless love. For further context, watch Bible Project’s animated summary of the book of Ephesians. Read: Ephesians 4:1-6 Read from a variety of translations. Notice and discuss the nuances that different language choices invite. Discussion Questions What stands out to you as you read this passage? As you reflect on the sermon this week, how did the Holy Spirit speak to your heart? What do we learn about unity from these verses? How does the Gospel bring diverse people together in unity, and what does this look like? Reflecting on verses 2-3, which qualities listed by Paul—humility, gentleness, patience, love—do you find most challenging to embody in your daily interactions with others? How can we cultivate these qualities more intentionally? Read: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. How does this passage complement Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 4? How do you understand your unique role within the body of Christ? 3. Living out the Heart of God In what ways are you an active participant of the body of Christ? Do you sense God calling you to serve your community in more tangible ways? What is one thing you can do this week to love a brother or sister in Christ? In what relationships do you find it the most difficult to walk by the Spirit in humility, gentleness, patience, and love? What is something you can choose to do differently the next time you feel triggered by this person? Prayer for Each Other Break into 2s or 3s to pray: Praying for your 5 (from your Relational Map - See ‘The Heart of God’ Study - Week 1). Pray for the unity of your family/life group/our church. Pray that others who don’t know Jesus would be attracted to the church’s charismatic community and see the divine love that binds Christians together. Contacts If you would like more information or further help, please contact: scott.button@hopevalleychurch.com.au