Sermon Notes:
1. Paul is going to offer a prayer for you, but… why? The plot needs a BACKSTORY! (Ephesians 3:1-13)
a. The mystery is God’s plan to save the nations of the world by making Gentiles fellow heirs and members of one body with Israel through Christ. This plan is known as the gospel (i.e., the good news). (Ephesians 3:6)
b. Paul is a servant in the outworking of the gospel (God’s secret plan from ages past) as a gift of God’s grace and power. (Ephesians 3:7-9; 1 Corinthians 2:6-8)
c. The church (Jews and Gentiles together in Christ) makes God’s plan known to the demonic powers who rule this world. (Ephesians 3:10-11)
d. While we wait for the plan to reach its conclusion, we can go to God for whatever we need, even though we are still struggling against the enemy. (Ephesians 3:12-13)
2. Paul’s prayer is that you have what you need to play your role in God’s great plan for the world. (Ephesians 3:14-19)
You need…
a. Power for faith in Christ through the Spirit
b. Power in the knowledge of God’s love
c. Power to receive the fullness of God
Follow-up Questions from Sunday’s Message:
Getting to Know You:
What is your favorite mystery show or movie?
Quick Review:
Looking back on last Sunday’s message and your notes, what was the most meaningful part for you?
Digging Deeper:
1. As a group, read Ephesians 3:1-13. How would you summarize what these verses are trying to say?
2. What are some of the mysteries in life that God has revealed to you? Why do you think God allows mystery in the first place?
3. Read Hebrews 4:16 & Ephesians 3:1. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how much freedom and confidence do you have when you approach God? Why do you think God wants you to approach Him in this way?
4. Read Ephesians 3:10 & 1 Peter 1:10-12. What do you think the angels most marvel about when they see God’s love for us?
5. As a group, read Ephesians 3:14-21. How would you summarize what these verses are trying to say?
6. Paul prays that we would somehow be able to measure the immeasurable– to understand the love of God for us that surpasses knowledge. How well do you think you are on this journey of understanding the love of God for you? Please share.
7. When you consider Paul’s two prayers in Ephesians (Ephesians 1:16-18; 3:14-19), how are they similar and how are they different to what you mostly pray about?
Taking it Home:
Memorize Ephesians 3:14-19
Trivia: Did you notice the Trinity in Paul’s prayer?
Prayer request:
Pray for your group that the eyes of their hearts would be enlightened to see the depth of God’s love for them.