Discussion Questions
Summary:
In Ephesians 4:11-16, God provides a picture of His body, the church, being equipped, ministering, and growing together. It’s a glorious picture of a healthy body which grows “so that it builds itself up in love.” As members of that body, we are to be equipped so that we can serve God’s purposes in concert with those to whom God has joined us. Here are some questions to consider and apply this message:
- In our culture, many Christians have a low view of the church, regarding corporate gatherings for preaching and worship as unimportant or optional. Gene quoted John Stott, who wrote: “Teaching is the essential and absolutely indispensable function of pastoral ministry, the greatest need of the Church.” How do you value and make the most of teaching and preaching? (Some examples could be making a priority to attend, arrive early, take notes, and review and apply those notes.)
- In Ephesians 4:7, God declares that “Grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” How are you investing that supernatural gift by serving others? What are you doing out of your comfort zone?
- The picture of God’s church as a body (Eph 4 & 1 Cor 12) emphasizes relational work–serving God together! What are some ways you can work with others to advance the Kingdom?
Summary:
In 1 Cor. 12:12-26 God gives us a glimpse into the simplicity and complexity of the body of Christ. In Christ, people from every conceivable ethnicity, personality, culture, social status, religious background… have been identically baptized into the same body. Not many, but ONE. Also, in Christ, various gifts have been given to each member so the body is not lacking anything. Even though each member carries the same dignity, we are all different — diversely gifted and specially fitted by God’s choosing. Not one, but MANY.
Discussion Questions:
- How does this passage speak to our tendencies toward ambivalence? Are there “expendable” parts of the body? How does this passage speak to the notion of being detached or isolated from the body? How is God calling you to serve His body? What “next step” is God calling you to take toward involvement / service?
Summary:
This past Sunday, Gene preached 1 Peter 2:4-5, asking a fundamental question: “Who is building your spiritual house?” Merely religious people build their own spiritual houses. The Christian, on the other hand, comes to Jesus — the Living Stone — to be grounded upon and reconstructed by Him. In Jesus we find our identity: to be a spiritual house. We find our vision: to be a holy priesthood. And we find our purpose: to offer spiritual sacrifices, which are acceptable to God because they are offered in Christ Jesus.
Discussion Questions:
- Where is God currently “chiseling you” as a living stone? Is this an uncomfortable process for you? How does God encourage your perseverance in this passage of His Word?
- What difference does having individual access to God (holy priesthood) make in how we relate to the counsel of others?
- What kinds of spiritual sacrifices does God want you to offer Him this year? How do you need to die to your way of doing things in order to say, “Lord, I live to serve You — and I want to built up into You, not into myself.”
Summary:
In Eph. 2:17-22, God uses the metaphors of a building and a family to describe the new identity of each believer in Christ. Consider God’s attention to detail when it came to delegating the construction of the tabernacle. In Eph.2, we see that He is personally building a holy temple upon Christ — and we are His building-materials! We’re also members of His family. Rather than being separated like a stranger, I am now His child! As children of the King, and He calls us and empowers us to relate with each other in love, compassion, kindness, forgiveness… testifying to one another and to the watching world that the King lives and reigns over us.
Discussion Questions:
1) If Christ is your Cornerstone, are you actively seeking to “line-up” with Him? To know His will for your life? To know His mind, as revealed in His world?
2) If God is your Father, are you actively seeking peace and love with His other children? (see Jn.17:20-21)
