Small Group Questions for March 27 Sermon

Ephesians 3:1-6 “Solving the Mystery”

Have you ever been part of a good team? Maybe a team that won a lot, or where everyone worked together well? I.e. sports, clubs, work.

Read Ephesians 3:1-6.

1. Paul was entrusted as a “steward” with the Gospel for the Gentiles. Tell us about a time someone has entrusted you with something valuable.

2. Have you ever been able to be the bearer of good news for someone? Perhaps the Good News of the Gospel, or another bit of good news? How did it feel?

3. Paul considered it an honor to suffer for Jesus. Is there a time you experienced suffering for doing what was right? Have you ever suffered directly because of your relationship with Jesus? (Note that there is a difference between suffering because of our bad choices or because of the broken world we live in, and suffering for Jesus.)

4. What truth(s) would you be willing to go to jail for? To die for?

5. The mystery Paul refers to is that the Gentiles, previously considered outsiders, were now included into the family of God. What prejudices do you have about different types of people that would make it hard for you to accept them into your family?

6. What kind of person seems so different from you that you would struggle to be excited to share Christ’s inheritance with them? Who would make you wrinkle your nose and question, “Do I really have to share this with them?” (Perhaps someone different than you, or someone who has hurt you?)

7. What preferences and differences do you have from others at TBC that you are willing to lay aside for the sake of harmony?

8. Christianity is unique in that we receive God’s grace as a gift, not something earned. Pastor Perry mentioned that we can’t earn an inheritance. Why, in your opinion, is it so common for people to want to earn right standing with God?

9. What are some of God’s promises that you are particularly grateful for? List off as many as you can think of. (Need help? Try Ps. 145.8; Ac. 2.38; Isa. 40.28-31; Phil. 4.12-13; Heb. 13.5; James 1.5; 2 Pet. 3.9; Ps. 46.1; Lk. 6.38; Jn. 15.5; Prov. 16.9)

Prayer: be sure to ask for God’s help in accepting Christians who are different from us, and to thank him for his promises.