We go to church and might know it’s important to read the Bible, but is there more to the Christian life than this?
Talking Points:
- The baseline of pursuing God: love God and love people. Ephesians 1:15-16
- Paul wants us to grow in your knowledge of God, moving beyond a casual acquaintance to God as our best friend. Ephesians 1:16-17
- Developing an eternal perspective that is full of hope will help us to keep the day to day stresses in perspective. Ephesians 1:18
- As his followers, our mission is to help others find eternal life in Jesus, and the same Holy Spirit who had enough power to raise Jesus from the dead gives us power as well. Ephesians 1:19-20
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Read Ephesians 1:15. Which one is harder: faith in God or love for people? Why?
- Read Ephesians 1:16-17. What does a casual, acquaintance-type knowledge of God look like? What would it look like to have a deeper, more intimate knowledge of God?
- Read 2 Timothy 3:15-17. What are some of the key ways the Bible can help us grow in our knowledge of God?
- Read Ephesians 1:18. What are some of the dangers of a mindset that is primarily focused on the here and now?
- Read Colossians 3:1-3. How can we practically “set our sights” on Heaven on a daily basis?
- What are some things that slowly kill your love for Jesus? (These aren’t always bad things…maybe sports, concern with your appearance, likes on social media, etc.)
- What are things that grow your affections for Jesus? How can you get around those things more this week?
- Read Ephesians 2:19-20. What causes us to live our lives with timidity and fear? What would a more Spirit-empowered life practically look like?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
