Ephesians Week Fifteen

---

EPHESIANS: Week 15 – Fighting for Relationship Open in Prayer W elcom e/Introductions/Cast Vision Rem ind the Grow Group of the ground rules Share context/sum m ary of the story [Provide context by sharing the information below.]

While we have talked about submission in the past weeks, Paul closes Ephesians by encouraging Christians to put on the whole armor of God in order to stand against the schemes of the devil. Spiritual warfare is all around us and Paul encourages us that the victory is in Christ. Prayer is always important, knowing that we are not alone. Paul closes this book by praying a blessing of peace, love, and grace over his Ephesian audience. Tell the story – Ephesians 6:10-24 [Have someone tell the story.] Rebuild the story [Group members tell the story together based on what they remember.] Read the story out loud [Read the scripture passage to see if anything was added or omitted.] Discuss these questions:

1. What do we learn about God from this passage? [God’s power and His might bring strength to every believer; God desires for us to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others; God wants us to always be in prayer and supplication in the Spirit; Jesus took our sin upon Himself so that we might become the righteousness of God (I Cor. 5:21); God calls us to live by faith (Rom. 1:17); God gives us the “living and powerful” Word of God that helps us combat the lies of the enemy; etc.]

2. What do we learn about Man/Us from this passage? [By trusting in the power of God’s might, I am made strong; I am wrestling with more than just relationship issues with people, but with spiritual warfare that I cannot fight without God’s strength; I must make an intentional and daily decision to put on the full armor of God in order to withstand the evil schemes of the devil; I am to pray always in the Spirit and be on guard (Phil. 1:4); I am called to follow the example of Paul by sharing the gospel with boldness; etc.]

3. What is God saying to you specifically through this passage as it pertains to your life, marriage, family, and work? 4. In light of what you’ve learned today, what do you need to do to obey God? Other questions specific to this passage:

1. Which one of the pieces of armor or weapons do you need to pay more attention to? Explain. 2. In what ways have you recently experienced the battle that Paul is describing? Assign next week’s passage – Luke 6:27-36 [Ask someone to tell the story next week.] Close in Prayer

EPHESIANS: Week 15 – Leadership Coaching The purpose of this page is to help you sharpen your skills as a Grow Group leader. Each week, we will include concepts, challenges, and resources designed to assist you as you lead and shepherd your Grow Group and grow as a disciple yourself.

Leading [learn to facilitate your group more effectively] Remember the atmosphere that a spiritual child may need to experience in a Grow Group. They need to be free to ask questions and know that they won’t be criticized if they give a wrong answer. They need to know we are all on the journey together, and that sometimes we are obedient and sometimes we are disobedient. We all need to be reminded that we have not arrived, but that we serve a God of grace and mercy who guides us on the journey.

Shepherding [know the sheep, feed the sheep, lead the sheep, protect the sheep] A spiritual child may be young in their faith or may have been a believer for years. Spiritual children are typically self-centered, idealistic, and may fluctuate between over-confidence (pride) and under-confidence (defeat). You may see this in their actions and hear it in their conversation. To shepherd someone who is a spiritual child, you must be in relationship with them at a deeper level than just a weekly meeting. Help them build a meaningful relationship with God by teaching them how to pray, pointing them to biblical truths, and involving them in the family of God through corporate worship and relationships with other believers. Spend time listening to them and let them tell you their story. Share your story as well. They’ll appreciate you sharing your struggles and being transparent. Introduce them to other believers who can also come alongside them to help encourage and challenge them. Point out their abilities and invite them to serve in some way so that they can begin seeing their purpose in God’s mission. Give them grace and support when they make mistakes.

Developing [grow as a disciple yourself] In Matthew 6:33, we are told to “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” Our relationship with Jesus should not end with a prayer for salvation. It is only the beginning. He desires that we seek His heart in everything that we do. Search your heart today. Is there something that you have yet to surrender fully to the Lord? Commit that to Him today.