Ephesians Week Fourteen

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EPHESIANS: Week 14 – Relational Security 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.]

The beginning of Ephesians 6 reminds us about obedience. Paul begins by talking to children and gives the commandment to obey your mother and father as if doing it for the Lord. As children are to obey their parents, so the father must respect his children and raise them in a godly manner. Paul then encourages the slaves to obey their masters with sincerity of heart. Likewise, because there is only one Master, masters are to treat slaves in the same way. Tell the story – Ephesians 6:1-9 [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 desires for children to obey their parents (v. 1-2); God gives clear instruction to raise children in the training and admonition of the Lord; God desires for us to follow in His sincerity of heart; God blesses children that are obedient to their parents; the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God (James 1:20); with any profession, believers are ultimately serving the Lord Jesus (Col. 3:23-24); there is no partiality or favoritism with God (Col 3:25)]

2. What do we learn about Man/Us from this passage? [I am to follow the commandments that God has set before me; I am called to love and cherish my children and to teach them with admonition of the Lord; I can wrongly tie my value and significance to the obedience of my children; as a parent, I can be focused on pleasing man more than God; I must be intentional in how I spend time discipling my children (Deut 6:3-9); when I feel that I am not in control of someone or something, I can often respond in anger; 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. How can parents avoid provoking their children to wrath? How can parents nurture and instruct their children instead? Give some examples. 2. How easy or difficult is it for you to obey someone in authority over you? Why? Assign next week’s passage – Ephesians 6:10-23 [Ask someone to tell the story next week.] Close in Prayer

EPHESIANS: Week 14 – 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 spiritually dead person may need to experience in a Grow Group. They need to feel comfortable and relaxed. A great way to help create that in your Grow Group is by asking an open-ended ice-breaker question. Here are a few to get you thinking: What states have you lived in? What is the weirdest thing you have ever eaten? How many siblings do you have and where do you fall in the birth order? What was your first job? What was your first car?

Shepherding [know the sheep, feed the sheep, lead the sheep, protect the sheep] When someone doesn’t know Christ, they are spiritually dead. The spiritually dead are categorized by unbelief and rebellion. You may see this in their actions or hear it in their conversation. Be diligent to pursue a relationship with them, and share you life with them so that they can see the gospel lived out. As you get to know them, they will feel more comfortable asking you questions as well as valuing your answers. Be authentic. Make sure they know you are not perfect, but share the dramatic difference that God has made in your life.

Developing [grow as a disciple yourself] Keep it simple! We do not have to be Bible scholars or ordained ministers to share our lives and our faith with others. Sometimes the simple actions of a kind word and thoughtful prayer can make a lasting impact on someone else. 1 Peter 3:15 says, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” Think about the people you are around every day. Who needs to know about Jesus? What can you do to share your story with that person?