Phase 1 – Week 4

 

Through the Church

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1. Take a few minutes to greet and introduce everyone.
    

2. Commit the group time to prayer. Specifically pray for discernment of the ways God has uniquely gifted City Church to display His wisdom. 
    

3. Watch the video.
    

4. Read Ephesians 3:1-13.
    

5. Nurturing our Head, Heart, and Hands Questions (Outcome #1):
   
   Nurturing our Head, Heart, and Hands Questions (Outcome #1): In this passage we see Paul ministering “according to the gift of God’s grace” in his life. If we are believers in Christ, then the Spirit has gifted us in a particular way to build up the church for the ministry of the church. Some of you may have considered the ways in which God has gifted you before. For others, this may be the first time you have ever considered this. Regardless of which is you, we will work through this in the coming months together. This is just the beginning!
   
   a. What are the different ways that Paul talks about God’s grace in his life? Consider how he views the purpose of that grace, and what has resulted in his life and the life of others.
   
   b. What does it mean for God’s grace (giftings) in your life to be for the good of others?
    

6. Hearing the Voices of Members Questions (Outcome #2):
   
   Just as God has gifted individuals in different ways, He likewise has gifted particular churches in different ways. The collection of giftings can differ from congregation to congregation. This means that one congregation may be more gifted to display an aspect of God's wisdom than another congregation. This diversity across churches helps display and make known the unsearchable riches of Christ and the wisdom of God.
   
   a. What collection of giftings do you think City Church enjoys that can be utilized to make known the wisdom of God?
   
   b. Part of the mystery of the gospel that is revealed to us in Ephesians is that Christ has made it possible for Jews and Gentiles to be included under the same religious category. This was the most unlikely of outcomes based upon the religious history of both groups. This possibility showed the “unsearchable riches” of Christ. Who is the most unlikely social grouping of people to be included in our congregation and how can gifting from God be used to invite them in?
    

7. Take a few moments to individually submit your answers to the Members’ Voice questions.
    

8. Close in prayer.