Connect As we begin a new series, how do you think you could best prepare for it?
Warm-Up
- Why do you think people have been so active in using AI Chat for therapy and companionship?
- What does this reveal about our right wrongings but some of the brokenness of our world?
Read Ephesians 1:3-8
- What is Paul’s favourite phrase in Ephesians? What does it mean to be “in Christ”?
- How do we become connected in Christ? How has this been made possible for us?
- Where are you most tempted to seek connection, security, or affirmation outside of being in Christ?
- What does it mean to be ‘blessed’? How is this commonly misused in our culture?
- What is the cause of the blessing we have received? Why is this so important to recognise?
- What are the three ‘headline’ blessings that we have already received in Christ? Step through each of these and try to explain, (a) what it means; and (b) how is that significant to you?
- Is Paul’s emphasis on how we have come to faith or what is true for those who have responded?
Read Ephesians 1:8-10
- According to Paul, what is the ultimate goal of all of history?
- Why do you think it is popular to believe that there is no ultimate plan or point to the universe?
Why is the comprehensive unity of all things under Christ such good news? - When will that ultimate future arrive? What do you think that will look like in practice?
Read Ephesians 1:11-14
- What is the ultimate purpose? Identify the three places (in vv.1-14) where Paul makes this point.
- What does it actually mean to be purposed for the praise of God’s glory?
- In what ways is your being part of God’s rescued people praise in and of itself? How is your life also an ongoing response to and recognition of who God is, what he has done, and all that he has promised to do?
- What is one area of your life in which you would like to direct more to the praise of God? Try to work through what this could look like in day-to-day or week-to-week practice?
- How does being in Christ also make us into a people? How might that influence your prioritisation of God’s people this coming year?
Apply If our lives are to be “for the praise of God’s glory”, what is one area (e.g., relationships, work, time, money, use of technology) in which that purpose could become more visible?
