Jesus Stories: The Squatters Luke 20:9-19

by Candace Hampton

Spiritual Warfare - Armed and Dangerous - Ephesians 6:10-6:24

SPIRITUAL WARFARE: ARMED AND DANGEROUS Ephesians 6:10 – 6:24 

I. Icebreaker:  

What was your favorite costume you have worn as a child or adult? Or Share a costume story. 

II. Introduction:   

View The Bible Project video, 7:57-8:56 minutes. 

Review and introduction from Pastor Dave’s sermon: We have seen that God in his Big plan has recruited you, brought you back from the dead, given you allies as part of his forever family. He has dreams and lasting work in His kingdom for you, given you new weapons to overcome your old flesh, the ability to see the darkness and avoid it. He has urged you to guard the headquarters of your marriage, your parenting and your workplace…And finally, he is calling you into the fight by being strong in the Lord and his mighty power (Ephesian 6:10), by putting on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-17), praying (Ephesians 6:18-20), and being encouraged through the body of Christ (Ephesians 6:21-24).  

III. Putting on the Full Armor of God 

Ephesians 6:10–17 (10)Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. (11) Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. (12) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (13) Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. (14) Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, (15) and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. (16) In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. (17) Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  

1. For what dangers are we to put on the full armor of God? (Ephesians 6:10-13) 

      2. What does each part of the armor represent metaphorically? (Ephesians 6:14-17) 

      3. How do you think each of these parts help us to overcome these dangers? 

      4. Which piece or pieces of armor do you feel you are wearing properly? Which piece or pieces do you feel need a readjustment or to put on in the first place?  

IV. Prayer 

Ephesians 6:18–20 (18) And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (19) Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, (20) for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.  

      5. Although prayer is not part of the armor of the soldier, it is added as an additional weapon of God – a Spirit-led weapon. Why do you think prayer is an important weapon given the nature of the                     battle? (Ephesians 6:12) 

      6. When, how and for whom should we be praying? What practical ways are you triggered to pray? 

      7. In verse 19, Paul is asking for prayer for what God has called him to do and for success in that ministry. What ministry or work of God are you doing that you would like others to pray for? (Note:                     Ministry can be church related or can be what God is having you do in your life such as parenting, supporting your family, sharing your faith with friends or family, etc.) 

      8. From Pastor Dave’s sermon: We need to pray because we have three enemies; Self, Satan and Society. 

• • Self (flesh or sin nature) – In what area are you your own worst enemy? Why is it important to pray for our personal journey? (Matthew 26:41, Romans 8:6) 

                   Matthew 26:41 "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."   

                   Romans 8:6 “The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;” 

• • Satan – How should knowing that Satan and spiritual forces of evil are real affect our prayers? (1 Peter 5:8) 

                   1 Peter 5:8 “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. “ 

• • Society – What ways should we pray for our society, culture and the world? (Ephesians 6:18-19) 

                   Note: Our society, culture, and the world, are enemies to the Christian. 

                   John 15:19 “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.“  

V. Encourage One Another 

Ephesians 6:21–24 (21) Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. (22) I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.  (23) Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (24) Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 

1. Take time to share how you are, what you are doing, and how your circle can encourage you this week. 

There’s nothing more powerful than a body of believers supporting one another through tragedy or toward a mighty opportunity. So, let me ask you …How are you? And what are you doing? Are you becoming more and more alert, ready to put to death the deeds of darkness and walk as a child of light? If so then when the day of evil comes, will you be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand?  

by Candace Hampton

Spiritual Warfare- Ephesians 5:1-20 - Night Vision

Spiritual Warfare: Ephesians 5:1-20 - NIGHT VISION 

Ice Breaker: (Choose a question). What are the things that you loved as a child? As an adult, (other than people)? Are the things you loved as a child still the things that you love as an adult?  

The Bible Project:  6:41-7:10 

Note: Pastor Dave spoke about the three Greek words that describe love. The passage deals with Agape in Ephesians 5:1-2 and discusses the concept of Eros in Ephesians 5:3. Paul later deals with the idea of Phileo love in Ephesian 5:19.  

Three Types of Love: 

1. Phileo – Brotherly love.  
2. Eros – Passionate, or Erotic love.  
3. Agape – Sacrificial love.  

Ephesians 5:1-2 

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 

• Agape- Sacrificial love. 

• • Can you remember a time when you were shown sacrificial love? 
  • When have you shown sacrificial love to others? 
  • What would help us to love more sacrificially? 

 Ephesians 5:3  But among you, there must not be a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.

• Eros- Passionate or Erotic love.

  Note: From Pastor Dave’s sermon: The world’s definition of sex is any genital contact at all, whether by hand, mouth, or genital.  That’s the world’s definition of sex. God says you are set apart to be holy and he created sex to be within the safety of the bonds of marriage. If it’s taken outside of that, it’s pornea. Outside of marriage means before marriage (when you’re single). It means if you were previously married but are not currently married now (single again).  

• • What constitutes sexual immorality?  (Hebrews 13:4, Matthew 5:27-28) What other activities would you include, i.e. sexting, pornography and romance novels? 

• • What would you tell a Christian who said that they are engaged in above activities? 

• • What would you tell a Christian who said that they are engaged and think that they should begin having sex with their fiancee?  

• • What can we do, to keep from compromising our values? 

 Ephesian 5:4  Nor should there be any obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

• Pastor Dave spent some time talking about our heart condition.  He said, “Our words are simply a reflection of what’s in our hearts.” 

1. • What does swearing, cursing, foolish talking, gossip or coarse joking reveal about our hearts? 

1. • What does thanksgiving reveal about our hearts? Consider the time your group has been meeting together. Share the blessings you have seen as a group, giving thanks to God. 

 Ephesians 5:5-7  For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person - such a person is an idolater- has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.  Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient.  Therefore, do not be partners with them. 

• • Please explain how immorality, impurity and greed is idolatry? 

• • What are some of the common idols in our lives? 

• • How should we respond to these types of idolatry in our society? Church? Relationships? 

 From the sermon, We are to break the power of the dark side in your life and expose the deeds of darkness and embrace avoiding them. 

Ephesians 5:8-16  For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)  and find out what pleases the Lord.  Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.   For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.  But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible.  This is why it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”   Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 

• • What is Paul talking about, when he says, “fruitless deeds of darkness”?  What is the fruit of the light? 

• • Wise people make the most of every opportunity to give love that requires sacrifice.  What does love require of me? 

Ephesians 5:17–20.   Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.  Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.  Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,  always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.   

From the sermon notes, you must lay down a few things: 

• Sexual immorality and pick up purity. 
• Greed and pick up generosity. 
• Nasty talk and pick up gratitude and thanksgiving.
• Any substance that removes Holy Spirit led self-control. 

• • Are there any things that you identify with and need to put down?  

• • Are there any activities that love would cause you to add to your life? 

Having Night Vision in a dark world means identifying the wrong, exposing it in yourself, or when someone else exposes it for you; and living to please God as a soldier on mission.

by Candace Hampton

Spiritual Warfare - Re-Center

“Re-Center” Sermon By: Pastor Matt Lingo 

Icebreaker:  

 As we come to the end of summer, what have you done to refocus yourself and your family toward going back to school?  

Part of fighting the spiritual battle requires us to re-center and refocus on remembering to “Love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, and soul.” 

1. Loving God is worship 

• Matthew 22:36-37 
  • "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"  Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”   

• This is a definition of Worship 
  • One may always consult Webster's Dictionary for the precise meaning of worship (adore, idolize, esteem worthy, reverence, homage, etc.). Yet truly defining worship proves more difficult because it is both an attitude and an act.  

• Why would following someone else’s commands cause you to feel and exhibit conflicted emotions and take you off center? 

• During the walk of life we are regularly confronted with competing priorities. The competition of these priorities can be overwhelming and bring us to the realization that we need to be personally “re-centered.” What do you do to make worship a priority in your life? 

• Why is it that we do not have to achieve happiness or be in agreement with everything around us to worship God? 

2. Living for God is worship 

• Romans 12:1 
  • Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship. 

• This is a definition of Holy (holiness) 
  • Moral and ethical wholeness or perfection; freedom from moral evil. Holiness is one of the essential elements of God's nature required of His people. Holiness may also be rendered "sanctification" or "godliness." The word holy denotes that which is "sanctified" or "set apart" for divine service. (From the Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary) Being Holy is a general term used to indicate sanctity or separation from all that is sinful, impure, or morally imperfect; i.e., it is moral wholeness. The term is used with reference to persons, places, and things. (From the New Unger's Bible Dictionary) 

• The spiritual act of worship is dependent upon (1) knowing God as your personal savior, and (2) striving not to participate in attitudes and activities that offend God’s Holy nature. 

• When your attitudes and actions run contrary to what you know about God’s holiness, how do you feel about any activities related to “worship?” 

• What do you do to re-center? Romans 12:2 

3. God’s not finished with you 

•   Colossians 2:6-7 (KJV) 
  • As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:  Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 

• The Bible is comparing our life to a walk. What are some of the indicators in your life you would like to see that indicate you are rooted and growing? 

4. We are better in community. 

• Proverbs 28:26, Proverbs 11:14, and Hebrews 10:24-25 
  • He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe. And in another passage: Proverbs 11:14 “…….. but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. Heb 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.  

• How do you make friends and build Godly relationships so that you do not have to walk through life alone or as a loner?  

• How are the following ideas (getting along, cooperation, compromise, giving up control, etc.) related to making Godly friendships? 

• Where are some of the easiest places to meet, make friends and build Godly relationships? 

Part of fighting the spiritual battle requires us to re-center and refocus on remembering to “Love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, and soul.” 

by Candace Hampton

Spiritual Warfare - Lies We Believe - Part 1

Icebreaker

When it is your turn, tell the group one thing about yourself that is true and one thing that is untrue (this is your lie). Give each a chance to guess the lie.

Introduction

The Devil attacks us with lies. Pastor Mike identified 6 common lies we face in our daily lives with God’s responses to them. Pastor Mike is using the principle in Ephesians 4:11-15 to equip God’s people for works of service by challenging the lies in our culture that we may not be “infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.” (Ephesians 4:14) So that we may become mature.

Apostle Paul said in Ephesians 4:11-15 “Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. by Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.  Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” Emphasis is bolded. Let’s discuss and discern God’s truths to these lies.

LIE:  American  Dream (we know we should build a comfortable life and don't think about the supernatural)

TRUTH: God  Exists (Romans 1:18-23)

• What is your view of the American Dream?

“For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.”

Romans 1:21

• How has our culture moved away from God’s wisdom and plan and created its own gods?
• How can we put God back into the culture?

LIE: Faith  Journal (we know that what you believe is ok for you and the Bible is irrelevant)

TRUTH: Holy  Bible (2 Timothy 3:12-17)

• What is the difference between absolute (2 Timothy 3:12-17) versus relative truths?
• Why is relative truth so detrimental to our faith?
• How can we live by absolute truth?

LIE:  Warm  Future (we know babies get to heaven and Jesus was just a good teacher)

TRUTH: One  Way (John 14:1-6)

• Why does society believe that there are many ways to heaven?
• What did Jesus declare in John 14:1-6?
• How did you decide that Jesus is the only way?

LIE:  Church  Hypocrites (we know those church people are phony and you don't really need church)

TRUTH: Circle  Up (Hebrews 10:23-25)

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.  And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Hebrews 10:23–25

• Why is a true Christ-centered community (Hebrews 10:23-25) authentic rather than “phony” as the critics claim?
• What are the critical ingredients in a Christ-centered community aka circle groups (Acts 2:42)?
• How can we help everyone else connect into a circle group?

LIE:  Religious  Crutch (we know religion is for the weak and you shouldn't talk about your beliefs)

TRUTH: Resurrection  Power (Philippians 3:10-12)

“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.  Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. “

Philippians 3:10–12 

• Why is it that our reliance on the power of His resurrection is no crutch?
• How do you deal with sharing your faith in your daily life when others may feel uncomfortable with it?

In the context of spiritual warfare, the enemy attacks us with lies. But God has provided His Word to equip us so that we are not deceived.

by Candace Hampton

Spiritual Warfare - Dreams - Ephesians 4

Ice Breaker

What is the best piece of clothing you have had for years, but can’t seem to discard? Or what item do you have trouble discarding even though it is no longer useful?

Watch The Bible Project video: 4:48-6:40

God is calling you to lay down your old ineffective weapons. He is calling you to pick up new weapons, enlist the all-powerful help of the Holy Spirit, and arm yourself for the battle that frees you.

Part One: Read Ephesians 4:1-6    

1. What does “live a life worthy of our calling” look like? (Ephesians 4:1-3)  
2. How does Ephesians 4:4-6 provide the theological basis for the unity of the Spirit?  
3. What is the result if we do not live the life that leads to unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace?

Part Two: Read Ephesians 4:7-16 

1. For what purposes does God give leaders to the church? (Ephesians 4:11-13) 
2. What is the result of such leadership? (Ephesians 4:14-16) 
3. What would be the witness of the church if we as a church body seek to grow and build ourselves up in love, as each part does its’ work?

Part Three: Read Ephesians 4:17-24 

1. How does Paul describe the way the Gentiles live and the reasons for living that way? (Ephesians 4:17-19) 
2. How is the “new self” different than the “old self” and why was the “new self” created? (Ephesians 4:20-24) 
3. In what ways do you/we struggle to not live as the Gentiles do? What sabotages you?

Part Four: Read Ephesians 4:25-32 

1. Paul makes a distinction between the old self and the new self in Ephesians 4:25-5:20. What is the difference between each pair and the reason for the change according to the corresponding verses?  

 2. Why is it important for Christians to live in accordance with the new self? 

 3. Which of these “old selfs” do you struggle with and what do you do, or can you do, to put on the “new self”? 

Part Five: From the Sermon: You can be correct, and still not be right. When your beliefs cause you to mistreat people, there’s something wrong with your beliefs. 

1. Ephesians 4:15 says to speak the truth in love. What are ways to speak truth not in love? And similarly, what are ways to withhold truth not in love? 
2. What is the difference between anger without sin and anger mixed with sin? (Ephesians 4:26) 

In Pastor Dave’s sermon, he provides 3 Greek words for anger in the Bible. These may help in the discussion for #2. 

Anger: there are three words for it in the New Testament and they mean: 

• Τηυμοσ - Boiling, passionate uncontrolled anger…wrath.
• Παοργισμοσ - Embittered grudging anger. Slow burn. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, v.26.
• Οργε - Reasoned anger with self-control. “In your anger do not sin”: v 26 (the first part)  What happens when we mix appropriate anger with sin? It morphs into angry sin.

What happens when we mix appropriate anger with sin? It morphs into angry sin. 

      3. What strategies do you use to avoid sinning in your anger?

From the Sermon: When is the Holy Spirit grieved?  

• When saved people use the weapons of lost people.  
• When there is ongoing resistance to his work in you.  
• When you have been forgiven but refuse to forgive...it’s not optional.  

God’s Holy Spirit GRIEVES!

Sermon Action Point: (Personal):   

1. Where do I start with forgiveness? Create a “You owe me” list. Take time to make a list of the people that owe you or have wronged you.
2. Decision and prayer point: I choose to forgive                                     for                                      .

SPIRITUAL WARFARE: Dreams- Ephesians 4 – Leaders Guide

Leaders Note: Leader notes and scriptures are provided so that you as the leader will be able to help lead discussion. Leader notes and scripture are not included with the standard questions.

Ice Breaker

What is the best piece of clothing you have had for years, but can’t seem to discard? Or what item do you have trouble discarding even though it is no longer useful?

Watch The Bible Project video: 4:48-6:40

Part One: Read Ephesians 4:1-6  

¹As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. ² Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. ³ Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. ⁴ There is one body and one Spirit— just as you were called to one hope when you were called— ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Ephesians 4:1–6

1. What does “live a life worthy of our calling” look like? (Ephesians 4:1-3)
2. How does Ephesians 4:4-6 provide the theological basis for the unity of the Spirit?
3. What is the result if we do not live the life that leads to unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace?

Part Two: Read Ephesians 4:7-16

⁷ But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. ⁸ This is why it says:

“When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.”

⁹ (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? ¹⁰ He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) ¹¹ It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, ¹² to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up ¹³ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

¹⁴ Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. ¹⁵ Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. ¹⁶ From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Ephesians 4:7–16

Leader’s Note: Ephesians 4:7-10 can be a little confusing and the exact source of the quote is not known, although it is generally believed to be a restatement and summary of Psalm 68. However, its main point is that it established Christ’s authority to bestow grace.

1. For what purposes does God give leaders to the church? (Ephesians 4:11-13)

Leaders note: For our purposes, the term leader combines the ideas of apostle, prophets, evangelists, and pastors and teachers. These terms were better understood in the first century church and may be confusing to the 21st Century Christian depending on their background in the church.

2. What is the result of such leadership? (Ephesians 4:14-16)
3. What would be the witness of the church if we as a church body seek to grow and build ourselves up in love, as each part does its’ work?

Part Three: Read Ephesians 4:17-24

¹⁷ So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. ¹⁸ They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. ¹⁹ Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.

²⁰ You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. ²¹ Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. ²² You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³ to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴ and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:17–24

1. How does Paul describe the way the Gentiles live and the reasons for living that way? (Ephesians 4:17-19)
2. How is the “new self” different than the “old self” and why was the “new self” created? (Ephesians 4:20-24)
3. In what ways do you/we struggle to not live as the Gentiles do? What sabotages you?

Part Four: Read Ephesians 4:25-32

²⁵ Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. ²⁶ “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ and do not give the devil a foothold. ²⁸ He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

²⁹ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:25–32

1. Paul makes a distinction between the old self and the new self in Ephesians 4:25-5:20. What is the difference between each pair and the reason for the change according to the corresponding verses?

2. Why is it important for Christians to live in accordance with the new self?
3. Which of these “old selfs” do you struggle with and what do you do, or can you do, to put on the “new self”?

Part Five: From the Sermon: You can be correct, and still not be right. When your beliefs cause you to mistreat people, there’s something wrong with your beliefs.

1. Ephesians 4:15 says to speak the truth in love. What are ways to speak truth not in love? And similarly, what are ways to withhold truth not in love?

Leaders Note: In this passage the world “truth” can have two understandings. It can be the truth of the Gospel (Ephesians 4:20) and it can be more generally truthfulness (Ephesian 4:25)

2. What is the difference between anger without sin and anger mixed with sin? (Ephesians 4:26)

In Pastor Dave’s sermon, he provides 3 Greek words for anger in the Bible. These may help in the discussion for #2.

Anger: there are three words for it in the New Testament and they mean:

• Τηυμοσ - Boiling, passionate uncontrolled anger…wrath.
• Παοργισμοσ - Embittered grudging anger. Slow burn. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, v.26.
• Οργε - Reasoned anger with self-control. “In your anger do not sin”: v 26 (the first part)  What happens when we mix appropriate anger with sin? It morphs into angry sin.

3. What strategies do you use to avoid sinning in your anger?

From the Sermon: When is the Holy Spirit grieved?

• When saved people use the weapons of lost people.
• When there is ongoing resistance to his work in you.
• When you have been forgiven but refuse to forgive...it’s not optional.

God’s Holy Spirit GRIEVES!

Sermon Action Point: (Personal): 

1. Where do I start with forgiveness? Create a “You owe me” list. Take time to make a list of the people that owe you or have wronged you.
2. Decision and prayer point: I choose to forgive                                     for                                      

by Candace Hampton

Spiritual Warfare - Allies

Ice Breaker: (15 min)

Paul starts this section with a call to remember their former lives before Christ: Please share a fond memory that you greatly value.

Watch “The Bible Project’s “Book of Ephesians” (timestamp: 2:25 to 4:22).

In the previous study “We Came Back from the Dead” – Ephesians 2:1-10

In Ephesians 2:11-22, Paul used three common, but pivotal transitional words to develop his instructions. They are “therefore”, “but” and “so”.

Part 1

Read Ephesians 2:11-12 (20 min)

"Therefore" (dió) – looking backward ("because") to properly look forward ("therefore").

1. What does "therefore" refer to (Review verses 2:1-10)?
2. What former condition did Paul want them to remember in verses 11-12?
3. Why is it significant to remember?
4. What do we need to remember in our own former lives?

Part 2

Read Ephesians 2:13-18 (20 min)

"But" (dé, a conjunction) – moreover, indeed now

1. What's the good news of peace?
2. How is this good news made possible?
3. What does Satan want to destroy? Hint: In what Christ has done (verses 13,16).
4. How does he divide us? How does he affect our witness?
5. How can we be safeguarded from these lies?

Part 3

Read Ephesians 2:19-22 (20 min)

"Consequently” or “So” or “Therefore" (airo) through the idea of drawing a conclusion

1. What new identity do we possess (verse 19)?
2. What work is God doing in and through us? (Ephesian 2:20-22; 4:11-16)
3. What then does it mean for me to be a holy temple of the Lord?
4. What daily actions are consistent with being a holy temple of God?

“We were once dead … Now, we are a holy temple in which Christ lives”

LEADERS GUIDE 

Ice Breaker: (15 min)

Paul starts this section with a call to remember their former lives before Christ: Please share a fond memory that you greatly value.

Watch “The Bible Project’s “Book of Ephesians” (timestamp: 2:25 to 4:22).

In the previous study “We Came Back from the Dead” – Ephesians 2:1-10

In Ephesians 2:11-22, Paul used three common, but pivotal transitional words to develop his instructions. They are “therefore”, “but” and “so”.

Part 1

Read Ephesians 2:11-12 (20 min)

"Therefore" (dió) – looking backward ("because") to properly look forward ("therefore").

1. What does "therefore" refer to (Review verses 2:1-10)?

(For Study Leader: Summary of 2:1-10 to 2:1-3 – Previously dead in sins and followed Satan. 2:4-9 – We alive in Christ and saved by grace. 2:10 – Created to do good works.)

2. What former condition did Paul want them to remember in verses 11-12?

3. Why is it significant to remember?

4. What do we need to remember in our own former lives?

Part 2

Read Ephesians 2:13-18 (20 min)

"But" (dé, a conjunction) – moreover, indeed now

1. What's the good news of peace?
2. How is this good news made possible?
3. What does Satan want to destroy? Hint: In what Christ has done (verses 13, 16).

(Leaders Notes: Verses 13, 16 deal with the unity of the Body of Christ)

4. How does he divide us? How does he affect our witness?

5. How can we be safeguarded from these lies?

(Leaders Note: Examples include being involved in Circles and fellowship with sound doctrine, discipleship, reading God’s Word ….)

 Part 3

Read Ephesians 2:19-22 (20 min)

"Consequently” or “So” or “Therefore" (airo) through the idea of drawing a conclusion

1. What new identity do we possess (verse 19)?
2. What work is God doing in and through us? (Ephesian 2:20-22: 4:11-16)

(Leaders Note: Chapter 2:20-22 covers God’s work in the church and Chapter 4 speaks to our responsibility as the household of Christ.)

3. What then does it mean for me to be a holy temple of the Lord?

(Leaders Note: We do not need to go anywhere else to worship.)

4. What daily actions are consistent with being a holy temple of God?

“We were once dead … Now, we are a holy temple in which Christ lives”

by Candace Hampton