Author: George Saylor

September 12, 2021

Series: Ephesians- Union and Unity

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”

~ Ephesians 1:3

Opening

You walk into an event.  You are asked to put on a name tag.  But you can’t write your name.  What do you write? “I am ____________.”

Identity and purpose are vital to our existence.  Ephesians will outline an identity fund in Christ (union) and a purpose to be lived out the church (unity).  Before we get into Ephesians how would you define or describe union and unity?

Digging Deeper

Read Ephesians 1:1-14

Keep your bibles open, and a study bible close.  This will have a lot of information on the author, audience, background, outline, theological themes, etc.

Introduction, verses 1-2

Paul addresses the letter to the saints or Holy Ones.  Do you identity yourself as a sinner or a saint? How might your identity as a saint impact your life and understanding of yourself?

The first words are “grace and peace to you.”  How might this be an example to us and our interactions with others- family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, church members?

Spiritual Blessings, verses 3-14

This run-on sentence or prayer and praise expounds upon the blessings of union with Jesus.  Count hoe many times we read “in him” or “in Christ” or “in the one.”  What do we have in Christ in each occurrence?

Read this passage again and take not of the trinitarian language.  Where do we see reference to God the Father, Jesus the son, and the Holy Spirit?

Verses 3-6: Predestined for Adoption

While it is difficult, or even unwise, to try and break up or categorize this prayer of praise, it does help us to see and understand the themes within.  In the verse 4 verses we learn that we are chosen, predesigned, by the will of God, to be holy and blameless, adopted into the family of God.

What do you make of God’s choosing before the creation of the world?  What about being predestined for adoption?  Read Romans 8:29-30, “The Golden Thread” of election.  (foreknown, predestined, called, justified, glorified).  Does the revelation of God’s election bring you comfort, or confusion?  Where do you see yourself on the thread of free will and predestination?  How do we hold seemingly contradictory ideas in harmony (The fancy word is “Antinomy”?)

Verse 4 tells us that God predestined us “in love.”  Why is that so easily missed but so vital to understand who God is and how God works?  Do you sense God chasing you in love?  DO you have confidence that you are part of the “us” Paul is writing?

Verses 7-10: Redeemed for Unity

Pauls employs the language of the Exodus.  Why is it so important to see the work of Jesus through the Old Testament?  How does the exodus foreshadow the work of Jesus, and how does Jesus fulfill the work of exodus?  

We have the riches of God’s grace lavished on us. How does that make you feel? What difference should that make in your life?

Verses 11-14: Sealed with the Spirit

There it is again, predestined.  Gos is working everything out according to his will.  What does this tells us about our lives and God’s world?  

The first to hope were the people of Israel. Now we, Gentiles, are being chosen and called.  When did you hear?  When did you believe?  What there a moment when everything changed, or was your salvation more of a process?  

Let’s get personal, and real.  Would you profess to be marked and sealed by the Holy Spirit?  What does this mean for your life- past, present and future?  What does it mean to wait for our redemption and our inheritance when we have already been redeemed (v. 7)?  

Application

We’ve covered a lot, and have probably just scratched the surface.  So let’s go back to the start. How would you answer the question, “Do you believe in predestination?”  

Remember, whatever God does He does in love.

Series: Signs of Belonging

Message: Giver

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. 

~ Malachi 3:10

Opening

• What is the greatest gift you were ever given?
• What was the greatest gift you ever gave?

Discuss

Read Malachi 3:6-10

6 “I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. 7 Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty.

“But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’

8 “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me.

“But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’

“In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.

• This passage starts out with a great promise. “I the Lord do not change.”  Why is that so vital to our faith?
• The passage then gives us a great hope.  “Return to me, and I will return to you.”  Have you ever strayed and then returned to God?  Share that experience. 
• Whom do want to return to the Lord?  How can your group pray for and encourage you?

• How is all giving ultimately “returning” or “re-gifting” to God?
• Can we really rob God?
• What is the connection between returning, robbing and tithing?

George mentioned 7 possible “relationships” with money.  Which one describes you:

• Stockpiler: Save money for a rainy day.
• Idealist: Money is a necessary part of life, but it’s not your motivation.
• Hedonist: Mo money mo fun!
• Celebrity: Money is status.  Stuff shows standing.
• Conquerer: Money is power.  It would also mean freedom.
• Nurturer: Money will help you to help others.

• The seventh is Steward: You are a manager of God’s stuff, and you will be held accountable. How can you become a better steward in regard to your disposition toward money?

This passage is ultimately about honoring God with our tithes and offerings.  And this message is ultimately inviting you to become a Giver to God through the church.

• God wants His house full of food.  What does this mean both physically and spiritually?
• God says to test, or trust Him in this.  What does trusting God with your stuff look like or mean to you? Is it hard to trust God?  Why, or why not?

• What is your understanding of tithing?
• What is the difference between tithing and offering?
• Without any judgement in your group, do you practice tithing?  What is your history of giving to God as an act of worship?

Apply

2 Corinthians 9:6-7

6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

• Are you a cheerful giver?
• What have you decided, or what will you decide, to give to God?
• How do we grow as we give to God?

Series: Signs of Belonging

Message: Follow God – The G.P.S. Rules

17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle.

~ Exodus 13:17-18

Opening

• Have you ever felt so lost that you don’t know how to make any decisions in your life?
• Whom do you usually go for your counsel? God, pastor, parents, spouse, friends, therapist?
• If you have all the options for your decisions, do you prefer to take the shortest and easiest way or the longest and the most challenging way to solve your problem?

Discuss

Exodus 13:20-22

20 After leaving Sukkoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. 21 By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. 22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.

• Do you believe God is with you the entire time when you are facing difficulties in you lives? Please think about any recent difficulties that you are facing.
• What is your real feeling when you fece difficulties? Overwhelmed, tired, angry, hopeful, want to give up, etc
• Have you experienced God’s guidance when you are facing difficulties? What was your experience? Was it easy or challenging?
• Do you believe that God is with you when you are life is in chaos? Or do you feel that you have to deal with it and move on?

Exodus 14:19-20

19 Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel’s army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them, 20 coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel. Throughout the night the cloud brought darkness to the one side and light to the other side; so neither went near the other all night long.

• Have you had the experience to be protected by God? How did God protect you?
• What do you expect God to do for your when you are facing temptation, unexpected events in lives, etc?

Exodus 40:36-38

36 In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; 37 but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted. 38 So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the Israelites during all their travels.

• Are you good in following direction? Or do you find it is challenging to follow direction?
• What is the level of you being patience when facing with uncertainties? 1 is the least and 10 the most patience. 
• Do you allow God to be in control of your life? Why and why not? Is it difficult or easy for you to surrender to God?

Series: Signs of Belonging

Message: Server

“4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant.”

~ Philippians 2:4-7

Opening

“Jesus first.  Others second.  I’m third.”

The first three messages of our “Signs of Belonging” series make up the foundation of our mission, “Connect with your calling.”  To connect with their calling a person must connect with God in worship, people in a group, and the world through service.  Therefore we want you to be a bringer to worship so more people can meet Jesus.  We want you to be a member of a Group where you are known and know others.  And we want you to be a server.  After all, Jesus said that even he came not to be served, but to serve (Matthew 20:28).

• If being a Bringer, Member and Server make a three-legged stool, how balanced are you?

Discuss

Read John 13:1-17

• George told the story of his friend Steve giving a kidney to their friend Jeff.  Can you think of any “super heroes of serving” in your life?  What is their story, and how do you think they became so selfless?

Most everyone wants to serve and has the capacity to serve.  The problem isn’t intention, it’s follow through.  Here are three enemies to the “I’m Third” lifestyle:

I’m Too Insignificant

Ben Franklin said, “No one is useless in this life who lightens the burden of another.”  MLK jr. said, “Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.”

• Do you agree that insecure people can often find it difficult to serve and live selfless lives?
• How is it that insecure people are so often only thinking of themselves?
• How did Jesus’ security in his Heavenly Father free him to serve?

I’m Too Important

All the disciples saw the basin and towel. None of them offered to serve.

• Be honest, have you thought of yourself as above some kinds of service?
• What are some of the “basins and towels” that you are looking past?
• Regarding the foot washing, Jesus says we are blessed if we do likewise.  Not think about, preach on or have discussions, but “do”.  Have you been blessed by doing as Jesus demonstrates?

I’m Too Busy

In the story of the Good Samaritan two people are too busy (too important) to save a mans life.  It seems preposterous, but upon reflection it’s easy to see yourself making the same kinds of excuses.  

• Are you too busy to see opportunities to serve?
• How could you uncluttered your life to make room for serving, or simply schedule more time to serve?
• How is serving always a sacrifice, and what is sacrificed when you serve?

Apply

How can your group/bible study become a “Bible Doing Group?”  Can you make a plan to put some doing into action?  Share ideas, names, dates, projects… and follow through!

“Jesus first.  Others second.  I’m third.”

Series: Signs of Belonging

Message: Member

“So in Christ we, though many, form one body, 

and each member belongs to all the others.”

~ Romans 12:5

Opening

“You are a part of the body of Christ.

Christ loves you, died for you, rose for you, is coming again for you.

Without you Christ’s body is broken.”

You were created for connection- to God, others, the world, yourself.  Without connections we suffer.  How have you suffered from disconnection in life?  Or, how have you been blessed by finding and building connections?  Do you feel more or less connected from a year ago?  How would you like your connections to grow in the next year?  Would you say that you are a part, a member, of the body of Christ?  Why, or why not?

Discuss

Read Romans 12:1-8

You can start by discussing the “Therefore.”  What about God’s mercy amazes you?

Your life has always been inextricable connected to others, since you were conceived, for good, and for bad. How have you experienced joy and suffering in the body of Christ?  (Live with this for as long as it takes to really let it sink in…)

George applied M. Scott Peck’s journey to true community from his book, “A Different Drum: Community Making and Peace.” According to Peck, any group of strangers coming together to create a community goes through four distinct and predictable phases:

Pseudo-community

The essential dynamic of pseudo-community is conflict avoidance. Members are extremely pleasant with one another and avoid all disagreement. People, wanting to be loving, withhold some of the truth about themselves and their feelings in order to avoid conflict. Individual differences are minimized, unacknowledged, or ignored. The group may appear to be functioning smoothly but individuality, intimacy, and honesty are crushed. Generalizations and platitudes are characteristic of this stage.

The Tunnel of Chaos

Once individual differences surface, the group almost immediately moves into chaos. The chaos centers around well-intentioned but misguided attempts to heal and convert. Individual differences come out in the open and the group attempts to obliterate them. It is a stage of uncreative and unconstructive fighting and struggle. It is no fun. It is common for members to attack not only each other but also their leader, and common for one or more members–invariably proposing an “escape into organization”–to attempt to replace the designated leader. However as long as the goal is true community, organization as an attempted solution to chaos is unworkable.

Emptiness

The way through chaos to true community is through emptiness. It is the hardest and crucial stage of community development. It means members emptying themselves of barriers to communication. The most common barriers are expectations and preconceptions; prejudices; ideology, theology and solutions; the need to heal, fix, convert or solve; and the need to control. The stage of emptiness is ushered in as members begin to share their own brokenness–their defeats, failures, fears, rather than acting as if they “have it all together.”

True Community

True community emerges as the group chooses to embrace not only the light but life’s darkness. True community is both joyful and realistic. The transformation of the group from a collection of individuals into true community requires little deaths in many of the individuals. But it is also a time of group death, group dying. Through this emptiness, this sacrifice, comes true community. “In this final stage a soft quietness descends. It is a kind of peace. The room is bathed in peace.” Members begin to speak of their deepest and most vulnerable parts–and others will simply listen. There will be tears–of sorrow, of joy. An extraordinary amount of healing begins to occur.

– How have you experienced Pseudo-community?

– Have you ever bailed out of the Tunnel of Chaos?  Have you ever gone through with a group of people and made it to the next phase?

– What was the work of emptiness for you or your group?  What did you have to let go?

– Have you ever experienced True Community?  Talk about that community.  Or, if you haven’t, what has that search for community been like for you?

Apply

Jesus traveled in the opposite direction for our sake: He left the true and perfect community of being in heaven- Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  He emptied himself for our sake (See Philippians 2:1-11).  He reached into the chaos of our world and our lives.  He invites us to step out of pseudo community and into the light of his life.  This requires faith.  Repentance and confession.  Courage.

Are you willing to step into true community with Jesus and with the body of Christ?