Building Our Future

Ephesians 3:14-21

Connecting Questions

What is a hope for “the next generation?”

What is a concern for “the next generation?”

Prayer for Illumination

Let us pray, Loving God, we pause today grateful for this next breath. We are grateful for the chance to connect with others today for we all carry such hurts and hope. Open your Word to us. Open our hearts to let your word speak to us and change our lives. We pray in the name of the Jesus, Amen.

Context

This Sunday, we begin our worship series, Building Our Future. As Easter people, we are living into the next chapter as a church community by rediscovering the stories of God at work in and among us. Each week, we will explore a “building” theme. But, before we can build with sticks and bricks, “the Lord must build the house”--that’s you, me, and the neighbors we are called to serve.

Don’t miss Pastor Erik’s sermon in the Stories of Faith series. Sermons can be found at Easter.org/worship.

From Pastor Mary Hinkle Shore at EntertheBible.org:

After peace between Israel and the Gentiles is proclaimed in the second chapter, the issue of reconciliation across ethnic lines disappears from the letter. In its place is a call for readers to build up the body of Christ by practicing virtues such as gentleness, patience, and bearing with one another in love.
The letter blends ethereal and mundane concerns. It proclaims the cosmically significant unifying work of Christ and then exhorts readers to practice the implications of that unity in everyday relationships, for instance, by speaking only what is useful for building up and by being kind to one another.

Look at the Book

Open Ephesians 3. What is happening here?
What was a regular prayer practiced in your home? Or not? Why does modelling prayer matter?
What is the posture used? Why? Find 1 Kings 8:54; who was praying and how?
What is being argued in verse 15? Why does that matter?
Verse 16 says, according to the ____ of his _______. What image is being created here and how does it connect with God?
What is being prayed or asked for in verse 16?
The ability to be strong comes through “power through his Spirit.” Who’s spirit? Power is translated from the Greek word “dynamite.” Is God’s spirit helpful or dangerous?
What does “Immanuel” mean? In verse 17, the prayer continues that Immanuel may dwell in our hearts. Why is that location important? And how does Christ actually dwell with us?
This petition ends with the truth that our lives as Christians are rooted and grounded in ______. What does this mean?
Verse 18 starts a new petition. What is the power for—to do what? Who will join us as we do this work? Why is that good news?
The James Webb telescope has been capturing images of our solar system that “surpasses knowledge.” Search Google for a few images. How might Christ’s love surpass our knowledge as well?
Verses 18-19 are soaring prayers. What sparks your attention?
Verse 20 is a benediction that imagines future generations. Why should the church be caring about future generations?
Why is verse 20 such good news? What phrase stands out to you?
What do you want to talk about that has not been brought up yet?

Taking it Home

The author of Ephesians was praying for you today. Knowing this, what is one action you can do to add more light to the world and share the love of Christ?

Grow Guide | Aug 6, 2023