Forty Years

Please read the following passage:

Ephesians 3:14–21 (NIV)

For this reason, I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of His glorious riches, He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in THE CHURCH and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.

The Church

Think through your spiritual life map in relation to the church and share your story with the group. 

What is the church – an institution, an organization, a book club, a social event? The Greek meaning of the word used for church is “called out ones.” Do you think this description accurately describes the church of today? What is the church “called out” to do? 

How important is “the church” in God’s plan to reach the world? Do you feel compelled to be part of that plan? 

What does verse 21 tell us about how all generations are to glorify God?

Pray

How important is prayer in the life of a believer?

How many times is the word “pray” used in this passage? Read Acts 20:17-38. Why is Paul praying for the Ephesians?

 It is obvious from this passage that Paul loves the Ephesians deeply. What are some things that he prays to God for on their behalf?

Believe

How many times is the word “power” used in this passage? What message is passed along to us in Paul’s use of the word “power” over and over?

When you pray, do you pray with the expectation that God responds to our prayers? 

What does Ephesians 3:20 tell us about God’s ability to act through His people? 

How can we better demonstrate to others our belief in God’s power at work within us?

Act

Sometimes we aren’t sure of God’s purpose for our lives. How can Mark 12:28-31 (The Great Commandment) and Matthew 28:16-20 (The Great Commission) help us get started? 

Love God. Love Others. Make Disciples. How can we put each of those into practice immediately?

What do you think it would feel like to “be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God?” How do we get there?