LGC - Rooted & Fruitful Part 13

Rooted & Fruitful (Part 13)

Speaker: Tay Leng Seng

INTRODUCTION

We continue our series on Ephesians this week, looking now at Ephesians 3:14-21, where Paul prays for the people of Ephesus and all of us to be prepared for Christ’s return. In the first 3 chapters of the book, Paul has outlined the secrets of the gospel, how it is for reconciliation – both for us with God and fellow believers, how we experience the redemption of our sins and the glorious riches that are ours in Christ Jesus. Now, we turn to what we do while we await Christ’s return. In this first week of Advent, as we recall Christ’s first arrival to the world, we also look ahead to His return to rule and reign on earth. What this looks like practically is the subject of this week’s passage. A prepared people have postured hearts, personal empowerment and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, live in a purposed community and are praising people.

DISCUSSION

What does the promise of Jesus’s return to earth mean to you? Does it fill you with hope, fear, and excitement?
Read Ephesians 3:14-21. What is the gist of Paul’s message in his prayer?
Study Ephesians 3:14-15. This part of the passage addresses the posture of our hearts.

a. How does the truth of the gospel impact Paul’s view of himself and the world?

b. What does James 4:6 tell you about what posture God expects of us?

c. What helps you maintain a sense of humility towards God and others?

d. Why does the posture of our hearts matter as we await Jesus’s return?
Study Ephesians 3:16-17a. This part of the passage addresses the empowerment and indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

a. What is the purpose of the strengthening that Paul speaks of in verse 16?

b. How is our life different when we receive power through the Holy Spirit? In what ways has your life changed since you received the indwelling of the Holy Spirit?

c. What does it mean to you personally to have Christ dwelling, taking up residence in your heart? How open is your heart to His presence?

d. Why do you think the empowerment and indwelling of the Holy Spirit is important as we await Christ’s return?
Study Ephesians 3:17b-19. This part of the passage addresses our commitment to a purposed community.

a. According to verse 18, what is the purpose of being rooted deeply and established solidly in the love of Jesus?

b. Why do you think Paul addresses this as a collective effort with all the Lord’s holy people instead of an individual effort?

c. What role does community play in your life today? How does community help you to understand the fullness of God’s love and purpose for you?

d. Why do you think being part of a purposed community is an important part of waiting for Christ’s return?
Study Ephesians 3:20-21. In this “doxology” or “praise” part of the passage, Paul addresses the importance of us being praising people.

a. Why do you think praise is an important part of waiting for Christ’s return?

b. How do these verses help you to praise God? What are some other Bible verses that help you to praise God in all circumstances?

WHAT WILL YOU DO

As beloved children of God, united across racial, gender, socioeconomic and national barriers, we eagerly await the return of Christ, living as a prepared people. We prepare ourselves and one another by having postured hearts that are empowered and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, by living in a community marked with purpose and by living a life in praise of our God, who can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine. In what way do you need to adjust your focus so that you can be better prepared for Christ’s return? Whether it is the posture of your heart, seeking the Holy Spirit’s empowerment and submitting to Christ’s transformational work in your life, living in community or living a life of praise to God’s glory, He is able and willing to help you grow. Let’s pray Paul’s prayer – for ourselves and one another, that we may become fully prepared people, joyfully awaiting His advent.

MEMORY VERSE

“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, for ever and ever! Amen.” – Ephesians 3:20-21