LGC - Rooted & Fruitful Part 2

Rooted & Fruitful (Part 2)

Speaker: Dalton Sim

INTRODUCTION

In Part 1 of the Rooted and Fruitful series, we learned about the vastness of God and the riches we have as heirs of Him and co-heirs with Christ in His Kingdom. This week, we will delve deeper into understanding our identity in Christ and what it means to be adopted into His family.

Over the course of our life, we may experience life changes that cause an identity crisis. However, in the book of Ephesians, Paul emphasises what our identity should be. He writes that (1) we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing, (2) chosen to be a holy and blameless people. (3) We have been adopted into God’s family, (4) to the praise of His grace, (5) which has been freely given to us.

DISCUSSION

What do you think it means to be blessed?
Read Ephesians 1:3-14.
a. Paul tells us what he means by “every spiritual blessing”. What are they?
b. Do these blessings differ from our expectation of “blessing”? If so, how?
c. When have you truly felt “blessed” by what Paul describes? How have those moments made an impact in your life?
Pay attention to verses 4 and 9.
a. What is the will of God for us?
b. Do we recognise our place in God’s will as stated in Ephesians 1? How have our lives been proof of this?
c. Should we feel guilty if we are far away from God’s will as stated here? Why or why not? How might we (re)align ourselves to God’s will?
Paul writes that everything is only possible in Jesus (see verses 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13).
a. What has Jesus done? Why is everything only possible in Him?
b. What is the role of God’s grace whenever we fall in our walk with God? Does it mean that we are free to do anything we want?
Reflect on what the passage states on all that God has given us, and recognise that we are highly favoured, accepted, and beloved in His sight.
a. Recall the context of the book of Ephesians and who Paul’s audience was. Remember too what God revealed to John about the church in Revelation 2:1-7. Why do you think it was important for the Ephesians to recognise their identity in Christ?
b. Why then might it be important for us to recognise our identity in Christ?
(i) At times, there may be a disconnect between how we see ourselves and how God sees us. What are some of the steps we can take to see ourselves through the eyes of God?
c. Do the people around you recognise your identity in Christ, or who God wants them to be? What role can you play to get them to see what He sees?

WHAT WILL YOU DO

Although at times we may feel lost and discouraged, we can be assured that we are loved by God. We know this not through the degree of physical blessing we may receive, but through “every spiritual blessing” that has already been given to us through Christ. He alone is enough.

We have been adopted as members of God’s family, and it is high time we should live as such. That is our true and unshakeable identity that we can hold on to whenever we face an identity crisis.

MEMORY VERSE

“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. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love, he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will- to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.” – Ephesians 1:3-6 (NIV)