Grow Group Questions // October 24th, 2021
Scott Mathis// Ephesians 2:1-10
Introduction
As we end our series in the “Glory Encounter” we spend this week in Ephesians 2:1-10. We are reminded of God’s rich mercy for us and while we were dead in our sin Jesus Christ died for us and gave us life. Ephesians 2 is full of such rich truth that reminds us of all that God has done for us by dying on the cross and the hope and love that He freely gives us. At the end of the passage even reminding us that it is not by any work that we have done but by the grace of a God who loves us deeply.
To get the most out of your group time, we invite you to look over the questions below and write your thoughts down before you meet with your group.
Ice Breaker Questions
Here are some possible ways to get a conversation started:
What is your favorite candy? What is your least?
What is something you do not like but that many people enjoy?
Getting Started
Open up with some prayer, some possible prayer topics:
God would lead your time of discussion
That this study would help our understanding of who God is.
Thankfulness for what the Lord has and is doing in us.
That God would remind us of the truth of our salvation.
Read Ephesians 2:1-10
Discussion Questions
This week we have a guest preacher and because of that we were not able to have a normal dialogue about questions and so this week may be a great chance to use methods like the “Swedish” method or “The Sword” method. In each spot, I will outline some methods you may try for discussion this week.
Swedish Method:
“Light Bulb”- What is something that grabbed your attention from the text or something that was said? Anything that grabs your attention or interest for any reason.
“Question Mark”- What is something from the text or what was said that you have a question or maybe did not understand? Is there anything from the text you would like to ask the Lord or Paul?
Arrow”- What is something from the text or was said on Sunday that we can apply to our life? How can we do so?
Observation, Interpretation, & Application
Observation- What do we see happening in Ephesians 2:1-10? (people, places, events, actions, etc.) This section is for what we literally see happening in the text. Help your group focus on what is happening and not jump to the meaning or interpreting any of the actions.
Interpretation- What do we think is the meaning of the text? Why did Paul write it? What does he want his readers to walk away with? This part is to look beyond the observation and notice purpose and meaning of the text.
Application- What should we do in response to the text? Where can we apply this to our life? This is where we try to take what we learned and make it practical to our daily life.
Sword Method
What does Ephesians 2:1-10 teach me about God?
What does it teach me about people?
What does God want me to do with this passage?
Closing Prayer
Prayer can often be somewhat of a weird time and we understand can be awkward to pray out loud so as your group grows in comfortability ask people to pray out loud. Prayer is a very effective tool the Holy Spirit uses to draw our hearts closer to God. It is also a time you as a group can come together and come before the throw of God and make requests and just experience Him.
Some suggestions:
Ask if there are any prayer requests.
Pray through thankfulness for salvation.
Pray God would give us boldness in the salvation He has given us.
Personal Spiritual Practice
This section is for anyone that wants some practical steps to try throughout their week. they are not required, but maybe a great way to reinforce what has been discussed during group. Maybe this could even be a way to check in either during the week or the next time you meet as a group.
Journal: Each day this week take time to wither write down or type up areas where you have seen God bless you and thank Him for that blessing. Use the time to move beyond the physical and into where He has even grown you or revealed His love to you or a friend/relative.
Evangelize: Talking to people about Christ can be some of the hardest things we are called to as Christians. We can feel that it is awkward, and fear comes in and mixes in with all of that. BUT it is also can be a spot where we get to see God work in very clear ways. This week I encourage you to pray that God opens the door to share the Gospel with one other person. This could be a relative, co-worker, friend, or even a stranger whoever God places on your heart that you would take that step-in faith and share the truth of the Gospel that has been shared with you. (If you need help in doing so, here is a video with some helpful tools.)