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Ephesians Raising Children in the Light of the Gospel

  • 09/06 Ephesians 3:1-13 (Ephesians 3:8)
  • 09/13 Ephesians 3:14-21 (Ephesians 3:17)
  • 09/20 Ephesians 4:1-16 (Ephesians 4:2)
  • 09/27 Ephesians 4:17-32 (Ephesians 4:32)

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A Mission Bigger Than Ourselves

Ephesians 3:1–13

To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, Ephesians 3:8

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Paul's Calling (v. 1–3)

  • Paul understood that his life belonged to God's mission.
  • Paul recognized that God's grace had entrusted him with a responsibility.
  • Paul's circumstances did not cancel his calling.
  • How would your perspective change if you viewed your life as belonging to God's purposes?

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God's Mystery Revealed (v. 4-6)

  • God's plan was once hidden but has now been revealed through Christ.
  • The gospel brings people together.
  • God's mission is bigger than our personal circles.
  • How does understanding God's bigger mission challenge our tendency to make Christianity primarily about ourselves?

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The Church's Mission(v. 7-13)

  • God's grace equips ordinary people for extraordinary purposes.
  • We are called to make the riches of Christ known.
  • The church displays God's wisdom to the world.
  • Following God's mission may require sacrifice.
  • We can live courageously because God's purposes are bigger than our fears.

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Understanding the Passage

  • What does Paul mean when he calls himself a “prisoner of Christ Jesus”?
  • What does this passage teach us about the purpose of the church?
  • Why is God's grace central to Paul's understanding of his ministry?
  • How does this passage challenge a self-centered view of Christianity?
  • If someone observed your calendar, spending, conversations, and free time, what would they conclude matters most to you?

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Parenting Application

  • How do children learn a heart for God's mission?
  • What messages do our priorities communicate?
  • How can families serve together?

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Personal challenge the week of 09/06

  • What currently receives most of my time?
  • What currently receives most of my attention?
  • What currently receives most of my money or resources?
  • What do I worry about most?
  • What do I want my children to remember most about our family?
  • If my life is a stewardship from God, what has He entrusted to me?
  • Where might God be asking me to move from “comfort to calling”?

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Parenting challenge the week of 09/06

  • “See, Pray, Serve”
  • Choose “one person or family outside your immediate household” who could be blessed this week.
  • As a family, decide how you will serve them.
  • Ideas include
    • Make a meal for someone who is struggling.
    • Write an encouraging note to someone who needs hope.
    • Help a neighbor with a practical need.
    • Pray together for someone who is going through a difficult season.
    • Encourage your children to notice someone who is being left out and intentionally include them.