Ephesians Chapter 3
Read
Read Ephesians 3 as a group.
Ask
Paul wrote this letter while under house arrest. Yet, he saw himself not as a Roman prisoner, but as Jesus’ prisoner. Read Ephesians 3:1. What was Paul’s attitude about being in prison (for Jesus)? How do you think you’d be feeling in that situation?
In verse 6, Paul explains that the Gentiles are now one with the Jews. All are one in Jesus. Have you ever (purposely or accidentally) excluded someone from something? When was a time that you could’ve shared Jesus with someone, but didn’t?
According to verse 8, Paul felt personally and specifically called to reach the Gentiles. Who is someone you feel personally called to share Jesus with? Is there a specific group of people you have a heart for?
In verse 13, Paul tells the Ephesians to not be discouraged about his sufferings because Paul was still being used by God in that moment. How do you think the Ephesians would’ve responded to this? Do you find it hard to not be discouraged when it comes to suffering?
What stands out to you from Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21?
The word “dwell” in verse 17 comes from a Greek word that means “permanent home.”
What does it mean for Jesus to have a permanent home in your heart? How is this different from a temporary one? Do you feel like Jesus has a permanent home in your heart?
God is able to do “immeasurably more” than we can ask or imagine, according to God’s power at work in us. How does this verse encourage or inspire you?
Take a moment to consider what verses 20-21 could look like in your life. What “immeasurably more” thing do you want, or need, to be praying for? What hesitations do you have with that prayer?
Pray
As a group, pray over each person’s “immeasurably more” prayer. This could look like praying for the person to your left, praying for something in the group that you relate to, or whatever works best for your group.
