Before We Get Started

For our discussion today, we will be using the sermon series discussion guides. If you would like to follow along you can access this discussion guide on the website at mosaicchurchaustin.com and then select “community group resources” in the menu options.

Prayer

Because the primary goal of our time together is to establish relationships and learn how to walk with one another in all that God has called us to be and do, we’d like to begin by praying for one another. So, does anyone have anything you’d like us to pray for or anything to share regarding how you’ve seen God moving in your life that we can celebrate together?

This Week’s Topic

Today, we continue our series titled Coming Soon to a City Near You, in which we study the letter of Ephesians. Written to Christians in the ancient city of Ephesus, which is in modern-day Turkey, Ephesians announces to the world that there is a better story coming to a city near you, and the church is the screen on which the “Jesus movie” plays. 

Today’s Topic

Children of Light

Discussion Questions

Ephesians 5:1-2, 16-17

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

1 John 4:16

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.

Henri Nouwen, Life of the Beloved

When we claim and constantly reclaim the truth of being the chosen ones, we soon discover within ourselves a deep desire to reveal to others their own chosenness. Instead of making us feel that we are better, more precious or valuable than others, our awareness of being chosen opens our eyes to the chosenness of others. That is the great joy of being chosen: the discovery that others are chosen as well. In the house of God there are many mansions. There is a place for everyone – a unique, special place. Once we deeply trust that we ourselves are precious in God’s eyes, we are able to recognize the preciousness of others and their unique places in God’s heart.

When you imagine a dearly loved child, what do that child’s life and relationships look like?

When have you been particularly aware that you are one of God’s chosen, dearly loved children?

What practices can help increase our awareness of God’s love for us?

Wise Children

Ephesians 5:14-20

It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

JI Packer

Not until we have become humble and teachable, standing in awe of God’s holiness and sovereignty, acknowledging our own littleness, distrusting our own thoughts, and willing to have our minds turned upside down, can divine wisdom become ours.

How can humility help us remain childlike in our faith?

How does Paul connect obedience and holiness to living in the light of God’s will in Ephesians 5?

How can our wisdom increase by regarding God as holy and sovereign over all creation?

Generous Children

Ephesians 5:2

Walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Cori Ten Boom

The measure of a life, after all, is not its duration, but its donation.

 

What motivated Jesus to endure the pain of death on the cross?

How does the gospel prove your worth and belovedness to God?

How does seeing God’s generosity toward us increase our generosity toward God and others?

Closing Thought

Thomas Merton

Love seeks one thing only: the good of the one loved. It leaves all the other secondary effects to take care of themselves. Love, therefore, is its own reward.

Look around and consider how God loves each person present; how God wants most of all for each of you to experience his goodness; and how each of you is the reward God joyfully receives in Christ. Now, spend the final moments of your time together thanking God for his great love and for the love you share as a group.