Week 1

Look Back

Encourage your group to take a look at Acts 19 and see how the Ephesian Church began. It will also set some context for the following 6 weeks.

Connect

How would you best describe what identity means and why do you think it can be an important topic? What are some things that people typically find their identity in today?

Look Up

Read Ephesians 1:1-14

1. Where does Paul begin when it comes to our identity in v3? Why?
2. What is one verse (or identity statement) in this first section that you gravitate more towards and why?
3. According to v10 , what is our purpose as followers of Christ? In what ways are you actively a part of this mission?

Read Ephesians 1:15-22

1. How do you hear of someone's faith? What does that say about their walk with Christ?
2. What does it mean to have the eyes of your heart enlightened?
3. In what ways have you experienced this immeasurable Power? What area of your life would you like to see it?
4. How should we as believers IN Christ, respond to the various challenges in life after reading v21-22? Do you find that difficult?

Overall (Discovery Bible Study)

• What do these scriptures say about God?
• What do they say about people?
• How will I apply this to my life?

Look Ahead

After seeing all the things that God says about you, is there one that particularly has meaning? How would you fill in the blank In Christ I Am _____________. Through prayer decipher with God how that can be applied in your life and well share it next week.

Prayer Points

Praying for your ONE, ONE person in your life who doesn't know Jesus Pray for our Ormond Beach Campus, Pray for the movement that is Salty Church and its leadership

Notes

There is so much we can learn from the Ephesian Church. It's fascinating how this church got launched, given the mess it was launched into. If you take a look at Acts 19 we find all kinds of turmoil that this budding new church was thrust into. It really sets the context for where Paul goes in his letter. In Ephesians 1 he goes straight to “who” they are in Christ. Following Jesus is first about right being rather than right doing. It's crucial for us all to first know “who” we are in Christ. It’s out of that identity that a life of purpose follows. Leadership tip Encourage your group through the week with texts of a verse from Epheisans. This is a great way to help people stay engaged in their own study habits and keep up along this journey in Ephesians.