Parkside Mission

Outline of Ephesians   By Trent McEntyre Ch 1 - New Position of Blessing or “New way to be blessed” v. 1-2 Introduction - An apostle of Christ Jesus to those set apart and believing in Christ Jesus at Ephesus, Grace and peace from God and our Lord Jesus Christ. v. 3-14 Bless God for blessing us in Christ! God is praised for His glory and grace. v. 15-23 Paul's prayer for them to know and be filled by God. Ch 2 - New Relationships v. 1-10 God makes the spiritually dead alive in Christ. v. 11-22 You were separated from God, but now both Jew and Gentile are made into one new dwelling of God in the Spirit. Ch 3 - New Ministry v. 1-13 The ministry of the new covenant, revealing that all may have access to God in Christ. v. 14-21 Prayer for the church to know and experience the love of and fullness of God. Ch 4 - New People/Community v. 1-6 Because God's love has made us a new people, we should walk in love and unity. v. 7-16 Because God has graciously gifted us, we can grow...

1 The New Community - Christ and the Church    Ephesians 1–3 Purpose: To gain an overview of the main aspects of Paul's letter to the Ephesians. To gain a greater love for God's word. Everyone needs community. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit have enjoyed community in their relationship for all eternity. Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians reveals the amazing fulfillment of the once hidden plan of God for His glory through His beloved people, the church…the new community of God. In this study we'll look over the first half of the letter to orient us to some of the basic issues that will come up in later studies. Most importantly, it will help us put those issues in the context. 1.   What do you think real community should be like? What have been your experiences with community?   2.   Read Ephesians 1–3. What are some of the main topics Paul covers in this letter? 3.   Although virtually nothing is stated directly about the people...

2 Blessing Him for blessing us. Ephesians 1:1–14 Purpose: To know God better and praise Him for His glory and grace This letter launches right into praising God. But Paul is not trying to write a formal essay on the glory of God, this is a letter to you about God and us. 1.   Complete the following statement. God is:                 In light of these things, why do you think we still struggle to consistently worship God? 2.   Read Ephesians 1:1–14. According to verses 3–6, what blessings are ours from the Father? What other blessings, according to verses 7–12, do we have in Jesus Christ? 3.   Which of these is most significant to you? Explain. 4.   Ephesians 1:1–14 uses words like the will of God , chose , predestined , according to the plan and the purpose of his will . Much emotion can surround the discussion of such words. What is Paul's emotional reaction to being chosen ...

3 “I Keep Asking” Ephesians 1:15–23 Purpose: To view the model of prayer Paul offers us as he intercedes for the church. To know and be filled by God. Sometimes prayer can be like pushing a full wheelbarrow—with no wheel. At other times it's like rushing down the rapids of a mountain river. What makes the difference? In this study we'll see why Paul's prayers overflow with praise and thanksgiving. 1.   When you pray for fellow Christians, how do you usually pray for them? Give some specific examples. 2.   Read Ephesians 1:15–23. In verses 15–16 Paul says, “For this reason … I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” Why is Paul so thankful in his prayers for the Ephesians? 4.   Why do you think Paul's prayers focus on wisdom, revelation and knowledge? 5.   Compare and contrast Paul's prayers with those you mentioned in answering the first question in this study. 6.   What does Paul tell us about the tremend...

4 Amazing Grace Ephesians 2:1–10 Purpose: To see how God has brought us from death to life by the riches of his grace. To be gripped by the Gospel. One of the best-known verses in the book of Ephesians is 2:8, “By grace you have been saved, through faith.” Probably the most famous Christian hymn of all time is "Amazing Grace" but unfortunately we usually live like it might be "Decent" grace, "If all else fails" grace, or sadly "cheap" grace. In this study we want to rediscover what is so amazing about grace. 1.   Read Ephesians2:1–10. In verse 1 Paul says, “You were dead in your transgressions and sins.” How do dead people function? What must this mean about our spiritual state before we knew Christ? 2.   In verses 2–3 Paul mentions three deadly forces on our lives. According to Paul, how did each of these affect our lives as non-Christians? 3.   How have you seen these influences at work? 4.   According to verses 4–7, what mo...

A seminar and discussion guide by Trent McEntyre Four steps of faith for missional leaders I.                     Aim for our destiny - which is to multiply missional leaders for the kingdom of God (Chrit-centered laborers) Read John 13:1-17 Carefully read and consider John 13:13-14 (This is the the last supper Jesus would have with his disciples. They are in an upstairs room. This is a very important last session with his disciples before the Crucifixion and resurrection.) Discuss the following questions: 1.        What are some of the important characteristics leadership that you see in this passage? 2.        How do you think those should play out in what someone in your position does? Read John 17:15-23 (This passage takes place later the same night as last supper. It is   Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer.) Discuss the following...