How can Paul’s advice to slaves be applied to our jobs? How about his advice to slave masters?

How would your co-workers describe your attitude at work? If you worked before knowing Christ and after, has your attitude about work changed since becoming a follower of Christ?

See Philemon Questions below

6:10-6:24
Make a list of each piece of armor described. What piece of armor is associated with it? Why might it be significant? Why is it needed for our battle? Paul doesn’t associate every piece of physical, Roman armor with something spiritual. Why does he choose what he chooses?

There’s no armor listed for prayer. How does it fit in? What can we learn from Paul’s prayers?

It is easy to see that Paul was on the front lines of the battle. What is your role in the battle?

In the past or in recent times, which piece of armor have you found most useful in your own life? What piece of armor is in most need of repair?

Want a really in depth look at the armor of God. Check out this Bible study.

Who was Tychicus (21)? Where else do we see him? In Acts 20, we see Tychicus listed with several others. What does this diverse group of people tell us about Paul and how he mentored people? Have you ever mentored someone or been mentored by someone else?

Philemon
To whom is this letter addressed? How many other letters in the New Testament does Paul write to individuals? How would you describe the recipient of the letter by Paul’s address of him?

What was Onesimus’ crime (consider v. 18)? What has happened to Onesimus since those crimes?

For those who have children: What did you name your kids and why? Have you ever been given any nicknames that have significant meaning—or that were meant to be ironic? What does the name Onesimus mean?

Considering Onesimus could be killed for his crimes, why doesn’t Paul just come out and demand he be released, etc.? What are the chances that Philemon did what Paul asked?

If Philemon is asked to forgive Onesimus, why does Paul send him back to Philemon? What obligation do we have to make things right with another believer we have wronged? If Philemon is asked to forgive Onesimus, how are we to respond when another believer wrongs us? Does this change when we deal with one who is not a believer? Paul plays a big part in the reconciliation of both people here. What role should believers play in the reconciliation of others?

What did you grow up believing about God? Paul is addressing people who lived apart from God for the first part of their lives. How difficult would it be for them to change their way of life? What might make it easier?

What does Paul mean when he says that the Gentile unbelievers have “darkened in their understanding” (18) and “lost all sensitivity” (19)? Compare these verses 1 Timothy 4:2.

Various translators use “debauchery”, “licentiousness”, “lasciviousness,” etc. to translate verse 19. What do these mean?

Have you ever played on a team? When players join a new team, they get a new uniform. How does the analogy of new uniforms describe what Paul describes as putting off the old self and putting on the new (4:22)? What part of the process is up to God and what is up to you? In other words, who is responsible here: you or God?

Paul admonishes the Ephesians to not sin in their anger? How is it possible to be angry but not sin? How difficult do you find it to be angry but not sin? Do you get angry about certain things that are harder to “not sin” about when you’re angry? (Note: F.F. Bruce observes “There is no doubt a proper place for righteous indignation; but there is a subtle temptation to regard my anger as righteous indignation and other people’s anger as sheer bad temper.” (F. F. Bruce, New International Commentary on the New Testament, note on Eph 4:26, p. 361))

Who’s the godliest person you ever knew? Was it easy to imitate them? Why or why not? Who is our model for love? What does it look like to “imitate” God? How did Christ demonstrate his love for us? How should we demonstrate our love for Him? What type of conversation or talking should characterize followers of Christ? Who are we not to “be partners with” (5:7)? How does that affect our relations at work? Marriage? Family?

Do you have a favorite piece of clothing that should probably be thrown out, but you keep wearing it anyway? In a spiritual sense, many of us find it easy to keep our old clothes—that is, keep doing the old things we were used to doing before knowing Christ. What contrasts do you see in 5:15-21? Which of these old clothes have you been able to get rid of? What old sin is hard for you to get rid of?

After the last three chapters explain God’s plan and our new position in Christ, how does Paul admonish us to live? Why? Is it easy? How does following Christ give us a new perspective that helps with this goal?

Why might unity be such a big goal for Paul? Are Christians knows better for unity or divisiveness? Why is unity so hard for many Christians?

Does unity mean ignoring our differences? What differentiation is there in the Body of Christ?

The roles described in verse 11 are often referred to as the Five-Fold gifts. Where do these gifts come from? What does each do? What’s the purpose of these gifts? Which of these gifts are still needed today? What other roles are described in Scripture? (See 1 Corinthians 12:28 and Romans 12:7-8.)

Excurses: Some argue against the concept of “Spirit Baptism” in Pentecostalism or baptizing people who were baptized as an infant and come to faith later in life. Can verse 5 be used to argue these points? Why or why not?

Chapter 3

3:1-13
What is the “mystery” (3) of which Paul is given “administration” (2, NIV) or “stewardship” (2, ESV) over? (Look where it shows up later in this chapter too.) To whom is this mystery now made known? How long has this been a part of God’s plans?

How did Paul come to know the Gospel? To what extent can we learn the same way? Does this mean we should get rid of commentaries, group discussion, classes or Bible study? Why or why not?

How does Paul describe the Gentiles in verse 6? Why does Paul focus on this theme in this letter? Why might the readers have needed to hear it repeated? What types of people might feel awkward or uncomfortable in church today? How can we break down those barriers?

What is the role of the church in God’s plan (6, 10)?

Paul writes that we have boldness and confidence though faith in Christ (12). What does that result in? Is that always easy? Why or why not? How would you explain the Gospel to someone using verse 12?

What is Paul’s all-consuming desire? How do we know what it is? How would friends describe your all-consuming desire?

3:14-20
What is the biggest thing you can think of? What is the biggest thing in the universe? How would you describe it?

What does Paul pray for the Ephesians? Outline the elements of this prayer.

What does it look like for God to strengthen the “inner man”?

Considering 2:19-22, why does Paul pray the way he does here? Is Christ dwelling in our hearts permanent or temporary? How should that change us?

Have you ever been overwhelmed by God’s love? What does it mean that this love “surpasses knowledge”? What is the result of this in our lives?

Which of the above elements of Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians have you most felt the need for in the past? Which do you need the most right now? Which are your family or friends most in need of?

Paul’s prayer life and ministry might be described here as feasting. Are most believers feasting or fasting on God’s love?

A lot of cultural myths about God surround us and many people believe them. At times these myths cause people to stumble in their faith–often blaming God and hurting other in the process. In 10 Dumb Things Smart Christian Believe, Larry Osbourne takes on ten popular myths about God. This book contains clear, simple answers to the myths and spiritual legends that many people believe about God and will challenge you to think about faith myths you might believe–or help you explain them to others. A study-guide is included in the appendix making it easy to use as a small group study.

Book Summary:
Just Because “Everyone Believes It” Doesn’t Make It True!
People don’t set out to build their faith upon myths and spiritual urban legends. But somehow such falsehoods keep showing up in the way that many Christians think about life and God. These goofy ideas and beliefs are assumed by millions to be rock-solid truth . . . until life proves they’re not. The sad result is often a spiritual disaster—confusion, feelings of betrayal, a distrust of Scripture, loss of faith, anger toward both the church and God.

But it doesn’t have to be so. In this delightfully personal and practical book, respected Bible teacher Larry Osborne confronts ten widely held beliefs that are both dumb and dangerous. Beliefs like these:

• Faith can fix anything
• Christians shouldn’t judge
• Forgiving means forgetting
• Everything happens for a reason
• A godly home guarantees good kids
…and more.

Good resources for young adults were scarce when I first began working with this age group. As churches in America begin to address the obvious disconnect with younger generations, finding material for young adults has become easier; but finding something that fits me and the young adults that meet me on Sunday mornings has been even more difficult than finding quality youth ministry resources.

Current Context:
suburban Young Adults 18-28, average age: 21
meeting at a Dunkin Donuts at 9:45am on Sundays

Tomorrow, we’re beginning Liquid. As I read over the material, I liked the format, style of writing, flow, layout–in short, everything about it. The accompanying DVD clips (You can purchase the booklet or the booklet with a DVD.) are short enough to be part of the lesson–but not the whole lesson. The questions progress in a logical sequence while avoiding predictability. Contemporary references, stories and comments are interspersed throughout the participants’ guide making it easy to substitute your own thoughts and stories. The Bible verses are included in the text of the guide and are integrated smoothly within the discussion. (I stumbled upon it while travelling through Lancaster, PA and stopping at the Berean Christian Store–as close to a Christian Borders as I’ve ever come! I’ve made many serendipitous discoveries there, so I always stop when time allows.) I bought the version with the DVD and will show the clips as best I can. Tomorrow is the real test: how does it work for the 20-somethings!