Three challenges for the body of Christ:
1. divisiveness and embrace unity.
2. the mystery of Christ: the Church reveals God to the world.
3. deep roots in the love and truth of Christ.
NOTES:
QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY
Read Ephesians 3 and discuss:
• In what ways can a church intentionally or unintentionally act like the
gospel is a secret club for insiders? How does viewing the gospel as
“expansive” rather than “exclusive” change how we treat newcomers?
• What does it mean for our local church to be a display of God’s
wisdom to the world today?
• Read Ephesians 3:6. Paul describes the “mystery” as the reality that
Gentiles are now fellow heirs and members of the same body as the
Jews. Considering the deep historical and ethnic divisions between
Jews and Gentiles in the 1st century, why was this concept so difficult
for people to grasp? Where do we see similar “walls of hostility” in our
culture today?
• How does being rooted in Christ’s love bring life to a person and help
them find stability when life’s challenges come against them?
• There are two extremes; Legalism (strict adherence to rules for
acceptance) and Licentiousness (disregard for restraints). How does
being “centered” in Christ provide a different kind of freedom than
either of these extremes?
• To the Next Generation: The text says God’s glory should be revealed
“throughout all generations”. Consider your “identity” and “mission”
today: What specific “spiritual roots” are you planting now that will
help stabilize the faith of those who come after you?
PERSONAL REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Reflect: Am I living like someone who has full access to God or
like someone still trying to earn it? Ask God to show you where
performance, guilt, or fear has replaced trust, faith, and intimacy with
Him.
Apply: Ask God to help you identify a place in your life (home, work,
neighborhood, relationships) where He may be inviting you to move
towards a more Christ-Centered life.