1. Embracing My Calling
Ephesians 1:15-23

5. DISCUSSION GUIDE
1. What are the 2 reasons Paul prays for the Ephesian Christian’s in (Eph. 1:15)?
Paul refers back to (Eph. 1:3-14) and gives thanks to God for His working in the church. He prays on behalf of the church.
b. He prays because there are genuine believers in Ephesus. They have faith in Christ and they have love for all the saints.

6. DISCUSSION GUIDE
2. Outline the nature of Paul’s prayer in the following verses:
a. (v. 15) Paul was not alone in his prayer for
them. Note the word “too”.
b. (v. 16) Paul’s prayer was continual.
c. (v. 17) His prayer was addressed to God the Father.
d. (v. 18) Paul prayed for the Ephesians to have a deeper understanding of
Christ.

7. DISCUSSION GUIDE
3. Paul prayed for the Ephesians to gain wisdom and knowledge. How does the Holy Spirit help in this process?
a. (Acts 6:3) The Spirit gives wisdom.
b. (Luke 2:26) The Holy Spirit teaches and reveals.
c. (I Peter 1:12) The Holy Spirit gives wisdom and insights.

8. DISCUSSION GUIDE
4. Are you growing in spiritual wisdom and insight, or are you maintaining or even retreating?

9. DISCUSSION GUIDE
5. The Holy Spirit does not reveal a new revelation or words of knowledge, He does reveal to us the truth of the Word of God as we study. How do these passages speak of the sufficiency of God’s Word?
a. (2 Tim 3:14-17) Scripture is profitable, for teaching, reproof, correction, training, equipping.
b. (Psalm 119:97-100) The Word makes you wiser than your enemies.
c. (Psalm 119:27) Understand the way of God’s precepts.

10. DISCUSSION GUIDE
6. What 3 things did Paul specifically pray for the Ephesians to understand?
a. (v. 18b) To know the hope of His calling.
b. (v. 18c) To know the riches of the glory of His inheritance.
c. (vs ) To know the surpassing greatness of His power.

11. DISCUSSION GUIDE
7. The “hope of His calling” refers to your salvation how does your salvation give you
hope in everyday life?

12. DISCUSSION GUIDE
8. The “riches of His inheritance” refers to forgiveness, redemption, adoption, insight, seal and pledge of the Holy Spirit. How should these things give you confidence?

13. DISCUSSION GUIDE
9. The “greatness of His power” outline the meaning of the 4 Greek words used in (v. 19).
a. “dunamis” Power - dynamite or dynamo
b. “energia” Working - empowers believers to live
c. “kratos” Strength - dominion or power
d. “ischus” Might - endowed power or ability

14. DISCUSSION GUIDE
10. How does Paul demonstrate the power of Christ in the following passages?
a. (vs ) The resurrection/ exaltation of Christ
b. (v. 22a) Christ is the head of all
c. (vs. 22b-23) Christ is the head of the church

15. DISCUSSION GUIDE
11. Have you embraced God’s call on your life? Are you living in His power? Are you making a difference for Him?

16. GROUP QUESTIONS
Have you discovered God’s calling on your life? If so, what is it?
What are you doing to fulfill God’s calling?
Are you living for the eternal or for the temporary?
How can you spend more energy, time and money on lasting things?
Have you tapped into God’s power in your life?
How can you rely on God’s power more to empower you to embrace God’s call?

17. "Open The Eyes Of My Heart" Michael W. Smith
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord Open the eyes of my heart I want to see You I want to see You Open the eyes of my heart, Lord Open the eyes of my heart I want to see You I want to see You

18. To see You high and lifted up Shinin' in the light of Your glory Pour out Your power and love As we sing holy, holy, holy Open the eyes of my heart, Lord Open the eyes of my heart I want to see You I want to see You Open the eyes of my heart, Lord Open the eyes of my heart I want to see You I want to see You

19. To see You high and lifted up Shinin' in the light of Your glory Pour out Your power and love As we sing holy, holy, holy [Repeat two more times] Holy, holy, holy We cry holy, holy, holy You are holy, holy, holy I want to see you

20. Holy, holy, holy Holy, holy, holy You are holy, holy, holy I want to see you Holy, holy, holy Holy, holy, holy Holy, holy, holy, I want to see you