Week 3 | Ephesians 3 | Rooted in Christ
Focusing on one chapter each week, dig deep in the chapter and daily discovery questions as we seek to be caught up together in the joy of Christ!
EPHESIANS 3 | ROOTED IN CHRIST
1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—
2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Remember, revisit, and pray through today’s discovery questions throughout your day. If helpful, read and rewrite a scripture that God highlights to you. Memorize and meditate on it throughout the week. Share and talk about it with family and friends.
DISCOVERY QUESTIONS
These questions are structured in a weekly rhythm, ideally beginning on the Monday after we introduce the chapter during our Sunday Service, but again, this is a journey of grace, not grit! Trust in the Lord, and let Him lead you!
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Read the chapter slowly…
What is being said about God? What word, phrase, or image shows you something about God’s character, heart, or work?
Remember, revisit, and pray about what you are beholding about God throughout your day.
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Read the chapter slowly…
What does this chapter say is true of you, of people, or of the Church? What are you being invited to receive?
Remember, revisit, and pray about what you are receiving from God throughout your day.
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Read the chapter slowly…
Where does this chapter expose false ways of living, striving, relating, or seeing yourself? Are you living by your own grit or by God’s grace?
Remember, revisit, and pray about what you are examining with God throughout your day.
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Read the chapter slowly…
What is one concrete act of faith, love, humility, reconciliation, prayer, generosity, or witness you can practice today in response to what is being revealed in this chapter?
Remember, revisit, pray about, and respond by practicing what God is revealing.
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Read the chapter slowly…
Who needs encouragement from this passage? Share one verse, one sentence, one prayer, or revelation you’ve had with them today.
Remember, revisit, pray about, and bear tangible witness to others.
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Read the chapter slowly…
Looking back over the week, what has God shown you?
Remember, revisit, and pray about what He has shown you throughout your day.
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Read the chapter slowly…
Looking back over the week, looking at this moment, and looking forward, what do you want to bring to God and others as you gather around Christ?