Week 3: Honor The King

“…And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” 

- Ephesians 3:17-18

DAY 1

Read Ephesians 3:1

  • What do we find out about Paul in this verse?

  • Paul claims that he is experiencing imprisonment for the sake of the Gentiles.  How do you think the Ephesians felt about Paul enduring imprisonment for their sake?

  • In what ways have you seen others give of themselves to help you to grow in the faith?

DAY 2

Read Ephesians 3:2-9

  • What does Paul say his life work is?

  • Who might we view as ‘Gentiles’ today?  

  • What would it look like to accept these groups as co-heirs in God’s kingdom?

DAY 3

Read Ephesians 3:10-13

  • How can we approach God with freedom and confidence?

  • How would you characterize the quality of your relationship with God?  Is it free and confident or something else?

  • Paul says that ministry to the Gentiles led to his imprisonment and suffering.  Can you think of a time when you have suffered in order for God to draw someone closer to Himself?  Describe the circumstances.

Day 4

Read Ephesians 3:14-19

  • What does Paul pray over the Ephesian church in these verses?

  • Briefly describe your prayer habits 

    • When and where do you usually pray?

    • For what or for whom do you usually pray?  

Day 5

Read Ephesians 3:17-20

  • How does Paul pray that the Ephesians will be rooted?

  • What would it look like to experience God’s love in your life in the:

    • Heights?

    • Depths?

    • Length?

    • Breadth?

  • Are you in a height, depth, length, or breadth situation right now? How have you experienced God’s love in this situation?

DAY 6

Reread Ephesians Chapter 3

  • Lingering questions? New insights?

  • Consider the following quote: In his book, Surrendering to Love, David Benner says: 

    “Creation is an outpouring of love—an overflow of love from the heavens to earth.  Creation not only declares the inventiveness and resourcefulness of God but reveals the abundance of his love.  Creation declares that humans are born of love and for love, created in the image of a God who is love.  Love is our source and love is to be our fulfillment.” 

  • Paul concludes this chapter with praise for God’s goodness.  Rewrite, in your own words, a prayer of praise for your experience of God’s love and goodness in your life.