Prisoners of War

Community Group Questions:

Engage Yourself:

• What has been most challenging throughout our time in Ephesians so far? Be specific and try to be vulnerable.
• Has your service to Christ felt more like a burden or a “gift of God’s grace”? Explain and be honest with one another and allow your community group to speak into the times where it felt more like a burden.

Engage the Text:

• The term “mystery” shows up in 3:3, 4. Where else does this term appear in Ephesians, and what do you think might be the significance of this term?
• In v. 1 Paul refers to himself as a prisoner for Christ. What about this statement is jarring, and why do you think that is the case?

Engage your Neighbor:

• In v. 1 Paul says that his imprisonment is “on behalf of you Gentiles”, and in v. 7 he says that he is a “minister according to God’s grace”. How does he view his role in the church, and how might this influence our own understanding of mission?
• On whose behalf do you think Christ has you imprisoned for, and what are some concrete steps you are taking toward that person or group? This is a question for you individually and for your community group.