As He Loves, Part 2: In Him
We need to understand who we are before we understand what we need to do. Our identity is in Christ, and all of our spiritual blessings come from being united with Him.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What phrases or ideas does Paul repeat—and therefore emphasize—in Ephesians 1:7–14?
- What exactly does it mean to be “in Christ”? How does that differ from the idea of being a distanced representative of Christ?
- What images come to mind when you read that the Holy Spirit is the “seal” and “guarantee” of a Christian’s future inheritance? What do these images communicate about our relationship with God and our future?
- Why might Paul emphasize God’s predestined purpose when talking about our inheritance? What comfort is this meant to provide?
- Which of the blessings in this passage do you most need to be reminded of right now, and why? Redemption, forgiveness, God’s grace, His larger plan, your future inheritance, or the Spirit’s presence?
- What difference would it make to move beyond only thinking about faith in terms of what God has personally done for you, and consider your place in God’s larger plan of redemption?
- What other applications can you make from this passage?