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The online groups guide is designed as a teaching series companion to foster discussion, study, and prayer, especially in a group setting.
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Love
Teaching Text: Ephesians 1:11-14
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal,the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
Themes
Consider these themes and ask your group what else they see in the passage:
Sealed by the Holy Spirit
Presence
Watch or listen to the sermon. Then take a moment of silence and think about these questions:
Ask God to open your heart and mind to understand Ephesians anew as we start this season.
Thank him for the blessings he has given you already, even those you might be unaware of.
Formation
Thoughts and notes you can use for discussion:
Luke 3: Jesus’ baptism
The Spirit of God settles on him. Affirms his identity as a son, beloved… one in whom the father takes pleasure.
God does the same for us when he gives us his Holy Spirit.
The Spirit of God, and God’s pleasure rests on his beloved.
Sealed by the spirit: Paul says they were marked with a seal. A seal signifies authenticity, and security, marked for their identity.
Authenticity: why do we need the Spirit of God as a seal regarding authentic Christianity in our day/lives?
Security: Where do you see a need for security or confidence regarding your faith?
Identity: Do you need help to confirm and settle your identity as a beloved son or daughter in God’s house?
John 14:15-17: Jesus promises he will give us his Spirit
John 20:19-22: Jesus personally gives the Holy Spirit
He makes good on his promise.
God always keeps God’s promises
Authentic, God promises he can give us a seal of authenticity (like buying something off ebay and wondering if its real)
Security - He removes insecurities and gives us confidence in His Kingdom
Identity - he affirms his delight in us as children/beloeved
Matthew 27:50: Jesus gave up his last breath, he gave up his spirit - Now Jesus breaths again and gives us his Spirit.
“Take the holy life-breath” It’s like breathing deeply.
When you receive the Spirit of God - God does not take back his presence.
First time Spirit is mentioned is Genesis 1:2 - to create life
God says our inheritance is that God’s holy life breath is ours to have access to.
The world has the ability and tendency to such the life breath out of you.
God gives us his breath.
He gives us a seal of his authenticity, security and identity just as he created us in the first place. He still is recreating us by his breath- the Spirit of God.
Living in the Wilderness - There are places in our lives that feel like wilderness areas. Work, relationships, health etc.
By His Spirit:
He brings life in the desert places.
He brings order out of chaos
He brings life out of death
Genesis 50: What you intended for harm God meant for God. He turns things around. And seals us by His Spirit, guaranteeing our inheritance in the kingdom.
Love
Read these notes and discuss the questions below:
How do you relate to the idea that God’s presence (his Spirit) is in you for others to experience?
Do you believe God’s spirit is in you in order that others can experience his presence?
Pray for one another in the group.
