Walk in a Manner Worthy of Your Calling

Small Group Discussion 12/04/2022 Walk in a Manner Worthy of your Calling Ephesians 1:3-14, 4:1-6, 11-15, 6:10-18 SUMMARY Paul calls the Ephesians (and all Christians) to "Walk in a manner worthy of your calling." Our compelling calling is our adoption into God's family and a rich inheritance, which is meant to quicken our hearts to walk in a worthy manner. This is characterized by walking in the Spirit, not perfectly, but maturing and growing into the likeness of Christ (a.k.a. sanctification). God equips us with a powerful provision, the Armor of God, to help us on our quest. But we can only wield it by relying on His power continually. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS (1) Compelling Calling Read Eph. 1:3-14 and consider the grandeur of our calling. [Leaders, try to steer the discussion away from predestination and toward the blessings and purpose of our inheritance.] 1. God has "blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing." What are some of those blessings? Why and how are they administered through Christ alone? 2. God adopts us "according to the purpose of His will" (v5). This is reiterated in verse 9 and 11. What is that purpose? is there a primary purpose as well as secondary purposes? What are they? 3. Read Eph. 1:16-22 and/or 3:14-19. Why do you think Paul is so concerned that we understand our calling? How does it affect the believer who gives little thought to these things? (2) Worthy Walking Read Eph. 4:1-6, 11-15 and consider what it means to grow up, mature, and walk in a worthy manner. 1. Jesus loved children and commended childlike faith (e.g. Matt. 18:3, Mark 10:14). The Apostles call us children in an endearing way (e.g. 1 John 2:1, 1 Cor. 4:14). So, what does it mean (and not mean) to "no longer be children" (Eph. 4:14)? 2. What are some reasons why we resist growing up or maturing in our faith (i.e. remaining children)? Conversely, what are some motivations for maturing? 3. How can we tell if we are walking in a worthy manner? What do we look for in a self-evaluation? [Leaders, if you need prompts: Bearing fruit, hating our sin, loving others, etc...] (3) Powerful Provisions Read Eph. 6:10-18 and consider how God has equipped us to walk worthily in faith and obedience. 1. What does it mean to put on the armor of God and rely on God's strength to use it (Eph. 6:10-11)? 2. Why is prayer so vital to walking in the Spirit and using the Armor of God? 3. What role do fellow believers play in helping one another learn to walk in the Spirit, mature in our faith, walk in a manner worthy of our call, or however you'd say it? What are some pitfalls to avoid?