Ephesians 3:14–21 Small Group Discussion Guide | Restore Houston Church
In Ephesians 3:14–21, Paul prays that we would be strengthened, not by pressure, fear, or self-protection, but by the riches of God’s grace through the Spirit. He reminds us that Christ’s love is deeper and bigger than we naturally know how to trust, which is why condemnation often feels more familiar than grace. Even when life still feels like a desert, God’s power is already at work within us, and because of that, we can begin to live from his love now rather than waiting until everything feels finished, safe, or resolved.
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Resources
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Sermon Video
Sermon Text
Ephesians 3:14-21
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 1:19b-20
That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,
Sermon Quotes
“Aslan" said Lucy "you're bigger".
"That is because you are older, little one" answered he.
"Not because you are?"
"I am not. But every year you grow, you will find me bigger.”
Discussion Questions
Where have you honestly been drawing your strength from lately? Anxiety, control, approval, productivity, self-protection, staying needed, staying numbed out, divine rejection, or even divine judgment?
What has been the price to your soul for drawing strength from these sources?
Our normal sequence is usually that we have God’s approval and acceptance until we don’t, then we are met with God’s disapproval and rejection. In other words, God’s love for us eventually gives way to his anger towards us. But the Exodus reverses this. God’s anger always gives way to His love. Why do most of us have a hard time with this reversal? Why do you think condemnation often feels more intuitive than grace?
When you process pain and try to heal, what is more comforting to you - knowing that God is in control and all-powerful or that he suffered, in vulnerability, on the cross and goes with you in our darkest moments? Holding pain too. Which one actually leads you to trust Him more?
What is hardest for you to believe: that God is powerful, or that God is good toward you personally?
Why do you think Paul gives us no other route to comprehending God’s love except together among the saints (v. 18)? How can this group embody Christ’s warmth, kindness, and affection for you this week?
Paul mentions four dimensions of God’s love (v. 18), yet humans only perceive three. Is Paul implying there are dimensions of God’s love for us that we cannot yet perceive? Why does Paul say that it goes “beyond our understanding”? Does this explain why sometimes it can be difficult to see God’s goodness in our life or trust His plan and care of us?
