Introduction
How It Works

"You cannot become your real self by yourself.” -Pastor Matt

This first gathering is an opportunity to meet others in the group and introduce the purpose and tools both for this group and this study of Ephesians. Plan for 30-60 minutes together.

Get Started
Greet people as they arrive and introduce people to one another.
Leaders: Let ‘em know you’re glad to see them!

Ice Breaker: Find out a little about each other. Take turns sharing what brought you to Sandals Church and this group. Consider playing a fun game like Would You Rather.

Group Overview

1. Make sure everyone has downloaded the Sandals Church App (sandalschurch.com/app), and has found the Ephesians bible reading plan in the app Library.

2. Read the Ephesians Introduction and How It Works sections together, then mark 'completed' and encourage each person to set up a daily reminder. 

3. Schedule your next six weekly group gatherings.

Ground Rules
These relational expectations will help your group create a safe space to be real with ourselves, God and others.

• Share this link with your group and read the Ground Rules together: sandalschurch.com/groundrules 

• Ask your group if they agree to abide by and honor them as a group.

Discuss
Transition to a time of discussion about the Ephesians study and group.

1. What are your hopes for this group and our study of Ephesians?

2. Do you have any questions about the expectations for this group?

3. Will you commit to completing your daily readings and attending our weekly group gatherings?

*Instruct the group to start the Week 1 daily readings tomorrow.*

Pray
Close your time praying over your group.

You could say something like: God, thank you for gathering this group to learn more about you and your way of life. We pray that you will help us connect with you in the daily readings and encourage us to be real when we gather together. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Week 1: What God Thinks About You
Ephesians Chapter 1: God's Movement Toward Us

The purpose of the first weekly gathering is to make meaningful connections in the group and catch the vision of God’s love for us from the first chapter of Ephesians. Plan to meet for 1-2 hours.

Get Started
As people arrive, welcome and (re)introduce people to one another.
Leaders: Let ‘em know you’re glad to see them!

Ice Breaker: Take turns sharing the following to get started:

• Where did you grow up? What is a favorite childhood memory?

Cast Vision: The purpose of this group is to establish a new way of life with Jesus. As we explore the book of Ephesians, we’re building real relationships and learning what it means to follow Jesus in our real, everyday lives.

Ground Rules: sandalschurch.com/groundrules
Quickly review these relational expectations to create a safe space for people to be real.

Discuss
Have a discussion about Ephesians Chapter 1: God’s Movement Toward Us.

• What did you learn or what stood out to you from your reading and reflections this week?

• How are you challenged to live differently from what you learned?

Here are a few of the questions from the daily readings that you could also discuss:

• (Day 2) According to Paul, what did Jesus do for us?

• (Day 2) What new way of thinking and living is Jesus inviting us into from these passages?

• (Day 3) What’s something important in your life that you could trust God with?

• (Day 4) How have you experienced the presence of God in your life?

• (Day 5) What’s something new you learned about the power and authority of God?

Chapter 1 Review
God loves us unconditionally and forgives our sins through Jesus. His love is rich in kindness and grace, offering freedom and transformation to anyone, regardless of their past. By believing in Jesus, we receive God's love, presence, and power through the Holy Spirit.

The question is, are you willing to follow Jesus in a new way of life under God’s plan and authority?

Pray
Leader: Pray your group will recognize God’s movement toward us this week.

For example: God, we thank you for this time as a group. We’re grateful that you love us and have moved toward us, even when we’ve messed up. We ask that your Holy Spirit will help us be aware of your love, presence, and power this week, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Week 2: Who You Really Are
Ephesians Chapter 2: God's New Creation

This week, your group will continue the journey–building relationships and discussing Ephesians chapter two, discovering who you really are.

Get Started
Greet each person and welcome anyone new by introducing them to the group.
Leaders: Let ‘em know you’re glad to see them!

Ice Breaker: Take turns sharing the following to get started:

• Who is someone you’re grateful for? How did/do they make you feel?

Cast Vision: The purpose of this group is to establish a new way of life with Jesus. As we explore the book of Ephesians, we’re building real relationships and learning what it means to follow Jesus in our real, everyday lives.

Ground Rules: sandalschurch.com/groundrules
Quickly review these relational expectations if you have someone new to the group.

Discuss
Have a discussion about Ephesians Chapter 2: God’s New Creation.

• What did you learn or what stood out to you from your reading and reflections this week?

• How are you challenged to live differently from what you learned?

Here are a few of the questions from the daily readings that you could also discuss:

• (Day 1) How does God feel about our sin?

• (Day 1) Where do you see brokenness in the world?

• (Day 1) Where do you see brokenness in yourself?

• (Day 2) According to verses 8-9, how is salvation received?

• (Day 2) Are you trusting in anything other than Jesus for eternal life?

• (Day 4) What has been your view and experience of the Church?

Chapter 2 Review
We, the church, are united in Christ. Although we were dead, separated from God because of our sin, He saved us by His grace when we believed because He loves us so much. When you trust in Jesus, and Jesus alone, for eternal life, you are forgiven and made new.

Do you believe this? Have you trusted in Jesus for eternal life?

This is the Gospel–the good news–that we are meant to share with others.

Pray
Leader: Pray over your group.

Give glory to God and thank Him for anyone who trusted in Jesus this week. Ask the Holy Spirit to give clarity and courage to those experiencing barriers to faith and give us the boldness to share Jesus with people who haven’t heard the gospel.

Week 3: You Have All You Need
Ephesians Chapter 3: God's Unrelenting Love

In this gathering, your group will unpack Ephesians chapter 3, taking root in God’s love.

Ground Rules: sandalschurch.com/groundrules (for reference only)

Get Started
Choose one of the following questions or activities to get your group started:

• Take turns sharing: What makes you feel connected, like you belong?

• Consider playing a worship song (search: The Healer Playlist on YouTube).
  Encourage the group to think about God and sing along if they know the lyrics.
  After the song ends, ask: What does it feel like to worship in community?

Discuss
Transition to a discussion about Ephesians Chapter 3: God’s Unrelenting Love.

• What did you learn or what stood out to you from your reading and reflections this week?

• How are you challenged to live differently from what you learned?

Here are a few of the questions from the daily readings that you could also discuss:

• (Day 2) Think about the truth that God has “unlimited resources.” How could that assurance impact your prayer life?

• (Day 2) What steps can you take to create regular rhythms of prayer in your life?

• (Day 3) Imagine yourself filled to completeness with the love of Jesus. How would your life be different if this were your daily experience?

• (Day 4) This passage tells us that the power to be “made complete” comes solely from God. When in your life have you tried to make yourself complete apart from God? How does God’s invitation feel different?

• (Day 5) What do you think God might want to accomplish through His power at work in your life?

Chapter 3 Review
Jesus invites us into a new way of life.

“The gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult,
and only a few ever find it.” - Matthew 7:14 (NLT)

We’ve found the narrow gate (Jesus), and now the real adventure begins. The good news is we have all we need in Christ through the Holy Spirit and are being invited to change the world with Him.

Pray
Leader: Close your group time in prayer.

For example: God, your love for us is unchanging and unending. Thank you for all we have been given in Christ. Help us to love one another as you have loved us. Give us wisdom and strength to walk the path which you’ve provided for us. In Jesus name, amen.

Practice
The strength of a group lies in its authenticity, relationships, and purpose. Here’s a group exercise that will help build relationships outside of regular group time.

Have the people in your group pair off, choosing someone in the group who they don’t know that well, and plan a time to meet up before the next group gathering. They could meet for coffee, share a meal, or attend a church service together. Encourage them to ask each other about their life stories and practice praying for one another.

Week 4: Your New Life is Waiting
Ephesians Chapter 4: God's Invitation to More

This week’s gathering on Ephesians chapter 4 will help your group understand and obey the primary commands of Christ, and adopt spiritual practices to follow Jesus in real, everyday life.

Ground Rules: sandalschurch.com/groundrules (for reference only)

Get Started
Choose one of the following questions and take turns sharing to get started:

• What’s your favorite sport, hobby, or other activity you like to do?

• Do you prefer giving or receiving gifts? What is the best gift you’ve ever received or given?

Discuss
Transition to a discussion about Ephesians Chapter 4: God’s Invitation to More.

• What did you learn or what stood out to you from your reading and reflections this week?

• How are you challenged to live differently from what you learned?

Here are a few of the questions from the daily readings that you could also discuss:

• (Day 1) Take a deep breath. Consider your life. Do you actually believe that there is a calling on your life? 

• (Day 2) According to Paul, what characteristics describe how followers of Jesus should relate to one another?

• (Day 3) In Ephesians 4:7-16, what are the different gifts and their purposes that are mentioned? According to Paul, what is the aim of these gifts? Who receives them? 

• (Day 3) Consider your unique gifts. What impact does (or could) serving have on you and others around you?

• (Day 4) When you consider your life prior to becoming a believer in Jesus, what do you need to “throw off” so that you can become more like Jesus?

• (Day 5) When you consider your new way of life as a believer in Jesus, what aspects of Christ’s character do you need to “put on” so that you can become more like Jesus? What is one area you can begin to focus on? What practice will help you to “put on” that new way of life?

Chapter 4 Review
We are the family of God, all working together in unity for the building up of the church. Maturing into the likeness of Christ requires that we “throw off” our old way of life and “put on” our new way of life with Jesus. We all have an integral part to play in ensuring that Christ is both seen in us and known by others.

• The Great Commandment: Read Matthew 22:36-40 (NLT) – Love God and Love People.

• The Great Commission: Read Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT) – Live on Mission: Go make disciples

We are learning to obey the commands of Christ to establish a way of life with Jesus:

• Love God: Be Baptized, Pray, Learn Scripture

• Love People: Gather, Give, Serve

• Live on Mission: Share the Gospel, Multiply Disciples, Baptize Others

To learn more about any of the above, your group can check out the Growth Plan resource at SANDALSCHURCH.COM/GROWTHPLAN.

Have each person in your group choose one of the spiritual disciplines above that they could learn more about this week.

Leader: Emphasize baptism for new believers, scripture for returning/recommitted, and multiply disciples for more mature believers.

Pray
Leader: Ask the group if someone would like to pray to close your discussion time.

Encourage them to focus on what they want to ask Him over how to pray. They could thank God for your time together, ask Him to help us throw off our old ways and become more like Jesus, and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal our gifts that we could use to serve God and love people.

Week 5: You Are Becoming
Ephesians Chapter 5: God's Example for Life

In Ephesians chapter 5, your group is learning we are becoming like Christ–we are all changing and being transformed. This week’s gathering will be especially meaningful, as your group will have the opportunity to let go of things from the past and embrace God’s love and grace.

Ground Rules: sandalschurch.com/groundrules (for reference only)

Get Started

• Who is someone who reminds you of Jesus? What is it about them that makes you think of Him?

Discuss
Transition to a discussion about Ephesians Chapter 5.

• What did you learn or what stood out to you from your reading and reflections this week?

• How are you challenged to live differently from what you learned?

Here are a few of the questions from the daily readings that you could also discuss:

• (Day 1) After this week’s reading, how has your understanding of God's love for you changed?

• (Day 3) How do you see God's love reflected in His commands and even discipline?

• (Day 3) How have you experienced God's love in choosing to obey His commands even when it was difficult?

• (Day 4) How can you make relying on the Holy Spirit a daily habit, especially in tough times?

• (Day 5) How can you show sacrificial love inspired by Christ in your relationships?

Chapter 5 Review
“For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!” Ephesians 5:8 (NLT)

The blessing is that we are not expected to, nor can we, experience transformation on our own. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit. There is a harmony between the empowerment of God and our obedience to His command. It’s through this harmonious relationship that we can become who God created us to be and love people like He loves us.

Pray
Create an extended prayer time for your group to have an opportunity to let go of the dark things from their past and embrace God’s love and grace.

Have your group form into smaller groups of 2-4 people, men with men and women with women. 

Guide them into a safe space of grace and healing. Be sure everyone knows: This is not a time to correct or give advice to each other; it’s a time to affirm your love for each other and invite the Holy Spirit to bring peace, healing, and strength into your lives.

Before you break out into sub-groups, read these instructions to the whole group and take turns sharing and praying over one another in your sub-groups:

• What is an area of your life that seems full of darkness and doesn’t reflect who you are becoming in Christ? This could be an area of brokenness, sin struggle, deep hurt, or a stronghold that you haven’t broken free from on your own. Share this with God with your group’s support. You don’t need to overly explain, as God already knows and is waiting for you to release this into His loving arms.

• After someone shares, someone else then pray over them in this area. Ask God for forgiveness, healing, peace, power, or grace to be free from darkness and to live in the light of Christ.

Gather your group back together to thank God for his powerful presence and invite Him to continue the healing work He began today.

Week 6: Are You Read?
Ephesians Chapter 6: God's Changed Everything

In the last chapter of Ephesians, your group will explore a different perspective on relationships, the reality of spiritual warfare, and the power of prayer and purpose.

Ground Rules: sandalschurch.com/groundrules (for reference only)

Get Started
Make plans for your next gathering to celebrate the completion of this Ephesians study.

(Optional) Ice Breaker: Take turns sharing the following:

• What is a great adventure you have taken? Did you have any fear on the journey?

Discuss
Transition to a discussion about Ephesians Chapter 6.

• What did you learn or what stood out to you from your reading and reflections this week?

• How are you challenged to live differently from what you learned?

Here are a few of the questions from the daily readings that you could also discuss:

• (Day 1) If you are a parent, in what ways are you bringing your children “up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord”? Whether you’ve parented a child or not, how do you value the kids in your life, as Jesus would?

• (Day 2) What motivation does Paul provide for us to work hard, regardless of our position or title at work?

• (Day 3) List the different pieces of the armor of God. In verses 11 and 13-14, which verb does Paul repeat to describe what putting on the armor of God allows us to do?

• (Day 4) What significance is there to Paul’s instruction about prayer immediately following his instruction to prepare for spiritual battle and put on the full armor of God?

• (Day 5) What are the two reasons Paul states for sending Tychicus to the Ephesian church, and why do you think these reasons are important to Paul?

Chapter 6 Review
The way of life with Jesus impacts everything: our relationships, our view of reality, our communion with God, our purpose, and our power to walk on a radically new path.

Jesus changes the way we view every relationship–in our home, in church, at work or school, and in the world. We put on the full armor of God, not to battle each other, but to pray against the accusations of our spiritual enemy, the devil. God empowers us to boldly share the gospel message, no matter the cost because we are Christ’s representatives. We even love our enemies because that’s what Jesus did.

Pray
Close your time in prayer. Ask your group if someone would like to pray.

You could thank God for giving us purpose and protection. Ask for clarity and power as we live out the way of life with Jesus. 

Resource: Share this Armor of God Prayer Guide with your group to pray through the armor of God and to understand each piece of the armor a bit better. 

Conclusion
We Did It! Let's Celebrate!

Your group has completed Ephesians, but the journey has just begun. Enjoy this gathering time to celebrate what God has done and for your group to mark what they have learned and experienced. Then, make plans to continue your discipleship journey together in the next study.

Get Started
Share a meal together. You could meet somewhere or invite the group to bring something to share.

• Have some fun, upbeat music playing. 

• Enjoy an extended time of connection and organic conversation during the meal.

Discuss
Transition to a discussion about the Ephesians study and group experience:

• What is a highlight or takeaway from this Ephesians group and study?

• How did you experience God in a new way that you are grateful for?

• What has this group meant to you?

• What changes have you seen in your life since you joined this group?

Ephesians Review
The way of life with Jesus is a life-long journey of learning who He is and becoming like Him.

When the Apostle Paul met Jesus, everything changed. He joined Jesus in a new way of life and never looked back. That’s what Paul wanted for his Ephesian brothers and sisters as well, and for all who would come after them, including us.

Through Ephesians (and throughout Scripture), we are invited into a new way of life with Jesus. Together, we’ve learned the essential Commands of Christ and how to adopt spiritual practices in real, everyday life.

Next Steps (What's next for you and this group)

While the study of Ephesians has come to an end, this group is meant to continue. Discipleship is so much about following Jesus in biblical community and becoming like Him in the process. Encourage your group to grow as a disciple of Jesus by continuing the relationship and practices introduced in this Ephesians study. 

Leader: Use the Discipleship Group Leader Guide for content and ongoing rhythms.

Choose a book of the bible for your group to explore next. We highly recommend the Gospel of Luke, then Acts, Romans and Genesis as your next group studies.
(Leader: Review the available Discipleship Reading Plans) 

Pray
Leader: Close your time in prayer.

You could thank God for the meaningful things your group has learned throughout the Ephesians study and gatherings. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your group to continue this discipleship journey with Jesus and each other in the next study.