Power to Know Him | Strength For The Journey | Week 1

Ephesians is a letter Paul writes to strengthen and encourage a spiritually mature church, which he knows intimately, to "walk" in their calling and to "stand" firm against spiritual opposition. In his opening prayer, Paul prays for Christians to know God in deeper ways through a fresh experience with the Holy Spirit. And Paul also prays for Christians to firmly grasp our new reality: that we have a glorious future that gives us hope in the present, and that we have access to God's immeasurably great power right now --- power that overcomes death and spiritual opposition --- through the Holy Spirit who lives inside us.

Discussion Questions:

1. Have you ever felt powerless against forces beyond your control? How so? Do you feel that way right now?

2. Paul's first big prayer request is that we would know God better, through a fresh experience with the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:17). Does that prayer request surprise you? Why or why not? How would you characterize your current relationship with God?

3. Paul's second big prayer request is that we would grasp the "big picture" of our life's reality: our future and our present (Eph 1:18-19). How would you describe your ultimate future, in Christ? Would you characterize it as a "glorious inheritance,"? Does it give you hope for today? Why or why not?

4. Paul prays that we would grasp the reality of the power available to us right now (1:19-23). When you read these verses, what strikes you? Where do you need this power in your life right now? Is it hard to believe that this power is available to us right now? Why or why not?

5. Read Luke 11:9-13. The Father wants to give you more of the Holy Spirit in your life. Take time to pray, asking for a fresh encounter with the Holy Spirit and for the power to face the challenges you are currently facing.