Paul is writing from prison and it’s like he’s inviting us to join him! For Americans who have learned to guard and demand our rights (I’m no different), this kind of message threatens the very core of our existence. But he’s really giving us a gift that’s useful each and every day: how to turn our suffering into an opportunity to get more of Jesus in our lives. Let’s talk about Prison, In A Good Way.
Discussion Questions
List the timeless reasons why prison is so bad. In what sense are believers prisoners for Christ?
Your Goals
What have been some of your driving goals that led to a metaphorical prison? What were the limits or consequences that came with pursuing those goals?
Verse 2 gives us an alternate goal that helps us rethink our daily priorities. Is there a current, lingering situation in your life, where you’re being irresponsible with the grace God has given you to steward and administer – instead you’re choosing to punish? Why do we capriciously give out grace to some but not to others? Does it seem random?
Have you ever said, “Lord, anytime, anywhere, anything – I’m all yours”? What happened? Would it scare you to make that kind of pledge right now? Yet, isn’t this the posture and attitude of a prisoner for Christ? Is there any sense of balance with regards to normal living and sustaining our practical responsibilities? Does following Christ have to be this extreme? …Prison, really?
Your Friends
Like Paul to the Gentiles and Peter to the Jews, who in your past was seeking “people like you” with the Gospel, which then resulted in you responding in faith? Do you now have a mission-field or sense of calling?
What mystery was made known to Paul, then to King Agrippa (even to Festus), then to the Ephesians, and now to you? (v. 6) Is this mystery the basic point of history, or would that be too simplistic and narrow? Note: Paul was pretty concise in both Acts 26:12-32 and here in Ephesians 3:2-12.
Have you ever witnessed a beautiful and miraculous reconciliation between enemies, who became friends? What happened? Have you ever been dramatically reconciled? What was your reaction to Joe’s personal story?
Your Power Source
Does the church have a powerful role in the world, in your estimation? If not, is there a greater power responsible for making things better or worse? If the church is the most powerful force, do you feel directly involved or not so much?
Commenting on Ephesians 3:10, Clint Arnold wrote, “The powers are now to be made aware of the manifold wisdom of God through the church. The church is never given the task of preaching to the powers. The wisdom of God will be made known through the church. In other words, the church visibly testifies to God’s wisdom by its very existence.” (Power and Magic: The Concept of Power in Ephesians) Does this quote encourage, confuse, or inspire you?
Your Fix
Recall one or two insights about suffering from the message. Did you agree with this take? We all suffer, but what suffering has made you more mature in Jesus or more like Jesus? How?
GOSPEL: Enemies can become friends, and it’s because God reached out to make friends with us, while we were still sinners and enemies (Romans 5:8; John 15:15). Now you get to be involved with that, not because you’re so great – you’re “still the worst” (Ephesians 3:8). Yet you get to be a saint, doing saintly work, because the love given out to you from the cross is now to be given out every time you turn around; especially to your enemies.
