Week 4: A Life Worthy

Fellowship – Snacks or a Meal (10 minutes with snacks; longer, obviously, if there is a meal)

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). In pairs or groups of three, have participants talk about a person they knew who lived a worthy life (however they define “worthy”).

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes).

Read: Ephesians 4:1-16

What have you learned in the last year and a half about the importance of physically gathering as a community of faith for corporate worship? Have you gained more appreciation for this opportunity of being physically gathered? Do you see it as more of a need than prior to quarantining?
How might digital technologies, such as video conferencing platforms, be used for the most benefit to supplement our in-person gatherings?
In verse 1, Paul uses the word “call” twice. As we explored in last week’s passage, we are called to live life rooted and grounded in love. This calling of God is not such a narrow and specific path that we can miss it or mess it up. It is the wide calling of living a life worthy of the gospel in various forms and ways. How do verses 2 and 3 reveal what a worthy life that is called into love look like?
Which of the gifts in verse 11 do you think is most fitting for you?
Our culture often speaks of self-purpose or self-fulfillment. What is the purpose of these gifts (hint: verse 12)?
What might it look like for you to lead a life worthy of the gospel?

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). End by praying the following or a similar prayer:

Covenant making and Covenant keeping God, we give you thanks that we are not on this journey alone. For you have demonstrated the way through Jesus Christ and are continually present with us, empowering us as your gifted servants for mission and ministry. Give us the courage to walk, trusting in your grace that we might live a life worthy to be called children of the Most High God. Amen.