Ephesians 3:1-13
Blurred gray and white background.
May 22, 2023
Ephesians 3:1-13

REAL INCLUSION

Paul knows that the suffering he is experiencing in jail could be discouraging to his friends in Ephesus. He writes to help them see reality through eyes transformed by wonder. It’s a view of life that is amazed by Jesus, amazed by grace, and amazed by the church.

Listen to an audio version of the message

Songs for this week: Spotify

Ephesians 3:1-13

  1. Paul writes these verses to help people who are discouraged by suffering. How have you seen suffering produce discouragement, either in your life or, in the lives of those around you?
  2. Paul identifies himself as a “prisoner of Jesus.” One way of reading that is that he’s completely at Jesus’ disposal. Who in your life best shows this whole-life commitment to Jesus?
  3. How would you describe the wonder of grace? How compelling is grace in your life?
  4. What do you think of Paul’s amazement at the church? Do you share this view?
  5. How are you pursuing the unity that displays God’s brilliant wisdom? Is there a break in a relationship with someone that God is inviting you to address today?
Share with a friend

Recent Sermons

September 6, 2026
Colossians 4:2-9 - Prayer isn’t meant to be an afterthought—it’s an invitation to stay connected to God. Paul’s final words challenge us to pray with purpose, keep our eyes open for what God is doing, and look for opportunities to share Jesus. A great way to wrap up a letter—and launch us into the world God loves.
August 30, 2026
Colossians 3:18-4:1 -Paul closes his letter by showing how following Jesus transforms our everyday relationships—with spouses, children, parents, employees, and employers—and calls us to care for one another with kindness.
August 24, 2026
Colossians 3:12-17-Sometimes Christianity gets known for what we don’t do. But Paul points us toward something better: how we live, love, and treat one another. What marks a genuine Christian community? It all starts with who God is and how deeply He loves us.
August 16, 2026
Colossians 3:5-11-Paul points to two areas that reveal who we are at the deepest level: sex and speech. The path to health and freedom isn’t harsh rules or self-focus, but staying close to Jesus, knowing him and growing in him. Christianity isn’t harsh rules; it’s a vibrant friendship.
August 9, 2026
Colossians 2:20-3:4 - Religious baggage can pull us in all kinds of directions—from expecting God to fit our preferences to trying to earn His approval. Paul’s message to the Colossians was simple: stop guessing what God wants and get back to the core of Christianity—Jesus.
August 6, 2026
Colossians 2:13-19 - Humans have a problem that we can’t save ourselves from—not through secular programs or religious systems. The good news of Jesus is that on the cross, Jesus dealt with it all. In him we are alive, forgiven, and free!
All Sermons