How To Use This Guide:
listen
Listen to the video and read this week's materials
reflect
Prayerfully answer the questions below
discuss
Meet with your group to discuss
respond
Apply the truth of God’s word to your life
How To Use This Guide:
listen
Listen to the weekly sermon and read through the main passage(s)
reflect
Prayerfully answer the questions below
discuss
Meet with your group to discuss
respond
Apply the truth of God’s word to your life
latest sermon:
background
Easter confirms that Jesus’ resurrection is more than just a miracle. It is a validation of his authority. The cross appeared to silence him, but the resurrection shows that no earthly power can ultimately defeat him. Those who opposed him are revealed to be powerless. They could kill him, but they could not take his life.
Paul begins his letter to the Ephesians by describing this reality: the same power that raised Christ from the dead has placed him far above all rule and authority. Jesus is not only risen; he is also reigning. His resurrection proves he is both Savior and King. His authority isn’t distant or threatening for believers. Instead, it is something we should delight in. Celebrating Easter means we cannot stop at simply recognizing Jesus as alive. We must also surrender to his Lordship. Dying to self means we are raised to walk in a new life of forgiveness and freedom.
Paul begins his letter to the Ephesians by describing this reality: the same power that raised Christ from the dead has placed him far above all rule and authority. Jesus is not only risen; he is also reigning. His resurrection proves he is both Savior and King. His authority isn’t distant or threatening for believers. Instead, it is something we should delight in. Celebrating Easter means we cannot stop at simply recognizing Jesus as alive. We must also surrender to his Lordship. Dying to self means we are raised to walk in a new life of forgiveness and freedom.
OPEN
1. What was a memorable moment for you during the Easter weekend activities?
REFLECT
2. Read Ephesians 1:15-23. How does Paul characterize the power that raised Jesus? Why is it important that this same power is available to “us who believe”?
3. According to this passage, how is Jesus’ power already at work among believers (vv.15-18)? Where can we see evidence of this in the lives of Christians?
4. Read Matthew 28:16–18. Jesus declares that “all authority in heaven and on earth” has been given to Him. Why is it significant that this statement comes after the resurrection? What makes the resurrection such a vivid display of divine power?
3. According to this passage, how is Jesus’ power already at work among believers (vv.15-18)? Where can we see evidence of this in the lives of Christians?
4. Read Matthew 28:16–18. Jesus declares that “all authority in heaven and on earth” has been given to Him. Why is it significant that this statement comes after the resurrection? What makes the resurrection such a vivid display of divine power?
APPLY
5. Truly celebrating the resurrection requires surrendering to Jesus as Lord. What can make it difficult to go from believing in Jesus to submitting to his authority? Why is submitting to his authority necessary for believers?
6. Where do you find yourself tempted to depend on your own strength rather than trusting in the power of the risen Christ? What does it look practically like to “die to self” and live under his kingship in your daily life?
7. Paul presents a clear choice: receive or resist Jesus’ lordship. As a group, how can we encourage each other to live with both confidence in his power and submission to his authority?
6. Where do you find yourself tempted to depend on your own strength rather than trusting in the power of the risen Christ? What does it look practically like to “die to self” and live under his kingship in your daily life?
7. Paul presents a clear choice: receive or resist Jesus’ lordship. As a group, how can we encourage each other to live with both confidence in his power and submission to his authority?
RESOURCES
If you are interested in joining a group next semester, fill out the interest form below or contact Doug Barnwell at dbarnwell@fellowshipjackson.com.
We ask every Home Group participant to commit to the Four Essentials of a Healthy Group outlined in our Home Group Commitment. These essentials help ensure that every group stays healthy, welcoming, and spiritually meaningful for everyone involved. You can review those here.