Growing Deeper, Growing Stronger
Introduction
Has your growth stalled?
That was the question we wrestled with in this week's Thrive Together message from Ephesians 3:14-21. Spiritual growth isn’t always linear. Sometimes we feel stuck. No matter how much we want to move forward, something just isn’t clicking. If that’s where you are right now, you’re not alone. And you’re not finished.
Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians gives us the roadmap to move forward again. The secret? It starts with going deeper before going higher.
Discussion Questions
I. Rooted. Eph 3:14-15
You can’t grow stronger unless you’ve rooted yourself in surrender.
II. Strengthened. Eph 3:16-19
Spiritual growth doesn’t start by doing more, it starts by receiving more.
III. Amazed. Eph 3:20-21
Praise is the natural result of having humility and empowerment through the Holy Spirit in their proper order.
Study Questions
What’s something that amazes you so much you have to stop and just admire it…nature, art, a skill someone has?
According to Ephesians 3:14-15, why does Paul kneel before the Father, and what does this reveal about how we should approach God in prayer and life?
Paul says in Ephesians 3:16-17 that he prays for believers to be strengthened with power through the Spirit. Why is inner spiritual strength more important than external strength? Have you ever tried to push through a tough season in your own strength?
Read Colossians 2:6-7. How does being "rooted and built up in Him" connect with Paul’s prayer that Christ would dwell in our hearts? How does deep rooting produce stability in difficult seasons?
Paul describes Christ’s love in dimensions: wide, long, high, and deep (Ephesians 3:18-19). Why do you think he used this language? What does this tell us about how much more there is to know and experience of God's love?
Reread Ephesians 3:20-21. What means does God use to do things above and beyond all we ask or think? How does this means show up in our lives? What is the purpose of this means? Connect the dots. What then is the purpose of God going above and beyond in our lives?
CALL TO ACTION: Memorize Ephesians 3:20. Ask God to strengthen you daily with His power and root you deeper in His love. Share with someone how God has shown His greatness in your life and how you want to grow in awe and amazement.