Puyallup Nazarene Church
Welcome to the deep dive into discovering an emotionally healthy spirituality. Key to spiritual maturity is the willingness to step into greater emotional health. Otherwise, what is fractured, hidden and excused within us will create chaos and sabotage our growth in relationships and in witness to our world. Let's go!
Ephesians 4:11-16 NIV
Do you have reasons for not engaging with others in this discovery?
Compelling reasons to take the deep dive.
Why we need this: “...to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." verses 11-13
The reason to that excels them all. "For the praise of his glory!" See Ephesians 1.6, 12 and 14; Ephesians 3.20...
The Call to Prayer: Nothing happens without Jesus.
The invitation:
Discussion and Application Questions for Group Life Communities and Personal Study- Ephesians 4:11-16
Spiritual maturity is linked with our emotional health. Consider how you might integrate the spiritual and emotional dimensions of your life.
Observe – Read the passages several times, slowly, paying attention to the words, the repetition and the main ideas of the scriptures. What words or ideas capture your attention? Where are words repeated? What is a new thought about the passage?
Interpret
- According to the truths communicated in this section (verses 11-16), why are we called to maturity?
- We would find it difficult to imagine Jesus as emotionally immature. Why is knowing him such an important part of growing into maturity?
- God's call to us is 'fullness in Christ' or the 'fullness of Jesus.' Why do you think we settle for less? Why is honesty a significant step toward this fullness?
- How does this section counter a hyper-individualistic view of our faith and spiritual journey?
Apply
- What is one truth that you need to pay attention to in order to embrace God's call to emotional and spiritual maturity?
- How can you affirm your Group's role in helping each other grow in well-rounded maturity?
- Pray for each other fervently this week, and for the entire church.
Remember:
Four Principles for Living the Missio Dei:
*Share in life with people who do not yet know Jesus.
*Inspire others to know and follow Jesus by living your faith attractively.
*Grow with others in your faith and obedience.
*Serve others with sacrificial love.
Follow up
Thank you for continuing to take an interest in the people in your group. How can you follow up with group members this week? How can you pray for them?
This week let’s pray for each other that we may experience the victory of Jesus in the midst of our daily challenges.
