pastor resources
Pastor’s Resources
Paul (NT Wright)
Ephesians, Verse by Verse (Grant R. Osborne)
Ephesians Audio Lectures (Clinton Arnold)
Understanding Spiritual Warfare (Sam Storms & Clinton Arnold)
The Blue Parakeet (Scot McKnight)
Rediscovering Scripture’s Vision for Women (Lucy Peppiatt & Scott McKnight)
Paul (NT Wright)
Ephesians, Verse by Verse (Grant R. Osborne)
Ephesians Audio Lectures (Clinton Arnold)
Understanding Spiritual Warfare (Sam Storms & Clinton Arnold)
The Blue Parakeet (Scot McKnight)
Rediscovering Scripture’s Vision for Women (Lucy Peppiatt & Scott McKnight)
core group questions
Week 5: Eph. 4:17-5:2
1. Futile Thinking
Paul warns believers not to live in the futility of thinking like the Gentiles/non-believers
(Eph. 4:17). In what ways are you tempted to adopt patterns of believing your own
“truths” that can be shaped more by culture, politics, or personal desire than by THE
truths of Christ? How can you guard your mind against that drift?
2. Belief & Behavior Connection
Paul reminds us that our beliefs should shape our behavior. Where do you see gaps in
your own life between what you say you believe and how you actually live? What might
“walking it like you talk it” look like for you this week?
3. Taking Off & Putting On
Ephesians 4:22–24 calls us to take off the old self and put on the new. What’s 1-2 “old
self” vices that you know God is calling you to strip away? And what’s 1-2 “new self”
virtues you can intentionally put in their place?
4. Sin’s Ripple Effect
Our sin doesn’t just harm us but also the people we love. Can you think of an example
where you’ve seen this play out in your life? Provide some examples. How does this
truth raise the stakes for addressing & dealing with sin quickly?
5. Truth vs. Lies
Paul commands us to put off falsehood and speak truthfully (Eph. 4:25). What are
some “little lies” or exaggerations that you’re noticed yourself justifying on a regular
basis? Why do you think honesty is so foundational to unity in the church?
6. Anger & Forgiveness
Ephesians 4:26–27 warns against carrying anger. Is there anyone you need to extend
forgiveness to currently & why? What practices have helped you release bitterness
before it poisons relationships?
7. Work & Generosity
Paul tells us not to steal but instead to work so that we can share with those in need.
What would it look like for you to view your work as an opportunity for generosity?
8. Walking in Love
Ephesians 5:1–2 calls us to “walk in the way of love” as Christ did. In practical terms,
what’s one way you can embody sacrificial love this week — in your home, your church, or your workplace community.
1. Futile Thinking
Paul warns believers not to live in the futility of thinking like the Gentiles/non-believers
(Eph. 4:17). In what ways are you tempted to adopt patterns of believing your own
“truths” that can be shaped more by culture, politics, or personal desire than by THE
truths of Christ? How can you guard your mind against that drift?
2. Belief & Behavior Connection
Paul reminds us that our beliefs should shape our behavior. Where do you see gaps in
your own life between what you say you believe and how you actually live? What might
“walking it like you talk it” look like for you this week?
3. Taking Off & Putting On
Ephesians 4:22–24 calls us to take off the old self and put on the new. What’s 1-2 “old
self” vices that you know God is calling you to strip away? And what’s 1-2 “new self”
virtues you can intentionally put in their place?
4. Sin’s Ripple Effect
Our sin doesn’t just harm us but also the people we love. Can you think of an example
where you’ve seen this play out in your life? Provide some examples. How does this
truth raise the stakes for addressing & dealing with sin quickly?
5. Truth vs. Lies
Paul commands us to put off falsehood and speak truthfully (Eph. 4:25). What are
some “little lies” or exaggerations that you’re noticed yourself justifying on a regular
basis? Why do you think honesty is so foundational to unity in the church?
6. Anger & Forgiveness
Ephesians 4:26–27 warns against carrying anger. Is there anyone you need to extend
forgiveness to currently & why? What practices have helped you release bitterness
before it poisons relationships?
7. Work & Generosity
Paul tells us not to steal but instead to work so that we can share with those in need.
What would it look like for you to view your work as an opportunity for generosity?
8. Walking in Love
Ephesians 5:1–2 calls us to “walk in the way of love” as Christ did. In practical terms,
what’s one way you can embody sacrificial love this week — in your home, your church, or your workplace community.