Passage

“I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.”

Introduction Questions

1. Have you ever experienced a reunion of any kind? What makes reunions so powerful?

2. When was a time you got to experience something because of who you knew or who you were with? (A perk of being a friend or family member of someone)

3. What do you own that is priceless or one-of-a-kind? What is something that, if you lost it, you could never replace?

Observation Questions

1.  Summarize what the gentiles need to know according to this week’s text?

2. What does verse 10 teach us about one of the Church’s purposes?

3. Why do you think the Church would have been so discouraged by Paul’s sufferings? Why does he need to encourage them about this?

4. What about Sunday’s sermon stuck out to you or challenged you? What did you learn, love, or were you reminded of?

Personal Reflection Questions

1. What does access to God look like in a believer’s life? How did you enjoy the access to God you now have this past week? In what ways do you take this access for granted?

2. Who do you know who thinks there is no way they could ever have access to God? Why do you think they assume that?

3. What earthly suffering might you need to endure to get the Gospel to some people God has placed into your life? Are you willing?

4. In light of our text this week and our sermon on Sunday, how might we respond in obedience? What do you think God is asking you to do?