Session 3--Week of September 20-26

Session 3:  Living Faith
Ephesians 2:8-10; 4:15, 25,29; 5:8-14

SAVED BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH
   (read Ephesians 2:8-10)
1.  Why is it crucial for Christians to know that we're saved by grace?
2.  How is relying on someone different from mentally accepting certain ideas?
         Going Deeper:Faith is relational, describing reliance on a reliable God.  Fiath is a covenant word, expressing the commitment and trust that bind two parties together.
3.  What has God done to deserve our reliance?  What has God done to deserve our being faithful?
4.  It is impossible to be saved by "works" (2:9), our own accomplishments.  But Paul says we are saved for works (2:10).  What's the difference between being saved by works and being saved for works (2:9-10)?
5.  How would you answer this question:  "How did anyone read the New Teatament and conclude we do not have to do anything?"
6.  Does Paul mean that we "saved people" need to be constantly working, working, working to make God happy?  Explain your view.

LIVE AS CHILDREN OF LIGHT
     (Read Ephesians 5:8-14)
7.  What life habits does a child of light have (5:8-14)?
8.  Why is light a fitting word picture to describe a person who lives his or her faith in the world?

DOING THE TRUTH IN LOVE
     (Read Ephesians 4:15, 25, 29)
9.  Why is love impossible without truthgulness/honesty/faithfulness?
10.  If we tell each other the "truth" harshly or arrogantly, are we saying what is really true in God's eyes?  Explain.
11. Why are Christian often afraid to tell each other the truth about their sin or their pain?
12. What do you think of the idea that honest doubt about the validity of our faith can be healthy?  How might it be healthy or not healthy?  What are the risks or benefits of honestly doubting our faith?

From the cowardice that shrinks from new truths,
From the laziness that is content with half-truths,
And from the arrogance that thinks it knows all trugh,
O God of Truth, deliver us.  --Henlee H. Barnett