Message Notes for June 11, 2023
Series: A Tour of Ephesians – The Walls Will Fall
Title: The Wall of Self-Condemnation Will Fall 

“80% self-talk is negative/condemning” Russ Harris- Psychologist and Author of “Happiness Trap”

Our first calling is to___________________

Ephesians 1:3-14 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Read Ephesians 1:3-14. What moves your heart the most about all that God has done for you?

Romans 8:30-33 “Those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.”

Family/Study Group Notes for June 11, 2023
Series: A Tour of Ephesians – The Walls Will Fall
Title: The Wall of Self-Condemnation Will Fall

• Read Ephesians 1:3-14 about blessings for those in Christ. When you were a child, what was something that made you think you were less than those things listed in this passage?
  
  

• In that passage, which piece moves your heart the most about all that God has done for you? Which part do you struggle to believe is true?
  
  

• Why is self-condemnation increasing in our culture? How does this passage impact that?
  
  

• Make a list of all the things that passage says about those in Christ, which one do you need to be reminded of daily this week? Write it down somewhere you will see it each day and let that encourage you!
  
  

• Mark Labberton, author of the book “Called” says about Christian identity and calling, “Our first calling is to be His Beloved.” Do you agree or disagree? Does your self-talk reflect that?
  
  

• If you struggle with knowing how much God loves you, we encourage you to read Ephesians 1:3-14 every day over yourself. Let God’s word transform your thoughts. The good news for you is that Jesus lived and died and rose again so our Heavenly Father may see you this way. Pray for your heart and mind to deeply know this, and for another friend or family member to know this as well.
  
  

• How can you encourage someone else in their identity in Christ this week?