"Guilty to Forgiven" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

God’s plan for our salvation is not just for us to go to heaven; it involves us experiencing His forgiveness and redemption because of His great love, mercy, and grace. This gospel was according to His plan—the Son of God, Jesus, taking our sin and shame upon Himself so we could be redeemed, be forgiven, and know His will.

Main Passage

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.
- Ephesians 1:7-10

Discussion Questions

1. God forgives us in His grace because Jesus paid the penalty for our sins. Do you truly believe you’re forgiven? If so, is there anyone you need to forgive?
2. Jesus bought our freedom at the cost of His own life. How should the way God values you affect the way you live your life this week?
3. God’s plan for our personal lives is always connected to His bigger purpose: saving mankind. How can you grow in your own purpose, while participating in God’s plan by making disciples?
    

"Death to Life" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

The Bible says that without Christ and His saving work, we are dead in our sins. We are not bad or in need of a little help; we are dead. But God’s mercy, love, and grace cause dead people to come alive. Our salvation is God’s work and gift. We could never do anything to deserve it. Jesus Christ took our place and paid the price for our sin through His death, burial, and resurrection. This is the gospel. And the only appropriate response is to believe in Him and gratefully live a life that glorifies Him.

Main Passage

1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
- Ephesians 2:1-7

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
- Ephesians 2:8-10

Questions

1. Have you received by faith the new life that Christ offers? If not, would you like to put your faith in Christ’s finished work for your salvation?
2. Can you explain what happened on the cross for you to be saved? To whom can you share it this week?
3. What good works do you believe you can do this week, which God has prepared in advance for you to do?