Blessing in Christ

Written By Olivia Armitage

This week, we kick off our new series titled, "In Christ" as we begin our study through the book of Ephesians. Paul greets the church in Epehesus and wishes them grace and peace, which comes from God. As believers, we are the adopted sons and daughters and freely receiving grace, peace, and redemption through His sacrifice for us. In this relationship, we do not only receive but are also available to spread the word and are invited to be a part of the plan He has for us all.

RLC Home Group Handout | September 7th, 2025 

“In Christ”  | Ephesians 1:1-14

Recap

As we journey through Paul’s opening words in Ephesians, we are reminded that every blessing in our lives comes from the Father, through the Son, and by the Spirit. God chose us in love before the foundation of the world, adopting us into His family so that we might live as His children—enjoying the privilege of access to our Father while also walking in the responsibility of holiness. In Christ, we are redeemed and forgiven, given a new beginning and a calling to join God’s mission of bringing heaven and earth together under Jesus’ lordship. And we look forward with confidence to our eternal inheritance, secured and guaranteed by the Holy Spirit who lives in us. Together, we praise God’s glorious grace, rest in His love, and step boldly into the purpose He has given us.

References 

  • Acts 18-19 – The church in Ephesus.

  • Hebrews 4:16 – “Come with confidence before the throne of grace”

  • Hebrews 12:5-8 – “The Lord disciplines his children”

Discussion Questions


Head

  • Is there anything that stood out or spoke to you in this week’s sermon?

  • What does it mean that we were “chosen before the foundation of the world”? How does Scripture hold together both God’s sovereignty and human responsibility?

Heart

  • Where do you struggle most to rest in the peace of Christ rather than the chaos of the world?

  • What thoughts or feelings rise up in you when you think about God’s discipline being proof of His love?

  • How do we strike the balance between confidently approaching God’s throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16) and living with a holy fear of God (Proverbs 9:10; Hebrews 12:28–29)? In your own walk with the Lord, do you tend to lean more toward boldness without reverence, or reverence without boldness?

  • Which part of this passage—being chosen, redeemed, forgiven, adopted, sealed—most stirs your gratitude and worship right now?

Hands

  • What is one practical way you can remind yourself daily of your identity as an adopted child of God?

  • What specific steps can you take this week to participate in God’s work of “uniting all things in Christ”?


Olivia Armitage
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