Partners in Christ

Written By Nicole Vollrath

This week, we continue our series titled, "In Christ", a study through the book of Ephesians. As Paul writes to the church of Ephesus, he is a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of the gentiles. It is through Christ and His grace the gentiles are brought in to the family of God as co-heirs and full members of the body. We all share as partners in the promise of the Holy Spirit for us. In Christ, we all share in bold and confident access to Him and with these revelations, are commissioned to share the good news.

RLC Home Group Handout | October 5th, 2025 

“Partners in Christ”  | Ephesians 3:1-13

Recap

This week in Ephesians 3:1–13, we reflected together on the great mystery of the gospel that was revealed to Paul and, by grace, revealed also to us. Just as Paul saw himself not as a prisoner of Rome but as a prisoner of Christ for the sake of the Gentiles, we too recognize that our lives are bound by God’s calling, not by earthly circumstances. We rejoice that in Christ we have been made coheirs in God’s family, members of one body, and partners in the promise of the Holy Spirit. This revelation is pure grace, and like Paul, we are commissioned to proclaim the incalculable riches of Christ to the world. Rather than losing heart in trials or discouragement, we rest in the boldness and confident access we have through faith in Jesus, and we embrace the privilege of joining God’s eternal purpose by making His wisdom known through the church.

References 

  • Genesis 12:1-3 – God’s promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through him.

  • 1 Corinthians 12:12–26 – The Body of Christ and its many members .

  • John 16:7-15, Acts 6:1-9 & 2:37-39 – The promised Holy Spirit.

Discussion Questions

Head

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

  • What does Paul mean by calling himself a “prisoner of Christ Jesus” rather than a prisoner of Rome (v.1)? How does that shape the way we see suffering?

  • How do the three descriptions—coheirs, members of one body, and partners in the promise—help us understand our identity in Christ?

  • Why was this “mystery” (vv. 4,5) not visible to previous generations?

Heart

  • Where do you tend to feel prideful or insecure in your faith, and how does Paul’s humility as “the least of all the saints” encourage you?

  • In what specific ways has the Holy Spirit personally guided, comforted, or empowered you in your walk with Christ? 

  • Which aspect of our identity in Christ (coheir, member, partner) feels most meaningful to you right now, and why?

  • How does it make you feel to realize that you are an heir and not a “self-made” person?

Hands

  • Where is God calling you to use your gifts to serve the church family in this season?

  • What practical steps can we take to live more interdependently as members of the same body in our church?

  • What opportunities do we have to proclaim the “incalculable riches of Christ” to people around us?

Nicole Vollrath
Next

Unity in Christ