Pray
Pray to open.
To Start
Read the Apostles’ Creed individually or aloud together.
Share any particular reflections on Sunday’s sermon
Discuss
This study incorporates three lines of the Creed which focus on church as a group defined by our common forgiveness in Christ. Belief in “the communion of the saints” is particularly poignant in this season of separation due to COVID-19.
What do you treasure about church?
What do you find hard or testing about church?
The creation of the church or ‘assembly’ is a basic outworking of Christ’s saving work. Sin cuts us off from God and puts us at war with each other. When our sin is forgiven and we are made anew, we are not only at peace with God, but also with those who follow Jesus as Lord. The Creed formerly referred to the ‘catholic’ church. This is not a reference to the Roman Catholic Church; ‘catholic’ means universal (the current wording). ‘Universal’ can refer to the multinational composition of the local church, the church that is spread across the known world, and the church that has met in every generation since the first church in Acts 2.
According to Ephesians 1:1-8, who are the “saints” or “holy people” referred to in verse 1?
To be holy is to be set apart by God, for God. In what ways are we holy (Eph. 1:1-8)?
When you look around your growth group and the people gathered on Sunday, is this how you see others? Is this how you see yourself?
Discuss
Wholehearted disciples of Christ see the world through the lens of God’s word. Genuine belief in “the communion of the saints” requires a determined view of each other as saints, and nothing less. This is vital, because we all carry our old sinful natures into church and tensions can often flare. Consider the fact that most of the letters in the New Testament deal with troubles and complexities inside the church, not conflict with the world. (Your answers to Q.3 above no doubt reflect this). Wholehearted disciples see the church through God’s eyes. Jesus knew this would be a profound challenge.
According to John 13:34-35, what should our “communion” be marked by? What are the traits of Jesus’ love that we must exhibit if we are to be true disciples (see Col. 3:13-14)?
Reflect
When we believe in the holy catholic church, the communion of the saints and the forgiveness of sins, we will pray and act accordingly.
Read Ephesians 3:14-21. What key things does Paul pray for the church? Do we pray like this for our church?
According to Ephesians 4:1-6, how do we keep “the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace”? How might this apply in our large church with many different congregations and ministries, including Mandarin, Youth and Children’s ministries?
Read Ephesians 4:7-16. This passage tells us that the ascended Christ provides various leaders to prepare and equip God’s people.
In what ways are you seeking to serve at the moment? Where would you like to serve?
According to this passage, what are the significant marks of a well-equipped, maturing church?
Close
Share one thing from the study that stood out to you about God our Father from the study.
Return to Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14 and pray these things for our church and the church worldwide.
After prayer, read the Creed together (if you didn’t at the start).