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Opening
How have you seen the beauty of Christ displayed through the conduct of a church community?


Summary
Read 1 Timothy 3:14-16
In these three verses the Apostle Paul summarizes his purpose for writing to Timothy. The church in Ephesus has been compromised by false teaching and is conducting itself in such a way that the beauty of the gospel is being obscured. In our text, Paul reminds the church in Ephesus, and us, that our behavior matters. As God’s people, we are to conduct ourselves in a godly way, because of who we are, what God has called us to do, and most importantly, because Jesus is worthy of our utmost devotion.


Discussion Questions
  1. What are some of the behaviours the Apostle Paul has in mind? Are there others that he hasn’t addressed in 1 Timothy?
  2. What are two ways the Apostle Paul defines our identity as the church? What are some of the implications for us as we see ourselves in these ways?
  3. What aspects of “Family Life” can you celebrate? What things do you find hard? How can we grow as God’s family?
  4. As you think of the community of believers, as the church of the Living God, Where are you specifically challenged in personal worship, and in corporate worship?
  5. How does God’s call upon the church to put the truth and beauty of Jesus on display for the watching world to see, challenge you thinking about the church? What things may this challenge you to prioritize?
  6. As Paul defines truth in the person of Jesus Christ and as he illuminates the supremacy of Christ, What is stirred up in your heart and mind? How might God be calling you to respond to this truth?