Introduction

When we begin reflecting on Christ`s resurrection and what it means, we have no choice but to begin thinking, perhaps there`s more to be desired in walking with the Lord. The implication of this statement is there`s more to being a Christian than we presume, and God would want us to grow so He will show us things we have not yet seen and understood as we grow. On a grandeur scale, Paul was seized by the

wonders and mystery of Christ`s power saying the potency of the resurrection power is a mystery that can be at work in a believer. Paul wants to know the power of Christ`s resurrection despite the incredible experiences he had had with God, and we have no reason not to feel the same.

Questions:

According to Ephe. 1; 8, Paul prays that the Ephesians may know the hope unto which they have been called. However, the word hope sometimes may be used for something we desire but have doubt(s) in achieving.
A. What message does Ephe. 1: 19 – 23 try to communicate to us about what God`s power has accomplished?
B. Describe the authority of Christ in Ephe. 1: 21 – 23, Matt. 28: 18; 1 Corinthians 15: 20 – 28. In view of these power and authority of Christ made available to believers, what problems and challenges do we see in the use of such power today.
C. In view of Rm. 8: 34 – 39, observe yourself the difference Christ`s resurrection power makes in your life. What practical choices do people make that makes churches tend towards entertainment and formalism than seeking to experience God`s power.
Reading from Rom. 8: 12 – 14; Phil. 1: 29; James 4: 7, what sort of things in our Christian life do we need the resurrection power of Christ according to Rom. 8: 12 – 14; Phil. 1: 29; James 4: 7
A. Since the Bible uses hope as a confident future, what reality do the following verses tell us about the hope God offers believers in Acts 24: 15; 1 Jn. 3: 1 – 3; Jn. 14: 27; Rom. 8: 17 and James 2: 5
B. Ephe. 1: 23 describes Christ`s exaltation and supremacy. Explain how Christ`s authority over all powers is phrased and emphasized in Ephe. 4: 10 and Hebrews 9:5.
C. Ephe. 4: 20 – 24 directs us to our past which Paul pays attention to the Ephesians. According to Ephe. 4; 20, what does Paul mean when he said, “You have not so learnt Christ;” (KJV). What would you say to describe how much Christ`s power has changed you to change the world.
The Great Commission was given not to the crowds, but to those whom God entrusted with the task of building his church. Explain how the command to “Baptize, Teach and make Disciple” in Matt. 28: 19 – 20 practically correspond to and relates to knowing Christ.
A. In view of Ephe. 1: 15 – 17, the Lord has provided every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places for the Ephesians that believed. Why does knowledge of this truth move Paul to pray. In other words, what does Paul`s ongoing prayer demonstrates.
B. In Ephe. 1: 18 - 20, Paul`s prayer seeks three outcomes when he asked God to reveal Himself. Discuss the significance of the figure of speech “Eyes of the heart to be enlightened.”
C. 1 John 3: 2 - 3 states, our high calling to become like Christ will be fully attained either when we die physically or when Jesus Christ comes again in the victory and power of His resurrection. Discuss why we must strive for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.
In Phil. 3: 10, we noticed Paul`s severity toward God because he knows it is impossible for one to trust one`s own resources of brilliance and or spiritual gifts. Why is such attitude good that he wants the Philippians to know.
A. Paul highlights in 2 Cor. 5: 17 and Ephe. 4: 24 that as believers in Christ, our righteous Lord dwells in our hearts by faith and we are new creature after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. What does Paul`s use of a renewed and transformed mind ought to tell us in Rm. 12: 1 – 2.
B. Considering Phil. 3: 4 – 12, Paul had much to boast about his list of assets and achievements but counted them as rubbish to gain Christ. What do Christians incorporate into their faith that beguiled them?
C. Paul uses the word, “Pressing toward the mark” in a way that demonstrates the use of tremendous effort. What interpretive danger does that pose, and how does Phil. 3: 13 keys in to describe what Paul meant.
In a remarkable way, the conversation between Jesus and the Apostle Thomas in John 20: 26 – 31 allowed us to see our struggle between faith and doubt on our way to attaining knowledge concerning the mystery of the power of God.
A. With reference to John 20: 19, what does John 20: 31 means from a doctrinal perspective?
B. Jesus appeared after resurrection and granted Thomas the evidence he wanted. Read John 20: 26 - 31 and describe any strong contemplation and doubt people dramatically have in believing what Scripture has said about Jesus.
C. With a few examples, use what people say and do to recall how we relate to Thomas.