The Mayfield Class

Reflection Questions1. Where do you see your own “default sins” resurfacing the way Abraham’s fear-driven deception resurfaced in Gerar? Why do certain sins feel “natural” or “reasonable” to us even when we know they are wrong?2. Abraham knew God’s promise, yet acted as if he didn’t. Where do you see that same gap in your life? What does this chapter teach us about the difference between knowing truth and trusting truth?3. How does God’s intervention in Abimelech’s life challenge our assumptions about who is “righteous” in a given moment? What encouragement do you draw from the fact that God protects His covenant even when His people fail?4. Why is it easier to explain our sin than to repent of it? What does Abimelech’s confrontation reveal about the role of others in exposing our blind spots?5. How does Genesis 20 help us understand the difference between grace that forgives and grace that enables change? What does this chapter teach us about the real consequences of sin, even forgiven sin?

Reflection Questions:Why do you think worldliness is almost always gradual rather than sudden? What makes slow drift so spiritually dangerous? Where are you tempted to trade gospel witness for cultural acceptance or a “seat at the table”?Lot calls the mob “brothers” and offers his daughters. What does this reveal about a believer who has lived too long in a corrupt culture? Where do you see this same confusion in the modern church?The men are struck blind, yet still grope for the door.  What does this teach us about the blinding power of sin? Where have you seen this in your own life or in others?Why do you think Lot “lingered” even after believing the angels and warning his family?  What does lingering look like in your life?The angels seize Lot “because the LORD was merciful to him.” How does this verse shape your understanding of salvation and grace?Lot’s daughters carry Sodom into the cave. How does this challenge us as parents, leaders, and disciplers? Where might we be allowing “Sodom” into our homes?How does the parallel between Noah’s drunkenness (Genesis 9) and Lot’s drunkenness (Genesis 19) reinforce the message that judgment alone cannot change the human heart?

Reflection QuestionsWhy do you think God began with His name “El‑Shaddai” after 13 years of silence? What does this reveal about how God restores discouraged believers?What does it mean to “walk before Me and be blameless”? How does the idea of wholeness or integrity help you understand this command?Abraham receives a new name as a daily reminder of God’s promise. What “names” or reminders has God placed in your life to keep His promises before you?Why do you think God chose circumcision, a permanent, embodied sign, and the very spot where he tried to take a shortcut, as the covenant marker? What does this teach us about surrender?Where have you quietly stopped hoping, the way Sarah had?  What would it look like to bring that area back before God? How does the question “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” confront your current fears or doubts?Abraham intercedes not only for Lot but for the entire city. How does Abraham’s prayer challenge your own prayer life? Where do you need to grow in boldness, persistence, or compassion?

Reflection QuestionsWhere do you see yourself in Abram’s fear in verse 1? Why do you think God begins with “Fear not… I am your shield”? What does this reveal about God’s heart toward His people when they are anxious or discouraged?Verse 6 says Abram “believed the Lord, and He counted it to him as righteousness.” How would you explain the difference between faith and righteousness? Why is this distinction essential for understanding the gospel?Sarai’s plan was culturally acceptable but spiritually disastrous. What are some “culturally acceptable shortcuts” Christians are tempted to take today?Why do you think Abram, who had just shown courage in chapter 14, becomes passive in chapter 16? Where are you tempted to be passive when God calls you to lead?Hagar is the first person in Scripture the Lord pursues in the wilderness. What does this reveal about God’s character?How does God’s pursuit of Hagar foreshadow the gospel and the ministry of Jesus?

Reflection Questions:1. What does Abram’s return to the altar in Genesis 13:1–4 teach us about repentance and restoration?2. Why is prosperity often a greater test of faith than adversity? How do you see that in Genesis 13?3. Abram risked everything to rescue Lot. What does this teach us about sacrificial love and courage?4. Why is Abram’s refusal of the king of Sodom so important? What does it reveal about his heart?5. How does Melchizedek point us to Christ? How do Psalm 110 and Hebrews 7 deepen your understanding of Jesus’ priesthood?6. What does this passage teach us about living faithfully in a world filled with competing kings and competing kingdoms?

Reflection QuestionsWhat stood out to you the most about the vagueness of God’s call to Abram (“to the land I will show you”)? How does this challenge the way we often want clarity before obedience?Abram obeyed based solely on God’s spoken word (12:1-4). What does this teach us about the nature of biblical faith (Heb 11:1)? What parts of God’s Word are hardest for you to trust right now? Why?How does knowing that these promises in Geb 12:1-3 ultimately point to Christ (Galatians 3:16) deepen your understanding of the passage? How does Easter (the resurrection) confirm that God keeps His promises?Why do you think God allowed a famine to hit Abram immediately after his obedience? What does Abram’s stumble in Egypt teach us about the ongoing battle between faith and fear?How does God’s intervention in Egypt (12:17) encourage you when you fail? What does this story teach us about God’s commitment to His promises, even when His people stumble?

Reflection QuestionsWhat does this genealogy reveal about the way God works slowly, quietly, and faithfully over long stretches of time? How does that challenge our desire for instant results?Abram was an idolater when God called him. What does that reveal about the nature of grace, and how does it challenge our assumptions about who God can save?Abram obeyed God without knowing where he was going. What is one area of your life where God is calling you to obey without full clarity?Why do you think obedience becomes harder as we get older? What habits in your life are forming you toward obedience, or away from it?Where do you tend to skim the Bible? What does 2 Timothy 3:16-17 teach you about the value of slowing down and reading Scripture deeply in light of Genesis 11:10-32?

Reflection QuestionsWhere in your life do you sense a quiet desire to “stay in one place” spiritually, avoiding the risk, obedience, or scattering God is calling you to?Why is pride so often disguised as productivity, ambition, or “just being responsible”?What would it look like for you to live as someone sent, not someone settled?How does Jesus succeed where the builders of the Tower of Babel failed?Where do you sense God gently frustrating your plans, and how might that be His mercy?

Reflection QuestionsWhere have you seen God “remember” you, by Him stepping into your story with His mercy, provision, or rescue? How does recalling those moments strengthen your trust in Him today?Noah’s first act after stepping onto dry ground was worship. What would it look like for worship to be the “first thing” in your life?Noah waited, trusted, and obeyed even when God was silent. Where is God asking the two of you to wait patiently right now? What does faithful obedience look like in that area?Noah walked with God for centuries, yet fell when he relaxed spiritually. Where are you most tempted to “ease up” spiritually? What safeguards or rhythms can help you stay alert?God blessed Noah’s family and sent them out. What kind of spiritual legacy do you want to build? What is one step could you take this month to move toward that legacy?

Reflection QuestionsWhat does it really mean that Noah was “a righteous man” and “walked with God”? How does Hebrews 11:7 help us understand that?Noah obeyed God for decades without seeing results. Where in your life is God calling you to long‑term obedience without visible payoff?How does Noah’s example of being a herald of righteousness (2 Peter 2:5) encourage or convict you in your own calling to bear witness to Christ?How does this passage reshape your understanding of what it means to “walk with God” in a world moving in the opposite direction?What is one area of your life where you know God is calling you to obey, but you’ve been delaying, rationalizing, or resisting?

Reflection QuestionsWhat does it practically mean for you to “walk with God” in this season of life?Genesis 5 repeats “and he died” over and over. How does the brevity of life shape the way you think about your priorities, your marriage, and your legacy?Genesis 6:5 says every intention of man’s heart was “only evil continually.” What does this reveal about the seriousness of sin? How does it challenge the way we sometimes minimize or excuse our own sin?God is grieved by sin (Gen. 6:6). What does it do to your heart to know that your sin grieves God, not because He is surprised, but because He loves you?Genesis 6:8: “But Noah found favor.” Where have you personally experienced God’s “But God…” grace in your life? How does that grace motivate obedience rather than passivity?

Reflection QuestionsWhat does today’s passage teach us about sin? What does it teach us about God’s Amazing Grace towards sinners? Cain’s murder of Abel was ultimately an act of hatred toward God. How does this reshape the way you think about “ordinary” sins, like being impatient with your spouse or children, bitterness, lust, comparison, or harsh words? What does repentance look like in those moments?Cain’s rebellion eventually produces Lamech, who is violent, vengeful, and sexually unfaithful. How does Genesis 4 challenge us to think about the spiritual legacy you are building within your marriage and home? What habits or routines are you doing or could you start doing that help you disciple your children and point them to Jesus rather than leaving that to the world?Moses ends the chapter by telling us that Seth’s line is marked by worship. “At that time people began to call upon the name of the Lord.” What does it look like for your home to be marked by worship rather than worry, busyness, or distraction? What are steps you can start taking to lead your family in that endeavor?

Reflection QuestionsWhere do you see Jesus in this passage, and what does this passage teach us about Jesus? What does God’s judgment on Eve teach us about the brokenness we feel in marriage, parenting, and relationships? How does that brokenness point us back to Jesus?What does God’s judgment on Adam teach us about work, frustration, and the longing for meaning? How does this passage expose the ways we try to find identity in our work?How does this passage help you love God more deeply and guard against abandoning your “first love”? What are some routines or habits that could help you continually love God?

Reflection QuestionsHow does the serpent’s strategy in Genesis 3 mirror the way temptation works in our lives today? Why do you think subtle temptations are often more dangerous than obvious ones?Which of Satan’s three attacks, distorting God’s Word, denying God’s judgment, or questioning God’s goodness, do you find yourself most vulnerable to? Why do you think Satan begins with a question rather than a direct contradiction?Eve knew God’s command, but she didn’t cling to it. What keeps us from holding tightly to God’s Word? What are practical ways we can grow in loving, knowing, and understanding Scripture?Which of Satan’s three attacks, distorting God’s Word, denying God’s judgment, or questioning God’s goodness, do you find yourself most vulnerable to? Why do you think Satan begins with a question rather than a direct contradiction?Paul tells us to “stand firm” in Ephesians 6. What does standing firm look like in your week ahead?

Reflection QuestionsGenesis 2 repeatedly emphasizes “The Lord God” as the One who forms, provides, and brings. How does remembering that marriage is God‑initiated and not human‑invented shape the way we approach our own marriages?God declares Adam’s aloneness “not good” before Adam ever feels it. What does this reveal about God’s care, wisdom, and understanding of our needs?The Hebrew word helper is used of God Himself throughout the Old Testament. How does this elevate, not diminish, the role of the wife?Husbands: What does it look like to honor your wife as your God‑given helper in the exalted, biblical sense, not the worldly or sinful sense?Wives: How does seeing your role through the lens of God’s own helping character bring dignity and purpose to your calling?What does Adam’s response in verse 23 teach us about how we should view our spouse? What habits currently help you, or could you start, that would help you be thankful for your spouse? Leave = loyalty. Cleave = holding fast / covenant. What are some subtle ways that husbands and wives can fail to leave and cleave? Ex: parents, friendships, habits, hobbies, priorities… One flesh expresses the deepest intimacy, such as physical, emotional, spiritual, and covenantal. How does this shape the way you think about the purpose of sex in your marriage?Paul says in Ephesians 5:32 that marriage “refers to Christ and the church.” Where have you seen the gospel displayed in your marriage, or in the marriages of others?

Reflections Questions1. How does the image of God breathing life into Adam (vs 7) deepen your understanding of Scripture being “God‑breathed”? 2 Like Adam (vs 15-17), where do you most feel the pull to “do it your way” instead of trusting God’s Word? What does the command in verses 16–17 teach us about the nature of obedience and trust?3. In light of Gen 2:1-3, what would it look like for you to practice Sabbath as a routine and habit of remembering God’s creation, salvation, and faithfulness?4. If God wasn’t tired, what does it mean that He “rested”? How does this reshape your understanding of Sabbath? 

Reflection QuestionsWhat was something from the creation story that stuck out to you? Why? How do you see the Gospel, the good news of Jesus, in Genesis 1? How does the structure of Genesis 1, three days of forming and three days of filling, shape the way we understand God’s intentionality in creation?How does the fact that light exists before the sun deepen your understanding of God as the true source of light and life?What does it mean that humanity is made in the image and likeness of God, and how does that shape the way we view ourselves and others?What does the rhythm of evening and morning teach us about the gospel pattern of moving from darkness to light?

Reflection QuestionsWhat stuck out to you about either the context of Genesis or the opening two verses? Why? How does understanding the wilderness (Exodus) context of when Genesis was written help us to read Genesis with fresh eyes?  Why is it significant that “God” (Elohim) is plural in verse 1, while “created” is singular? How does knowing your origin story in Genesis shape your identity as a follower of Jesus? Aka, how does Genesis prepare us to “Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which we have been called?” (Eph 4:1)How does Genesis 1:1-2 motivate us to share the gospel with others? How does it help you engage friends who believe in naturalism, materialism, or secular origin stories of creation? 

Reflection Questions1. Solomon’s final word is “Fear God and keep His commandments.” What is one step, in light of this passage and this book, you could take this week to live that out more intentionally?2. What does it mean to “approach God’s Word with great care”? (12:9)  How does that challenge the way you’ve read Scripture this past year?3. Solomon says the words of the wise are like “goads” and “nails firmly fixed.” (12:11) Can you share a time when Scripture prodded you back to God or anchored you in truth?4. Why do you think Solomon warns against relying too heavily on “many books”? (12:12) How can we keep resources like podcasts or devotionals in their proper place?5. Ecclesiastes reminds us that life is a vapor. How should that truth shape our priorities in 2026?

Reflection Questions1. In light of all we have read in Ecclesiastes, what does it mean to live “worthy of the calling” God has given us, and how can remembering future accountability before God motivate us to live faithfully today?2. Why is laziness such a danger to our spiritual lives, not just our work lives? (Ecc 11:1-6)3. Solomon says life is sweet and we should rejoice in our days. What does it look like to enjoy life in a way that honors God, and why is it tempting to think we can “get serious about God later” instead of now? (11:7-10)4. How does his vivid description of aging and death serve as a warning and reminder for us today? (12:1-8)

Reflection Questions1. How does Solomon’s reminder that death comes to all (9:2–3) challenge the way we view our daily lives?2 Which of Solomon’s points on enjoying God’s blessing (9:7-10) resonated with you and why? Daily provisions, spouse, or work. 3. Solomon reminds us that even wise people are quickly forgotten (9:15). How does this truth redirect us to live for Christ rather than human recognition?4. Why is it so easy to waste life on distractions (social media, entertainment, trivial pursuits)? How can we guard against becoming “trivial” ourselves?5. How do our words reveal whether we are wise or foolish (10:12–15)? What practical steps can we take to use our words to build up rather than tear down?

Reflection Questions1. How do verses 5–6 remind us that wisdom involves knowing the right time and the right way to respond? What does this look like practically in our workplaces, churches, or communities?2. How does acknowledging our limits (vv. 7–8) help us avoid rebellion and instead trust God’s sovereignty over authority, justice, and death?3. How can we teach our children to respect authority in the home so that they learn to respect authority outside the home?4. Why does Solomon command joy in the midst of confusion and injustice? How does gratitude help us resist the temptation to dwell on the past or worry about the future? (vs 14-15)5. How can we encourage one another to rest in God’s sovereignty when life doesn’t make sense? (vs 16-17)

Reflection Questions: 1. How does impatience reveal pride in our hearts? Can you think of a recent situation where impatience led to anger? (Ecc 7:7-12)2. How might reflecting on God’s sovereignty, “consider the words of God,” change the way you approach your devotional life? How are you doing that, or what steps can you take to start doing that? (7:13-14)3. Avoiding Extremes (7:15-18)   A. What does it mean to be “overly righteous”? How might legalism or pride masquerade as righteousness in our lives?   B. Why is it dangerous to let sin discourage us into a downward spiral? How does fearing God keep us balanced?4. Why does Solomon describe sexual sin as “more bitter than death”? How does this warning speak to you and our culture today? (7:26)

Reflection Questions1. Ecclesiastes 7:2 says, “It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting.” Why might sorrow be more spiritually impactful than celebrations? How does this align with the gospel?2. In 6:1–6, Solomon describes someone who has everything but cannot enjoy it. What does this teach us about the difference between having blessings and receiving them with joy? What is the key to joy in life? (see Ecc 5:18-20)3. Ecclesiastes 5:1 says, “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God.” What does it mean to “guard your steps” in worship? How does this potentially challenge your approach to church and devotional time? 

Reflection Questions1. How does the reality of injustice (vs 1-3) deepen your longing for Christ’s return and His perfect justice?2. Solomon warns against both envy-driven toil and lazy disengagement (vs 4-5). Where do you tend to lean, toward overwork or underwork?3. What does “one handful of quietness” (vs 6) look like in your current season of life? How can you pursue gospel-centered balance?4. Solomon says in verse 10, “Woe to him who is alone when he falls.” What relationships are you growing, or what steps can you take to start growing relationships, to ensure you’re not walking alone? 5. What does Solomon’s story in verses 13-16 of the forgotten kings teach us about the fleeting nature of fame and influence?

Reflection Questions1. In light of verses 1-8, how does acknowledging that time is in God’s hands, not ours, change the way you approach your daily decisions?2. Verse 11 says God has “put eternity into man’s heart.” How do you see that longing for eternity show up in your own life?3. Solomon says there’s “nothing better” than to be joyful and do good (vs 12-13, 22). What does joyful obedience look like in your current season? What ordinary routines in your life might be more spiritually significant than you’ve realized?4. How does knowing that God is sovereign over time (vs 14-17) lead you to fear Him rightly?5. How does this passage point you to Jesus as the only source of lasting meaning, hope, and eternal life?

Reflection Questions1. Solomon pursued every form of pleasure imaginable: wine, wealth, projects, possessions, and relationships (vs 3-11). Why do these things fail to satisfy the soul? How can we enjoy good gifts from God without turning them into idols?2. Solomon wrestles with the reality that both the wise and the foolish die, and that even great legacies fade (vs 12-17). What legacy are you tempted to build apart from Christ? How does the gospel reframe our understanding of legacy and remembrance?3. Solomon reflects on the toil of work and the anxiety it can produce, especially when identity is tied to achievement (vs 18-23). How do you personally wrestle with finding meaning in your work? How can we guard against finding our identity in our job title or productivity?4. Solomon concludes that joy, wisdom, and satisfaction are gifts from God to those who please Him (vs 24-26). How does the gospel free us to enjoy life without chasing after it?5. In light of Ecclesiastes 2 and John 4, what “wells” are you tempted to drink from that leave you empty? How can you help others recognize their need for the living water only Christ provides?

Reflection Questions1. Solomon says, “Vanity of vanities… all is vanity” in verse 2. What areas of life feel most futile to you right now, and why?2. (2 Part Question)   a) How does the phrase “under the sun” help us understand Solomon’s perspective on life? Aka, how does death render everything we do as meaningless?  b) What changes when we shift our view to “under the Son”? Aka, how does Jesus bring significance and meaning to all of our actions, even the ones that seem mundane? 3. Solomon says that growing in wisdom leads to grief in verses 16-18. What’s the difference between Godly wisdom and worldly wisdom? How do we pursue one without being consumed by the other?

Reflection Questions1. What would you say changed for Job in light of his encounter with God in Job 38-41 that leads him to repentance?2. What does today’s passage teach us about the power of God’s word (2 Tim 3:16) and repentance? 3. What stuck out to you about Job 42:7-9 and how God addresses Job’s three friends? 4. How do you feel about the fact that nowhere in the book does God explain to Job or his friends about Job 1-2 the conversation with Satan? What’s the application point there for us?

Reflection Questions1. How does God’s response in these chapters challenge the way we approach suffering and unanswered questions? In what ways do these chapters expose the limits of human understanding of God?2. What do the rhetorical questions and creation imagery reveal about God’s sovereignty and wisdom?3. How do these chapters speak to the dangers of pride, especially in seasons of suffering or hardship?4. What do these chapters teach us about the difference between knowing about God and truly encountering Him?

Reflection Questions1. Which of Eliphaz’s six “mistakes” stuck out to you and why? 2. How is Ephesians 5:15-21 helpful in light of Job 4-5, in understanding how to be prepared to offer biblically grounded encouragement and counseling to others? 3. In what ways does Eliphaz rely on personal experiences rather than God’s Word? Do you find yourself guilty of that, too? How can we guard against that in our own thinking and counseling? 4. How have Job 4-5 and Ephesians 5-6 reshaped the way you view Godly friendships?

Reflection Questions1. Given all that has happened this past week, how is Job 2-3 an encouragement to you? 2. What does Job 2 teach us about God? 3. What does Job 2 & 3 teach us about man/sin? 4. How might Job 3 help to change your mindset when you are experiencing times of suffering?

Reflection Question1. What are characteristics of Job that we see in Job 1:1-5, and why are they important for us to know about him and to consider about our own spiritual lives? 2. What can we learn from Job’s response to sudden and intense suffering? What does his posture of worship reveal about his view of God?3. How would you describe God’s role and Satan’s role in Job’s suffering? In light of Ephesians 6, what does Job 1 teach us about the nature of spiritual warfare and God’s sovereignty over the enemy?4. How can we prepare our hearts to say, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord”? What kind of habits can help us anchor us in that kind of faith? 5. In what ways does Job 1 challenge our assumptions about God’s role in suffering and our responsibility to trust Him? How does this passage reshape our theology of hardship and worship?

Reflection Questions1. What do verses 23-24 reveal about the Apostle Paul’s heart (aka his desire) towards the church? How is that impactful to you? 2. Which of the 4 desires/words stuck out to you the most, and why? Peace? Love? Faith? Grace? 3. What was more impactful to you from verses 21 and 22: The power of sharing your testimony or the power of being a faithful friend and servant of the Lord like Tychicus? Why? 4. How does Tychicus model or emulate Paul’s desires in verses 23 and 24 for the church and for us?

Reflection Questions1. How alert and persevering is your prayer life? Where do you tend to drift or disengage? 2. What role does prayer play in your spiritual warfare? (Preparation, defense, or both?) How did today’s passage possibly change your viewpoint? 3. How do you currently pray for “all the saints”? What new routines might help you intercede for others beyond your immediate circle?4. What does it mean to “pray at all times in the Spirit”? How does this differ from routine or reactive prayer?

Reflection Questions1. What does it mean to “take up the whole armor of God”? Why is it necessary for standing firm?2. Knowing that the whole armor is meant to be worn altogether, not just in pieces. In your walk with Christ, which part of the armor is strongest and which needs attention?3. What rhythms currently help you (or could help you) “put on” the armor daily… especially in light of your marriage, parenting, church, or work where the enemy is seeking to attack us?

Reflection Questions1. What does the Apostle Paul mean when he says our struggle is “not against flesh and blood”? How does that change the way we view conflict in our lives?2. The Apostle Paul describes Satan as organized, powerful, and cunning. Where have you underestimated the enemy’s influence in your life?3. The Apostle Paul commands us to “be strong in the Lord.” What does that look like practically in your daily rhythms? Where are you tempted to rely on your own strength?4. How does knowing that Satan is a created being, not equal to God, shape your confidence in spiritual battle and motivate you to follow through with the command of verses 10-11?

Reflection QuestionsWhich of the four commands to employees/slaves resonated with you? And how does this passage challenge our cultural view of work, authority, and leadership? Respect (Vs 5), Sincere heart (vs 5), considerate (6), and pleasant (vs 7-8). What does it look like to work “as unto the Lord” in your current job or role?How does this passage connect to the broader theme of walking in a manner worthy of our calling (Ephesians 4:1)?In what ways can our work relationships become platforms for gospel conversations and discipleship?

Reflection Questions1. What does it mean for children to obey “in the Lord”? How does this shape our understanding of obedience as an act of worship, not just compliance?2. Why do you think Paul addresses fathers specifically in verse 4? What does this say about spiritual leadership and responsibility in the home?3. What does “discipline and instruction of the Lord” look like practically? How can parents disciple their children in everyday rhythms?4. If you’re not currently parenting, how can you support and encourage those who are? What role does the church play in helping families live out this passage?

Reflection Questions1. Which of the five ways husbands are to love their wives stood out to you? (Sacrifically vs 25, Sanctifying vs 26-27, sensitive vs 28-29, satisfying vs 29-30, and specific vs 31-32)2. How does Paul’s command for husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church challenge our cultural view of love?3. In what ways does your marriage relationship serve as a witness to the gospel in your home, church, and community?4. Verse 33 summarizes the call: husbands love, wives respect. How are you cultivating both in your marriage?

Reflection Questions1. Equal before God, but distinct in their household roles. What stood out to you in the passage about the role of a Godly wife? 2. What stood out to you about the role of a Godly husband? 3. How does verse 18-21 and being Holy Spirit-filled change your perception of verses 22-24 and submission? 4. Why is verse 23, Christ is the head of the Church, critical to understanding the roles of husbands and wives within a Godly marriage?

Reflection Questions1. What does it look like to “make the best use of the time” in your current season of life (parenting, work, etc.) and how does the reality that “the days are evil” shape your urgency and intentionality?      Hint: What are some practical ways you can evaluate and realign your daily treadmill to walk in a manner worthy of the gospel?2. The Apostle Paul contrasts foolishness with understanding the Lord’s will. What role does (or should) daily Bible intake and prayer play in shaping your understanding of God’s will? 3.  Verses 19–21 describe the overflow of a Spirit-filled heart. Which of these traits—edifying speech, heartfelt worship, gratitude, or mutual submission—do you find most challenging? Why?4. How does the biblical concept of “walking” challenge the idea of spiritual stagnation? Are there areas where you’ve been standing still—or even drifting backward?

Reflection Questions1. In light of Ephesians 4:1 and 4:17… How is 5:1-2 an encouragement and also instructive to us? 2. Why do you think Paul stops to list six specific sins in verses 3-4 after giving five examples of taking off and putting on in 4:25-32?3. Which of the three reasons for being imitators of God resonated with you? Why?   (1) The Character of God’s Kingdom vs 5.   (2) The wrath of God vs 6-7.   (3) Being who we are called to be, the Light vs 8-14.4. What does it mean to expose the works of darkness (Vs 11)? How might we do this today? How does the Holy Spirit provide wisdom and boldness for this task?

Reflection Questions1. Based on this text… why is joy tied to putting on a new self clothed in righteousness and holiness?  2. Why does Spiritual Warfare (vs 27) play a part in joylessness and struggling to putting off the old self and putting on the new self? How should that inform the way we react to this passage? 3. Which of these 5 transformations stuck out to you the most? Why? 4. How are these 5 characteristics seen in the life of Jesus? How is that motivating and encouraging to you?

Reflection Questions1. The Apostle Paul uses the analogy of clothing to describe spiritual transformation. How does this imagery help us understand the change that happens when we follow Christ?2. What does Paul mean when he says Gentiles walk in “the futility of their minds” and how does this contrast with the renewed mind of a believer? How can we intentionally renew our minds daily?3. How does surrounding ourselves with strong Christian community help us put on the new self? In what ways does church fellowship and discipleship play a role?4. The Apostle Paul reminds us that our identity is no longer tied to the world’s standards but to Christ. How does knowing your identity in Jesus reshape the way you live? Why is it important to understand that transformation comes through Christ rather than just behavior modification?

Reflection Questions1. Why is it so important to understand “Grace” and “Gift” (vs 7) when thinking about our own spiritual gifts? 2. Why is diversity of spiritual gifts within the church a good thing? What responsibilities do we have with our spiritual gifts in verse 12? 3. Which spiritual growth characteristic stuck out to you in verses 13-16? Doctrinally stable (vs 14), speaking the truth in love (vs 15) or growing in Christ-likeness (vs 15)4. How does viewing the church as a body (vs 16) help us to understand our role within the church and inspire us to live out verse 1, to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which we’ve been called?

Reflection Questions1. What does “walking worthy” look like in practical ways? Are there specific areas in your life where this call challenges you to grow?2. Which of the 5 characteristics of walking worthy in verses 2-3 stuck out to you and why? 3. How does the idea of unity in verses 4-6, that there is “one” Holy Spirit, and “one” Jesus, and “one” God motivate and cause us to walk worthy? 

Reflection Questions1. What does the phrase “According to the riches of his glory” (Vs 16) tell us about God's capacity and willingness to respond to our prayers? How does knowing God has "riches of His glory" impact the way you pray and what you ask for?2. Which of the three requests that Paul prayed for the church in verses 17-19 stuck out to you? Why? 3. Why is it significant that God’s glory is to be displayed “in the church” (vs 21)? How does the church and being with other believers contribute to bringing God glory? How does this challenge your current view of the church?

Reflection Questions1. Why is it so important to remember that we, the church, were once far off from God? That we were like Gentiles. 2. How is Jesus our peace with other relationships (Jews vs Gentiles), and how does that change how we view our church family? 3. How does this passage challenge or change your perception of the importance of the church in your growth as a believer? 4. Given that the church is a body, what is your role in contributing to its health, holiness, and mission? 

Reflection Questions1.  What stood out or resonated with you about the Apostle Paul’s depiction of our pre-Christian state in verses 1-3?2. Why is the phrase "But God" in verse 4 such a powerful and sweet transition in light of verses 1-3 and Paul’s description in verses 4-10?3. According to verses 7-10, why did God make us alive? What impact should that have on your life?4. Why should understanding salvation (Ephesians 1:1-14, 2:1-10) humble us?