Formed, Pt. 1 - Citizen

We begin a new 10-week sermon series learning about how Christlike character is formed in us and what it means to live life following Jesus. This morning, we study Ephesians 2 to learn how character flows from our identity.

This series is designed to be a discipleship tool so the people of the church can help each other grow in Christlikeness. The reflection questions below can be used to specifically apply what we are learning to your life. These questions are meant to be asked and answered in a community setting such as a small group or one-on-one. 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

If you have been following Jesus for more than a few years, in what ways have you seen God form Christlike character in you? Ask your spouse, a close friend, coworker, or family member – how do they describe the ways in which your character has changed since following Jesus? Would they affirm that some or all of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) are evident and/or growing in you?

If you are new in your walk with Jesus, what kind of character do you hope that God forms in you? What do you imagine as you read Jeremiah 18:1-6? Which fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) do you believe might be lacking in your character?

Review Ephesians 2:1-10.

-What words are used to describe a person prior to God’s intervention in their life through Christ?

-What verbs are used to describe God’s intervention in someone’s life?

-What is God’s motivation for doing these things?

-What must a person do to “be saved” according to this passage?

In reference to Ephesians 2:1-10, can you describe some specific ways you would expect a person’s character to change as a result of their understanding of God’s actions and grace? Be specific and thorough.

Review Ephesians 2:19-22, Galatians 5:22-23, and John 13:34-35.

-Why must we follow Jesus as a community and not individually for God to form Christlike character in us?

-What character formation opportunities might be missed if we seek to follow Jesus alone and don’t participate in a committed community of Jesus followers?