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1. Watch the preview segment on the Compelled DVD. In this
short segment, you’ll hear our pastor talk about the sermon
series, the small group study, and why this is so important
to Long Hollow. You also will hear him talk how God is
compelling him.
2. Read 2 Corinthians 5:11-21. Discuss the following phrases:
•
Fear the Lord (v. 11)
•
If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God (v. 13)
•
Christ’s love compels us (v. 14)
•
We regard no one from a worldly point of view (v. 16)
•
He is a new creation (v. 17)
•
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors (v. 20)
3. Ask: How does God compel you? Discuss responses.
4. Pray specifically for:
•
The Compelled sermon series and small group study
•
Unbelievers who will hear God’s message in a new way
•
Our ministry partners in our community and around the
world
•
God’s direction for your group as you look for
opportunities to serve God together in our community
and on mission
Leading every session
with the DVD?
See page 46
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PREVIEW LESSON
small group preview for use the week of October 17
contents
Introduction!
6
What is Compelled all about?!
6
SQUARE: How to Use This Study!
8
Every group is unique!
8
It starts with the sermon!
8
Choose your direction!
8
This is just the beginning!
8
Session 1 : Alive - Ephesians 2:1-10!
9
Rewind!
9
Rethink!
9
Reflect [Ephesians 2:1-10]!
10
Before you were alive (vv. 1-3)!
10
Why you"re alive (vv. 4-7)!
12
How you"re alive (vv. 8-10)!
13
React!
14
Session 2 : Aware - Ephesians 3:1-13!
17
Rewind!
17
Rethink!
18
Reflect [Ephesians 3:1-13]!
18
What do I need to be aware of? (vv. 1-6)!
19
Now that I know, what do I do? (vv. 7-13)!
20
React!
21
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Session 3 : Accountable - Ephesians 4:17-32!
24
Rewind!
24
Rethink!
25
Reflect [Ephesians 4:17-32]!
25
How we"re different (vv. 17-24)!
26
How we work together (vv. 25-32)!
28
React!
29
Session 4 : Allied - Ephesians 4:1-16!
32
Rewind!
32
Rethink!
33
Reflect [Ephesians 4:1-16]!
33
The foundation of unity (vv. 1-6)!
33
The practice of unity (vv. 7-11)!
35
The benefit of unity (vv. 12-16)!
36
React!
37
Session 5 : Aggressive - Ephesians 5:1-17!
39
Rewind!
39
Rethink!
40
Reflect [Ephesians 5:1-17]!
40
Light living (vv. 1-14)!
41
Wise living (vv. 15-17)!
42
React!
43
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lea
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COMPELLED
powered by SQUARE
tip
s
Discussion—that’s the ultimate goal of every small group experience. After all, we know that adults prefer
discussion to lecture. We know that people best learn when they participate. We know that most things
presented in a lecture are forgotten within 24 hours. Lecture seldom is preferred by anyone other than the
lecturer!
SQUARE is a unique approach to curriculum that allows leaders to guide their groups toward discussion by
choosing one of two paths—a more traditional Bible study or a more thought-provoking video. Regardless
of the path you choose, an interactive discussion is the goal.
on
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1. The most recent sermon provides food for thought as you prepare to
lead each session.
ex
It’s called SQUARE because there are four elements in the curriculum: (1) sermon, (2) video, (3) exposition,
and; (4) discussion. The sermon and discussion are standard elements. You choose to use either the video
or the exposition for your group.
2. The exposition is traditional printed Bible study material with background
pick one information and reflective questions.
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3. The video option provides 4-5 minute video clips designed to get your
group talking. Discussion questions to be used following the video are
provided on the screen and at in this guide.
4. Discussion is the ultimate goal. You don’t need to use every question. A good discussion will include 2-5
questions. Just refrain from asking questions that can be answered with yes or no and don’t allow the
discussion time to become a pop quiz on obscure biblical facts.
Find your leadership plan
Using the video
Using the exposition
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Introduction
What is Compelled all about?
The church at Ephesus was important to the spread of Christianity. Located along a
popular trade route, Ephesus attracted people from all over the world. Paul established
the church and spent three years in Ephesus personally teaching its members what it
means to be a follower of Christ. The letter to the Ephesians was written several years
later—between 60 and 62 A.D.—while Paul was imprisoned in Rome. What makes this
letter unique is the fact that Paul didn"t see the need to address false teachings or other
problems within the congregation.
The letter to the Ephesians is one of encouragement in which Paul describes the church
not as an organization, but as a living organism. The overall theme of the letter is a
challenge to believers to function as the living body of Christ. Paul"s words are a
challenge to us because they are a call to unity in purpose among all people who claim
to be believers.
Because of our intimate relationship with Christ, believers are compelled to live
according to His plans. This isn"t new; this was the way it was in the first century. This
way of thinking stood in stark contrast to ancient Greek thought which viewed humility,
meekness, gentleness, and self-sacrifice as signs of personal weakness. Our culture
shares the viewpoints of the Greek culture. This is why Paul"s words are so timely.
Again, God"s Word reminds us that we are responsible for choosing to pursue God"s
way over the ways of the world.
Many believers view their spiritual lives as one aspect of life that requires little or
nothing from them. They have become consumers in the spiritual marketplace. They
“shop” when they want, take what they need, and tip when necessary. Their everyday
lives and their spiritual lives are disconnected. Neither affects the other.
In this study, we will take a thematic look at Paul"s letter to the Ephesians. We will
discover that the principles outlined for the believers in Ephesus are still applicable to
our lives today. Because God extended His unconditional love to us, we are compelled
to be…
Alive (Ephesians 2:1-10)
Aware (Ephesians 3:1-13)
Accountable (Ephesians 4:17-32)
Allied (Ephesians 4:1-16)
Aggressive (Ephesians 5:1-20)
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c omp el
To force or drive, especially to a
course of action; to overpower.
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SQUARE: How to Use
This Study
Every group is unique
Most of the curriculum available today is based
on one incorrect assumption—all small groups
are the same. It doesn"t take long to realize
that"s just not true. Small groups all have
different personalities. So, is it possible to have
one simple curriculum that is flexible enough to
meet the needs of all different kinds of groups?
It is now! SQUARE is a single curriculum that
will work for almost every small group.
It starts with the sermon
SQUARE can be used before or after a sermon, but it is tied thematically to that
sermon. Leaders and group members are encouraged to attend worship, engage in the
sermon, take notes, write down questions, and be prepared to reflect on the message.
Choose your direction
This is where you make a choice. You can go a more traditional route and use the Bible
study material provided and guide your group through a discussion of a passage of
Scripture that is related to the sermon content. That"s one choice. The other option is
video-based. You can watch a short video that is intended to entice your group to reflect
on their understanding of God, His expectations, and even some controversial
statements. Regardless of which option you choose, SQUARE will take your group
where you want it to go. The leader tips guide has complete plans for video-based
and traditional Bible study approaches.
It ends with discussion
Most adults prefer discussion-based experiences to lecture style experiences. Every
group member can make a contribution if given the opportunity. SQUARE provides
great questions to get your group talking. You can use the questions provided or come
up with your own. The choice is yours.
This is just the beginning
No one can survive by eating one meal per week. No one can survive spiritually on one
hour of Bible study per week. Small groups supplement a person"s personal Bible study.
This isn"t intended to be the only Bible study a person gets. Those who have no
personal Bible study habits will be the first to complain that a small group experience
didn"t meet their Bible study needs.
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