Don Pearson // Northview Campus // November 2, 2025
SERMON DISCUSSION GUIDE
THIS WEEK’S KEY PASSAGE: Ephesians 4:1-6
REMINDERS
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TOGETHER IN THE WORD
Read Ephesians 4:1-6 aloud together.
QUESTIONS
Ephesians is divided into two parts: Chapters 1-3 talk about who we are in Christ and Chapters 4-6 tells how to live in response to our identity in Christ.
- As human beings, conflict is in our DNA. Paul urges or appeals to us to, “walk in a manner worthy of the calling….with all humility and gentleness…” (vs. 1-2). When you consider being humble and gentle, what thoughts does this suggest? Are there certain areas of your life where this is a larger challenge?
- The second part of verse 2 tells to, “be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Is there a person or situation in your life where this is a real challenge?
- Don shared from “7 Principles for Making Marriage Work” by John Gottman four specific behaviors that were predictors for poor marriage outcomes. These four areas are, Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness and Stonewalling. During conflict, do you find yourself in one or more of these behaviors?
- Ephesians 4:3 says, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” What do you think unity means?
- Don shared with us that unity is not conformity, agreement, passivity or uniformity. Does this conflict with your view of unity? Why or why not?
- A musical score is an example of unity where each person plays their individual part to make beautiful music. It brings different together and is a compilation of all our unique experiences. How can we use this thought as we think about issues that tend to lead to disagreement?
- Read Ephesians 4:4-6 again. What word jumps out at you? How do these verses help you to understand unity?
TOGETHER IN PRAYER & ACTION
- Read Ephesians 4:2-3 again. What person or situation in your life can you apply these
verses? What are 2 or 3 steps you can take to live this way?
