How satan Enters Your Life - Ephesians 4:17-32

Study Guide for Week of September 28, 2025

This Week's Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-32 

Crossroads Community Group Guide

A. Welcome: Welcome everyone, especially new people, and read aloud the purpose of your group.

B. Purpose: Our purpose is to spread the Kingdom of God. We do this by multiplying groups of people who care for each as God's family. We begin by inviting new people to our group and building them to be followers of Jesus. Each person here has the potential to be empowered to start and be the leader of a new group and spread God's kingdom.

C. Worship Time (Optional): Spend a few minutes singing a worship song. Here is one you may want to use: I I Give You My Heart (or pick your own YouTube video that shows the lyrics.)

D. Video Message                                                                  

       

E. Upcoming Events: Crossroads Website        

F. Review:

1. How did you do with what you want to apply from last week?
2. Who did you invite to the group for this week?

G. Opening Question (an icebreaker - a simple question to introduce the main theme):

• Why do people do wrong things that they latter regret? 

H. Background Information for this study: 

Paul is giving super practical advice to the new believers at Ephesus on how to live as a follower of Jesus. There are doors in their lives that must be closed. If the doors are not closed satan will have a foothold in their lives. Once satan has a foothold then brokeness and regret will follow.  

First Section: Ephesians 4:17-19 Life without God - open doors for satan

Second Section: Ephesians 4:20-24 God's desire for each person

Third Section: Ephesians 4:25-32 Doors that must be closed in our lives.

In this study be sure to make a practical application to each section. Make application to your life including what you will do to tell other people the message.

J. Word: Read the scriptures above by section. Read it in smaller portions aloud together several times. (The goal is for everyone to understand the Bible story or verses by retelling them in their own words; keep at it until everyone knows the story or verses.)

1. What key (important) words do you see in these verses?

2. Tell in your own words what happens in these verses.

3. What are the details?

4. What jumps out at you and catches your attention?

5. What details can you add to what others in the group have said?

K. Discuss the following general questions together. (The goal is to use these general questions to guide a discussion. The leader should not speak for more than 30% of the time; let the group discover what God is saying to them.)

1. What catches your attention in these verses?

2. What new thing did you discover in the story or verses that you did not know before?

3. What did you learn about God (Father, Jesus or Holy Spirit) from the story?

4. What do you learn about people from the story?

5. What important lessons for us do you see in this story?

Living Like jesus - Hebrews 12:1-13

 

Study Guide for Week of September 21, 2025

This Week's Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-13 

Crossroads Community Group Guide

A. Welcome: Welcome everyone, especially new people, and read aloud the purpose of your group.

B. Purpose: Our purpose is to spread the Kingdom of God. We do this by multiplying groups of people who care for each as God's family. We begin by inviting new people to our group and building them to be followers of Jesus. Each person here has the potential to be empowered to start and be the leader of a new group and spread God's kingdom.

C. Worship Time (Optional): Spend a few minutes singing a worship song. Here is one you may want to use: I I Give You My Heart (or pick your own YouTube video that shows the lyrics.)

D. Video Message                                                                  

       

E. Upcoming Events: Crossroads Website        

F. Review:

1. How did you do with what you want to apply from last week?
2. Who did you invite to the group for this week?

G. Opening Question (an icebreaker - a simple question to introduce the main theme):

• Why is discipline necessary in our lives? 

H. Background Information for this study: 

These verses from Hebrews chapter 12 are super practical and explain the importance of discipline in our lives. Hebrews chapter 11 gives us a hall of fame of people just like us who lived a life of faith. Take a few minutes to read chapter 11. Chapter 12 teaches us how to live like Jesus.   

First Section: Hebrews 12:1-3. The importance of perseverance and not giving up.

Second Section: Hebrews 12:4-9. The importance of discipline

Third Section: Hebrews 12:10-13. The purpose and benefit of discipline.

In this study be sure to make a practical application to each section. Make application to your life including what you will do to tell other people the message.

J. Word: Read the scriptures above by section. Read it in smaller portions aloud together several times. (The goal is for everyone to understand the Bible story or verses by retelling them in their own words; keep at it until everyone knows the story or verses.)

1. What key (important) words do you see in these verses?

2. Tell in your own words what happens in these verses.

3. What are the details?

4. What jumps out at you and catches your attention?

5. What details can you add to what others in the group have said?

K. Discuss the following general questions together. (The goal is to use these general questions to guide a discussion. The leader should not speak for more than 30% of the time; let the group discover what God is saying to them.)

1. What catches your attention in these verses?

2. What new thing did you discover in the story or verses that you did not know before?

3. What did you learn about God (Father, Jesus or Holy Spirit) from the story?

4. What do you learn about people from the story?

5. What important lessons for us do you see in this story?

The Key to Winning the Spiritual Battle

Study Guide for Week of September 14, 2025

This Week's Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-16

Crossroads Community Group Guide

A. Welcome: Welcome everyone, especially new people, and read aloud the purpose of your group.

B. Purpose: Our purpose is to spread the Kingdom of God. We do this by multiplying groups of people who care for each as God's family. We begin by inviting new people to our group and building them to be followers of Jesus. Each person here has the potential to be empowered to start and be the leader of a new group and spread God's kingdom.

C. Worship Time (Optional): Spend a few minutes singing a worship song. Here is one you may want to use: I I Give You My Heart (or pick your own YouTube video that shows the lyrics.)

D. Video Message                                                                  

       

E. Upcoming Events: Crossroads Website        

F. Review:

1. How did you do with what you want to apply from last week?
2. Who did you invite to the group for this week?

G. Opening Question (an icebreaker - a simple question to introduce the main theme):

• Why is it important to grow spiritual on a continual basis? 

H. Background Information for this study: 

Ephesians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to a group of new believers in the City of Ephesus. In the letter Paul write a great deal about the spiritual battle all followers of Jesus face. He also connects spiritual maturity with winning the spiritual battle. Make this study as practical as you can. For each section discuss how the topic will help us win the spiritual battle.

First Section: Ephesians 4:1- 2. The importance of humility in a believers life and why it is important in winning the spiritual battle.

Second Section: Ephesians 4:3- 6. The importance of unity in winning the spiritual battle.

Third Section: Ephesians 4:7- 16. The importance of working together and everyone finding their place of service.

In this study be sure to make a practical application to each section. Make application to your life including what you will do to tell other people the message.

J. Word: Read the scriptures above by section. Read it in smaller portions aloud together several times. (The goal is for everyone to understand the Bible story or verses by retelling them in their own words; keep at it until everyone knows the story or verses.)

1. What key (important) words do you see in these verses?

2. Tell in your own words what happens in these verses.

3. What are the details?

4. What jumps out at you and catches your attention?

5. What details can you add to what others in the group have said?

K. Discuss the following general questions together. (The goal is to use these general questions to guide a discussion. The leader should not speak for more than 30% of the time; let the group discover what God is saying to them.)

1. What catches your attention in these verses?

2. What new thing did you discover in the story or verses that you did not know before?

3. What did you learn about God (Father, Jesus or Holy Spirit) from the story?

4. What do you learn about people from the story?

5. What important lessons for us do you see in this story?

 

The Prayer from the Heart - Hannah's Prayer

Study Guide for Week of September 7, 2025

This Week's Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:1-20; 2:1-10 

Crossroads Community Group Guide

A. Welcome: Welcome everyone, especially new people, and read aloud the purpose of your group.

B. Purpose: Our purpose is to spread the Kingdom of God. We do this by multiplying groups of people who care for each as God's family. We begin by inviting new people to our group and building them to be followers of Jesus. Each person here has the potential to be empowered to start and be the leader of a new group and spread God's kingdom.

C. Worship Time (Optional): Spend a few minutes singing a worship song. Here is one you may want to use: I I Give You My Heart (or pick your own YouTube video that shows the lyrics.)

D. Video Message                                                                  

       

E. Upcoming Events: Crossroads Website        

F. Review:

1. How did you do with what you want to apply from last week?
2. Who did you invite to the group for this week?

G. Opening Question (an icebreaker - a simple question to introduce the main theme):

• What does it mean to pray from your heart? Have you ever done that? 

H. Background Information for this study: 

Hannah is a great woman of prayer. She prayed in the time of suffering and also in the time when God answered her prayers and everything was goo. Her prayer in chapter 2 is one of the key prayers in the Bible.

First Section: 1 Samuel 1:1-16. The prayer from the heart in times of suffering.

Second Section: 1 Samuel 1:17-20. God's answer.

Third Section: 1 Samuel 2:1-10. The prayer from the heart in the good times

In this study be sure to make a practical application to each section. Make application to your life including what you will do to tell other people the message.

J. Word: Read the scriptures above by section. Read it in smaller portions aloud together several times. (The goal is for everyone to understand the Bible story or verses by retelling them in their own words; keep at it until everyone knows the story or verses.)

1. What key (important) words do you see in these verses?

2. Tell in your own words what happens in these verses.

3. What are the details?

4. What jumps out at you and catches your attention?

5. What details can you add to what others in the group have said?

K. Discuss the following general questions together. (The goal is to use these general questions to guide a discussion. The leader should not speak for more than 30% of the time; let the group discover what God is saying to them.)

1. What catches your attention in these verses?

2. What new thing did you discover in the story or verses that you did not know before?

3. What did you learn about God (Father, Jesus or Holy Spirit) from the story?

4. What do you learn about people from the story?

5. What important lessons for us do you see in this story?

Jonah: You Can't Outrun God's Grace

 

Study Guide for Week of August 31, 2025

This Week's Scripture: Jonah 1:1-17; Jonah 2:1 and 10; Jonah 3:1-10 

Crossroads Community Group Guide

A. Welcome: Welcome everyone, especially new people, and read aloud the purpose of your group.

B. Purpose: Our purpose is to spread the Kingdom of God. We do this by multiplying groups of people who care for each as God's family. We begin by inviting new people to our group and building them to be followers of Jesus. Each person here has the potential to be empowered to start and be the leader of a new group and spread God's kingdom.

C. Worship Time (Optional): Spend a few minutes singing a worship song. Here is one you may want to use: I I Give You My Heart (or pick your own YouTube video that shows the lyrics.)

D. Video Message                                                                  

       

E. Upcoming Events: Crossroads Website        

F. Review:

1. How did you do with what you want to apply from last week?
2. Who did you invite to the group for this week?

G. Opening Question (an icebreaker - a simple question to introduce the main theme):

• Can you think of anyone who other people think do not deserve to be saved by God?

H. Background Information for this study: 

Jonah is a great story about God's grace. Grace means forgiveness and mercy from God that we do not deserve. As you go through the book of Jonah with your group notice where you see God's grace being given to different people. Read big chunks or sections and then discuss where you see God's grace and how it applies to us today.

Key to understanding Jonah's reaction is to understand that Nineveh was an enemy of Jonah's people and he may have had family members killed, kidnapped or raped by them.  

First Section:Jonah 1:1-17 and 2:1 and 10. Jonah couldn't outrun God's grace.

Second Section: Jonah 3:1-10. Nineveh couldn't outrun God's grace.

Third Section: Jonah 4:1-16. God's grace exceeds our comprehension

In this study be sure to make a practical application to each section. Make application to your life including what you will do to tell other people the message.

J. Word: Read the scriptures above by section. Read it in smaller portions aloud together several times. (The goal is for everyone to understand the Bible story or verses by retelling them in their own words; keep at it until everyone knows the story or verses.)

1. What key (important) words do you see in these verses?

2. Tell in your own words what happens in these verses.

3. What are the details?

4. What jumps out at you and catches your attention?

5. What details can you add to what others in the group have said?

K. Discuss the following general questions together. (The goal is to use these general questions to guide a discussion. The leader should not speak for more than 30% of the time; let the group discover what God is saying to them.)

1. What catches your attention in these verses?

2. What new thing did you discover in the story or verses that you did not know before?

3. What did you learn about God (Father, Jesus or Holy Spirit) from the story?

4. What do you learn about people from the story?

5. What important lessons for us do you see in this story?

Winning the Spiritual Battle - Part II - The Power of Your Identity in Christ - Ephesians 1:1-14

 

Study Guide for Week of August 17, 2025

This Week's Scripture: Ephesians 1:1-14

Crossroads Community Group Guide

A. Welcome: Welcome everyone, especially new people, and read aloud the purpose of your group.

B. Purpose: Our purpose is to spread the Kingdom of God. We do this by multiplying groups of people who care for each as God's family. We begin by inviting new people to our group and building them to be followers of Jesus. Each person here has the potential to be empowered to start and be the leader of a new group and spread God's kingdom.

C. Worship Time (Optional): Spend a few minutes singing a worship song. Here is one you may want to use: I I Give You My Heart (or pick your own YouTube video that shows the lyrics.)

D. Video Message                                                                  

       

E. Upcoming Events: Crossroads Website        

F. Review:

1. How did you do with what you want to apply from last week?
2. Who did you invite to the group for this week?

G. Opening Question (an icebreaker - a simple question to introduce the main theme):

• How does how you see yourself effct your life?

H. Background Information for this study: 

Ephesians is a book that teaches us Biblical truth about an unseen reality. It was written by Paul to a group of people in the City of Ephesus. They had not been following Jesus for very long. One of the key teachings that Paul wanted them to know was about spiritual realities and spiritual battles.

In Ephesians 6:12, Paul make clear to us that the battle we face in life is not against people or situations but rather there is a spiritual reality behind the issue or problem or sin. That spiritual reality is satan and his spiritual forces. They are a reality. Paul also want us to know the power for life and victory that we have in Jesus. Unless we understand we are in a spiritual battle we will never walk in victory. 

As you go through and discuss these few verses focus on personal identity. How does Paul describe himself? What does Paul teach the Ephesians about themselves? What do you learn about yourself and your identity in Christ? 

First Section:Ephesians 1:1-2. Paul's identity

Second Section: Ephesians 1:3-10. Who a follower of Jesus is in Christ. Our true identity..

Third Section: Ephesians 1:11-14. God's plan to save us and make us His children and chosen ones.

In this study be sure to make a practical application to each section. Make application to your life including what you will do to tell other people the message.

J. Word: Read the scriptures above by section. Read it in smaller portions aloud together several times. (The goal is for everyone to understand the Bible story or verses by retelling them in their own words; keep at it until everyone knows the story or verses.)

1. What key (important) words do you see in these verses?

2. Tell in your own words what happens in these verses.

3. What are the details?

4. What jumps out at you and catches your attention?

5. What details can you add to what others in the group have said?

K. Discuss the following general questions together. (The goal is to use these general questions to guide a discussion. The leader should not speak for more than 30% of the time; let the group discover what God is saying to them.)

1. What catches your attention in these verses?

2. What new thing did you discover in the story or verses that you did not know before?

3. What did you learn about God (Father, Jesus or Holy Spirit) from the story?

4. What do you learn about people from the story?

5. What important lessons for us do you see in this story?

Winning the Spiritual Battle - Part I Knowing your Enemy - Ephesians 2:1-10

 

Study Guide for Week of August 17, 2025

This Week's Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10

Crossroads Community Group Guide

A. Welcome: Welcome everyone, especially new people, and read aloud the purpose of your group.

B. Purpose: Our purpose is to spread the Kingdom of God. We do this by multiplying groups of people who care for each as God's family. We begin by inviting new people to our group and building them to be followers of Jesus. Each person here has the potential to be empowered to start and be the leader of a new group and spread God's kingdom.

C. Worship Time (Optional): Spend a few minutes singing a worship song. Here is one you may want to use: I I Give You My Heart (or pick your own YouTube video that shows the lyrics.)

D. Video Message                                                                  

       

E. Upcoming Events: Crossroads Website        

F. Review:

1. How did you do with what you want to apply from last week?
2. Who did you invite to the group for this week?

G. Opening Question (an icebreaker - a simple question to introduce the main theme):

• Why do we sometimes do what we do not want to do and sometimes fail to do what we know we should do?

H. Background Information for this study: 

Ephesians is a book that teaches us Biblical truth about an unseen reality. It was written by Paul to a group of people in the City of Ephesus. They had not been following Jesus for very long. One of the key teachings that Paul wanted them to know was about spiritual realities and spiritual battles.

In Ephesians 6:12, Paul make clear to us that the battle we face in life is not against people or situations but rather there is a spiritual reality behind the issue or problem or sin. That spiritual reality is satan and his spiritual forces. They are a reality. Paul also want us to know the power for life and victory that we have in Jesus. Unless we understand we are in a spiritual battle we will never walk in victory. 

As you go through and discuss these few verses pay attention to what they teach us about the spiritual battle we are in. Discuss different terms that Paul uses. 

First Section:Ephesians 2:1-3. The reality of spiritual death that effects us all.

Second Section: Ephesians 2:4-9. The reality of life power in Jesus.

Third Section: Ephesians 2:10. God's purpose for each one of us.

In this study be sure to make a practical application to each section. Make application to your life including what you will do to tell other people the message.

J. Word: Read the scriptures above by section. Read it in smaller portions aloud together several times. (The goal is for everyone to understand the Bible story or verses by retelling them in their own words; keep at it until everyone knows the story or verses.)

1. What key (important) words do you see in these verses?

2. Tell in your own words what happens in these verses.

3. What are the details?

4. What jumps out at you and catches your attention?

5. What details can you add to what others in the group have said?

K. Discuss the following general questions together. (The goal is to use these general questions to guide a discussion. The leader should not speak for more than 30% of the time; let the group discover what God is saying to them.)

1. What catches your attention in these verses?

2. What new thing did you discover in the story or verses that you did not know before?

3. What did you learn about God (Father, Jesus or Holy Spirit) from the story?

4. What do you learn about people from the story?

5. What important lessons for us do you see in this story?