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?

Life Transformation: A New Life - A New Perspective and a New Purpose

 

Study Guide for Week of August 10, 2025

This Week's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 

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 part of your life would you like to see transformed?

H. Background Information for this study: 

Jesus came to give us a new life not only eternal life but new life now. He forgivess us, transforms us step by step and gives us a new purpose and perspective for our life. 

First Section:2 Corinthians 5:11-15. A new life in Jesus.

Second Section: 2 Corinthians 5:16-19. A new perspective

Third Section: 2 Corinthians 5:20-21. A new purpose

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?

 
L. Commitment - Obedience - Application

(This is the key - have everyone answer this question.) 

1. What specifically will you commit to apply in your life from this study? 

M. Prayer Time:  Break up into smaller groups of 3-4 - groups of the same sex           

1. Pray for your group to multiply.
2. Ask each other how you are doing spiritually.
3. Pray for the needs of the members of your group

Prayer of Confession - Psalm 32

 Study Guide for Week of August 3, 2025

This Week's Scripture: Psalm 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 not like to admit it when they are wrong?

H. Background Information for this study: 

This Psalm is a prayer of confession that David prayed after he committed adultry with Bathsheeba and tried to hid it for over one year. he was finnally confront by Nathan the prophet and then David confessed his sin and was forgiven. 

First Section:Psalm 32:1-2. What it means to be blessed in God's eyes.

Second Section: Psalm 32:3-6. How David felt when he hid his sin. What happened when David confessed his sin and was forgiven.

Third Section: Psalm 32:7-11. David's encouragemnet to us to turn to God and trust in Him because He will forgive 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?

 
L. Commitment - Obedience - Application

(This is the key - have everyone answer this question.) 

1. What specifically will you commit to apply in your life from this study? 

M. Prayer Time:  Break up into smaller groups of 3-4 - groups of the same sex           

1. Pray for your group to multiply.
2. Ask each other how you are doing spiritually.
3. Pray for the needs of the members of your group

I Will Be the Judge - GOD Matthew 7:1-5 and Luke 6:37-38

 Study Guide for Week of July 27, 2025

This Week's Scripture: Matthew 7:1-6 and Luke 6:37-38

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 tend to judge others and yet not see our own faults?

H. Background Information for this study: 

The context of these scriptures is that Jesus is teaching a large crowd or people. The people all are used to the Jewish religion at that time which had rules regarding external matters such as what you wore and what you ate. Yet they did not examine their own hearts. Instead they critisized others and judged them. 

Jesus challenges them to examine their own hearts first so that they can then help other people to change their lives. it is an attitude of humility that Jesus is seeking.

Note that Jesus is not saying that there are no standards and no right and wrong. There very clearly is sinful behavior. Jesus is saying to us to be humble and examine our own hearts so we can help others in their sin to find forgiveness.  

First Section:Matthew 7:1-2. The general principle (break it down)

Second Section: Matthew 7:3-5. The call for self examination and humility before we help others change their lives to be right with God.

Third Section: Luke 6:37-38. Application of the general principle that you will receive what you give to others.

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?

 
L. Commitment - Obedience - Application

(This is the key - have everyone answer this question.) 

1. What specifically will you commit to apply in your life from this study? 

M. Prayer Time:  Break up into smaller groups of 3-4 - groups of the same sex           

1. Pray for your group to multiply.
2. Ask each other how you are doing spiritually.
3. Pray for the needs of the members of your group

A Prayer for Power - Ephesians 1:15 - 23

 Study Guide for Week of July 20, 2025

This Week's Scripture: Ephesians 1:15 - 23 

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 do you need God's power for in your life?

H. Background Information for this study: 

Paul wrote this letter to the church at the city of Ephesus which is in modern day Turkey near Istanbul. There are preserved ruins of the ancient city today that many tourists visit. Paul's purpose was to encourage the new followers of Jesus in their faith so that they would understand what they have in Jesus Christ. As you go over each area with the group discuss how we need that today.

These scriptures are a prayer that Paul prayed for the people at the city of Ephesus. You can pray this same prayer for your self and for others. 

First Section:Ephesianss 1:15-17. Prayer of thanks and prayer to know God better.

Second Section: Ephesians 1:18. Prayer to know the hope we have in Jesus both now and for eternity

Third Section: Ephesians 1:19-23. Prayer for power to overcome and live a victorious life.

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?

 
L. Commitment - Obedience - Application

(This is the key - have everyone answer this question.) 

1. What specifically will you commit to apply in your life from this study? 

M. Prayer Time:  Break up into smaller groups of 3-4 - groups of the same sex           

1. Pray for your group to multiply.
2. Ask each other how you are doing spiritually.
3. Pray for the needs of the members of your group

A Prayer from the Valley - Psalm 102

 

Study Guide for Week of July 13, 2025

This Week's Scripture: Psalm 102

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 followers of Jesus sometimes go through difficult times?

H. Background Information for this study: 

Many of the Psalms are actually prayers of people to God. We can learn a lot about prayer and God and ourselves from studying these Psalms. Psalm 102 is a Psalm from a man who is going through deep suffering. He takes his pain and situation to God in prayer. The Psalm has a natural flow. There are three movements. First is his situation of suffering and a description of his situation in his prayer to God. Second is him receiving a seed of hope to go on. Note the word BUT in verse 12. He remembers that despite his suffering God is still on the throne, Finally and thirdly he sees how his trial and time in the valley will be used for the benefit of other - future generations - and indeed those of us who read the Psalm today and learn from his prayer in the valley.

First Section:Psalm 102:1-11. Crying ourt to God and describing his valley

Second Section: Psalm 102:12-17. His reorientation. Knowing that God is still on the throne. Note the word God will...

Third Section: Psalm 102:18-28. How God will use his situation to the benefit of others - future generations.

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?

 
L. Commitment - Obedience - Application

(This is the key - have everyone answer this question.) 

1. What specifically will you commit to apply in your life from this study? 

M. Prayer Time:  Break up into smaller groups of 3-4 - groups of the same sex           

1. Pray for your group to multiply.
2. Ask each other how you are doing spiritually.
3. Pray for the needs of the members of your group