Key idea: In the face of discouragement, marvel at the MYSTERY of the gospel and the MINISTRY of the gospel so that you do not lose heart.

1. Marvel at the mystery of the gospel (vv.1-7)
   • The content of the mystery (v.6) 
   • The steward of the mystery (vv1-2, 7, 8a)
   • The source of the mystery (vv.3-5)

2. Marvel at the ministry of the gospel (vv.8-13)

Remember the:

• The riches of Christ (v.8)
• The plan of God & the power of God (v.9)
• The wisdom of God (v.10)
• The eternal purpose of God (v.11)
• Your access to God (v.12)

Small Group Questions

1. Icebreaker: what is something you love so much that you’d rather go to jail than not have it? 
2. What stood out to you from the sermon? Could be a truth, a question you have, or something you want to practice or live out.
3. Paul tells the Ephesians not to lose heart because of his suffering. What are some situations at school, home, or with friends where you’re tempted to lose heart in your faith (discouragement, pressure, loneliness, sin, fear of standing out)?
   • How could remembering the gospel “mystery” (what God has done for you in Christ) actually change the way you face those situations this week?
4. The sermon talked a lot about marveling at the mystery and the riches of Christ. What are some things that usually capture your attention or excitement more than Jesus (sports, grades, popularity, games, social media, relationships, etc.)?
   • What would it look like practically to shift from being distracted by those things to marveling at what God has done for you? How can you PIERCE THE DARK this week?