This small group discussion guide draws directly from The Vine Church's sermon “Eyes Wide Open Recap 2” so you can keep engaging with the message all week. Read, reflect, and share it with your small group or friends.
Eyes Wide Open
Small Group Discussion Guide
Sermon Series: Blueprint | Week 3
A Note to Facilitators Thank you for leading your group this week! This guide is designed to work whether you're an experienced elder or leading a group for the first time. You don't need to have all the answers — your job is simply to create space for honest conversation and let the Holy Spirit do the rest. Feel free to skip questions that don't fit your group or spend more time on ones that spark good discussion. The suggested times are guidelines, not rules. Most importantly, enjoy the journey with your group!
SERMON OVERVIEW
In this message from Ephesians 1:15–23, we explored Paul's passionate prayer for the church at Ephesus — a prayer that God would open the eyes of their hearts to see what they already possess in Christ. Using the vivid illustration of a cruise ship passenger eating peanut butter sandwiches in his cabin while a feast awaits him on deck, the sermon challenged us to stop living below our spiritual inheritance. Paul prays for three things: the spirit of wisdom and revelation in knowing God personally, clarity about our calling and inheritance, and an understanding of the resurrection power available to every believer. The central invitation is simple but profound: open your eyes to what God has already given you.
BEFORE YOUR GROUP MEETS
Read ahead: Ephesians 1:15–23
Key themes to keep in mind:
- Gratitude as the posture of a healthy church
- The difference between knowing about God and knowing God
- Spiritual inheritance — what already belongs to us in Christ
- Living from victory, not toward it
- Found → Formed → Going (the Blueprint framework)
SECTION 1: ICEBREAKER
(5–10 minutes)
Choose one of the following to open your time together:
Option A (lighter, fun)
"Tell us about a time you discovered something valuable that you already had but didn't realize — maybe a gift card you forgot about, a benefit you weren't using, or something you found while cleaning out a closet. What was that like?"
Option B (slightly more reflective)
"If someone who didn't know you personally was asked to describe you in two words based on what they'd heard about you, what two words do you think they'd use — and what two words would you want them to use?"
[Leader Tip] The icebreaker is just to get people talking and comfortable. Don't let it run longer than 10 minutes. Laugh, enjoy it, and then transition naturally by saying something like, "That actually connects really well to what we're going to talk about today."
SECTION 2: SCRIPTURE READING
(5 minutes)
Have someone in the group read the passage aloud. Encourage everyone to follow along in their own Bible or on their phone.
Ephesians 1:15–23 (KJV — as used in the sermon)
"Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all."
For context: Paul wrote this letter while chained in a Roman prison cell. Despite his circumstances, his heart was full of gratitude for the Ephesian church — and full of urgent prayer that they would truly see and experience everything God had already made available to them.
Related passages for reference during discussion:
- Ephesians 1:3 — "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ."
- Romans 8:11 — "But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you."
- Colossians 1:9–10 — A parallel prayer from Paul with similar themes
SECTION 3: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
(30–45 minutes)
Work through as many of these questions as time allows. They're organized to move from observation to interpretation to personal application. You don't need to cover every question — choose what fits your group best.
THEME A: THE MARK OF A HEALTHY CHURCH
(Questions 1–2 | approximately 8–10 minutes)
1. Paul begins his prayer not with a problem or correction, but with gratitude for two specific things he heard about the Ephesian church: their faith in the Lord Jesus and their love for the saints. Why do you think Paul specifically highlights these two things together? What does it tell us that he thanks God for both?
[Leader Tip] Help the group notice the "vertical and horizontal" dynamic the pastor described: faith in Christ (our relationship with God) and love for one another (our relationships with each other). If discussion stalls, ask: "What happens to a church — or a person — when they have one but not the other?"
2. The pastor described two imbalances: having faith without love (becoming like a Pharisee — theologically correct but relationally cold) and having love without faith (becoming a social club — warm and kind, but missing the Gospel). Which of those two imbalances do you think is more common today? Which one do you think is more tempting for you personally?
THEME B: THE CRUISE SHIP ILLUSTRATION
(Question 3 | approximately 5–7 minutes)
3. The sermon used the image of a passenger eating peanut butter sandwiches in his cabin while a full feast was included in the price of his ticket. In what ways do you think Christians — including yourself — sometimes live like that passenger? What keeps us going back to the "cabin" instead of the "banquet deck"?
[Leader Tip] This is a great question for honest, personal sharing. Model vulnerability if you're the leader by sharing your own honest answer first. Some people may name busyness, doubt, feeling unworthy, or simply not knowing what's available. All of those are valid — affirm honesty and resist the urge to immediately "fix" the answers with theology.
THEME C: KNOWING GOD — NOT JUST KNOWING ABOUT HIM
(Questions 4–5 | approximately 10–12 minutes)
4. The pastor made an important distinction about the Greek word for "knowledge" in Paul's prayer. It's not the kind of knowledge you get from reading a fact — it's knowledge gained through relationship and experience. He compared it to knowing statistics about your favorite athlete versus being that athlete's closest friend. What's the difference between those two kinds of knowing in your own faith life? Which one would you say characterizes your relationship with God right now?
5. Paul prays specifically for "the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him." He's not praying for a bigger building, a better budget, or more people in the seats — he's praying for intimate knowledge of God. What does that tell us about what God considers most important for a church? How does that challenge or encourage you?
[Leader Tip] Some groups may want to talk about church programs, attendance, or growth here — that's okay, but gently bring the conversation back to the personal and relational. Ask: "What would it look like for our group specifically to pursue this kind of knowledge of God together?"
THEME D: YOUR CALLING AND INHERITANCE
(Questions 6–7 | approximately 8–10 minutes)
6. The pastor asked a direct question during the sermon: "Do you know what your mission is?" Not your job title, not your role at church, not your position as a spouse or parent — but your actual God-given sense of calling. How would you answer that question? What makes it easy or difficult to put into words?
7. Paul prays that the Ephesians would understand "the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints." The sermon pointed out that this inheritance isn't something we're waiting to receive someday — it's already ours in Christ. What difference does it make to think of your spiritual life as already rich rather than something you're still working toward?
THEME E: RESURRECTION POWER AND LIVING FROM VICTORY
(Questions 8–9 | approximately 8–10 minutes)
8. The sermon closed with a powerful statement: "We do not fight for victory — we fight from victory." Jesus has already won. What does it look like practically to live from that reality? Can you think of a situation in your life right now where you need to approach it from victory rather than fighting toward it?
[Leader Tip] This question can open up some deeply personal sharing about fear, anxiety, difficult circumstances, or spiritual struggles. Create a safe space. Remind the group that living "from victory" doesn't mean pretending things aren't hard — it means facing hard things with a different foundation.
9. The final image of the sermon was of Jesus seated at the right hand of God with all things under his feet — and the church described as his body. If Jesus is the head and we are the body, what does that mean for how we should think about our own authority, purpose, and direction as a church? As individuals?
THEME F: THE BLUEPRINT FRAMEWORK
(Question 10 | approximately 5 minutes)
10. The pastor introduced a framework for the series: Found → Formed → Going — finding our identity in Christ, being formed into his image, and going as followers of Jesus. He also said these aren't three sequential steps but rather a continuous, simultaneous journey. Which of those three do you feel most alive in right now? Which one feels most underdeveloped in your life?
SECTION 4: PERSONAL APPLICATION
(10–15 minutes)
Invite people to reflect quietly for 1–2 minutes before sharing. These questions are more personal, so remind the group that no one is required to share — but that honest sharing builds real community.
Reflection Questions:
A. The pastor challenged everyone to set aside time this week — no distractions, no phone, kids asleep — and simply ask God: "Lord, why am I here? What's my mission? Why have you called me to this place?" Have you ever done something like that? What would it take for you to actually do it this week?
B. Paul prayed without ceasing for a church that was already doing well. Think about the people in your life — your family, your friends, your small group. Are there people you tend to only pray for when something goes wrong? What would it look like to pray for them because of what God is already doing in them?
C. The sermon described the price of the "ticket" — access to everything God has for us — as the blood of Jesus Christ. Not our behavior, attendance, or Bible knowledge. How does that truth make you feel? Is there any part of you that still feels like you need to earn your place at the table?
D. The pastor described the church as being "exclusive to Jesus, but inclusive to everyone." How does that shape the way you think about the people in your neighborhood, workplace, or community who don't yet know Christ?
SECTION 5: THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE
**(Share before closing prayer)*
Choose one of the following — or let each person in the group choose the one that fits them best:
🔵 Option 1 — For Everyone: Set aside 20–30 minutes this week with no distractions. Bring a journal or a notes app. Ask God one simple question: "Lord, what's my mission? Why have you placed me here?" Write down whatever comes to mind, even if it feels incomplete.
🟢 Option 2 — For the Prayerful: Add one person to your prayer list this week — not because they're struggling, but because you're grateful for what God is doing in them. Send them a note or text letting them know you prayed for them.
🟡 Option 3 — For the Curious: Read Ephesians 1:1–23 in a modern translation (NIV, ESV, or NLT work well) and look for every phrase that describes what already belongs to you in Christ. Make a list. Come back next week ready to share one thing that surprised you.
🔴 Option 4 — For the Brave: Think of one area of your life where you've been living like the peanut butter sandwich passenger — not accessing what God has already made available. Take one concrete step this week to change that. Share it with someone in the group for accountability.
SECTION 6: PRAYER FOCUS
(5–10 minutes)
Close your time together in prayer. You can pray as a group, in pairs, or have one person close on behalf of everyone. Here are suggested prayer topics drawn directly from Paul's prayer in Ephesians 1:
Pray together for:
Wisdom and Revelation — Ask God to open the eyes of your hearts this week. Pray that each person in your group would grow in knowing God, not just knowing about him.
Clarity of Calling — Pray for anyone in the group who is searching for a sense of purpose or mission. Ask God to make his calling clear.
A Grateful Church — Thank God for the faith and love you see in one another. Follow Paul's example and start with gratitude.
Resurrection Power — Pray for specific situations in your group where people need to live from the victory of Christ rather than fighting toward it. (If people shared anything during discussion, bring those back to God now.)
Eyes Wide Open — Pray as a group that you would stop living on spiritual peanut butter sandwiches — that you would come to the table and receive what God has already prepared.
Optional: Use this template from the sermon as a guide for your closing prayer:
"Father, give us the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of you. Open the eyes of our hearts. Show us the hope of your calling for each of us. Help us to know the inheritance that already belongs to us in Christ. And remind us every day that we carry the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. Amen."
OPTIONAL DEEP DIVE
For groups with extra time or a desire to go deeper
Deep Dive 1: Paul's prayer in Ephesians 1:15–23 is often compared to his prayer in Ephesians 3:14–21. Read both passages side by side. What themes appear in both? What does each prayer add that the other doesn't? What does it tell you about Paul's heart for this church that he prays for them twice in the same letter?
Deep Dive 2: The sermon mentioned that the city of Ephesus was a financial hub — people there understood money, wealth, and inheritance. Paul deliberately uses financial language throughout Ephesians (earnest money, inheritance, riches). Why do you think Paul chose to communicate spiritual truth through the language his audience already understood? What "language" or framework might Paul use today to reach people in your community?
Deep Dive 3: The pastor introduced the idea that if we are not going as followers of Jesus, it reveals something about our formation, and if we are not being formed, it reveals something about whether we are truly found in Christ. This is a challenging claim. Do you agree with it? Why or why not? Where does grace fit into this framework? How do we avoid turning "Found → Formed → Going" into a new form of legalism?
[Leader Tip] This third deep dive question is intentionally challenging and may generate some healthy debate. That's okay. Remind the group that the goal isn't to arrive at a perfect theological answer but to think carefully together. Encourage people to hold the tension between grace and growth rather than resolving it too quickly in either direction.
QUICK REFERENCE FOR FACILITATORS
| Section | Suggested Time |
|---|---|
| Icebreaker | 5–10 min |
| Scripture Reading | 5 min |
| Discussion Questions | 30–45 min |
| Personal Application | 10–15 min |
| This Week's Challenge | 2–3 min |
| Prayer Focus | 5–10 min |
| Total | 60–90 min |
If your group runs short on time, prioritize questions 3, 6, and 8, then move to the personal application and prayer.
If your group is quiet or new, start with the icebreaker, question 1, and question 3 — then move directly to the application questions. Sometimes smaller, more personal questions open people up faster than theological ones.
If your group wants to go long, add the Deep Dive questions after the prayer time or save them for a follow-up conversation during the week.
LOOKING AHEAD
Next week we continue in the Blueprint series through the book of Ephesians. To prepare, consider reading Ephesians 2:1–10 and reflecting on the contrast between who we were before Christ and who we are in Christ. The journey continues — and so does the blueprint.
"And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all." — Ephesians 1:22–23
This discussion guide was prepared for small group use at The Vine. For questions about the Blueprint sermon series or small group resources, contact your church office.