OCTOBER 26, 2025 STUDY GUIDE
Contagious: His Grace is Amazing!
Ephesians 2:1-10
As you open God's Word, read Ephesians 2:1-10. The Holy Spirit led Paul to write the Book of Ephesians. It's a theological masterpiece.
One theme that leaps off the pages of God's Word is His grace. God's grace is amazing and matchless. You don't deserve His grace, nor can you earn it. Grace is God's unmerited favor and a gift to you.
Pause for a moment and thank God for His amazing grace!
A few questions this week focus on your life before Jesus. Your study group needs to be a safe place to share. As the Holy Spirit leads, share how the grace of God has changed and is changing your life. Always remember, the Hero of your story is Jesus, not yourself. Your story is powerful. May the Lord use your witness!
Paul loved God's people at Ephesus. He pastored them, discipled them, and protected them. Paul lived his life on mission and with purpose. Do you love God's people? Are you living out God's mission and purpose for your life?
What did Paul want God's people at Ephesus to know and do?
1. Remember Life Before Jesus (Eph. 2:1-3). Paul never lost sight of his life before Jesus. What does the phrase "dead in the trespasses and sins" mean? The Bible uses three words for death: physical, spiritual, and eternal. Physical death is a reality in life. Apart from Jesus Christ, every person is dead spiritually. The final death is eternal. This happens when a person dies without Jesus. What do you remember about your life before Jesus?
2. Celebrate Life with Jesus (Eph. 2:4-9). Paul rejoiced that Jesus changed his life. He was alive in Christ. Paul used two powerful words then, and they're still relevant today. He said, "But God!" Can you name other places in the Bible where those two words are used? Take a few minutes and talk about the following words: mercy, love, grace, and faith. What does it look like for you to celebrate life with Jesus?
3. Live Life for Jesus (Eph. 2:10). Paul testified that salvation wasn't the end. Jesus saved him and left him on earth for a reason, a divine agenda. Paul talked about being "God's workmanship." What do those two words mean? As you experience God's grace, He saved you to serve. You've been redeemed, left on this earth, and given the Holy Spirit for a holy assignment. God desires to use you. How are you living your life for Jesus?
In your study group, take time now to discuss these three spiritual realities of grace. You can share stories about each one as the Lord leads.
Saving Grace (You're saved by God's grace)
Equipping Grace (You serve in ministry by God's grace)
Sustaining Grace (You survive (and thrive) in the storms of life by God's grace)
Here are three final relevant questions to discuss:
1. How has "being saved" changed your life?
2. What does "celebration" look like for a Christian?
3. How can you "see yourself" as God sees you?
You're being prayed for this week. Our pastor will deal with many relevant sermon topics throughout this series. We hope you'll join us for every sermon and worship gathering.
If you're able, please comment to us, and let us know what God is doing in and through your life.
We hope to worship with you this weekend.
View all of the "Contagious" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/contagious.
NOVEMBER 2, 2025 STUDY GUIDE
Contagious: He’s Preparing Us for Battle
Ephesians 6:10-20
This week's study is heavy. It's a topic from God's Word that His people must teach, learn, and apply. Take a moment and pray for teachable hearts this week.
Did you play on a playground growing up? Did you and your family visit Cinderella’s Castle at Disney World? Did you compete as a wrestler in high school or college? Have you served as a soldier in the military? What comes to mind when you think about spiritual warfare?
Paul, as the Holy Spirit inspired, revealed that God’s people are in a battle. The enemy is on the attack. He's an adversary.
How have you experienced spiritual warfare? It’s common for people to be at two extremes when talking about the enemy. One mistake is to overestimate him. The second mistake is to underestimate him.
The Bible uses warfare terminology. Take a few minutes and read the following Bible verses: 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 2:3; and 2 Timothy 4:7.
1. Understand the Lord's Challenge (Eph. 6:10-11). Paul called God's people "to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might." What does it mean to be strong in the Lord? Paul knew the Christian life was a battlefield, not a playground. Are you confident of your salvation? Are you unashamed of the Lord? Are you maturing in your faith? Spend time discussing your answers.
2. Comprehend the Enemy's Methods (Eph. 6:11-12). Paul declared that the enemy is working. What is he trying to do? Write down any words that come to your mind. Here are a few questions for you to consider. Is he opposed to God’s truth? Is his goal to build up or tear down? Does he want to see the church unified or divided? Always remember, the enemy is a liar and a deceiver.
3. Recognize the Believer's Environment (Eph. 6:12-20). Paul shared truths about being victorious on the battlefield. What did he teach about dressing as a soldier? Paul said, "Put on the full armor of God." Talk about each piece of the armor. What does the Bible say about taking it off (Hint: It doesn't tell you to)? Is "the evil day" now? Paul asked God's people "to stand." What does he mean by that command?
Paul's teaching challenges us to examine some difficult realities in the church today. The enemy is deceiving and destroying reputations and relationships. Broken marriages, dysfunctional families, and dying churches are all around these days. These four realities should lead to brokenness and prayer.
God’s family attacks one another
God’s leaders fall because of sin
God’s churches stay silent about spiritual warfare
God’s people live casually or nominally
Take a few moments and pray for one another and your church. The enemy is seeking to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). He's on the prowl, looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). As you pray, reflect on the Lord's promise (1 John 4:4).
Here are three final questions to discuss and answer:
1. What did you learn this week about the enemy and spiritual warfare?
2. How is the enemy attacking you, your marriage, or your family?
3. Are you dressed appropriately for the battlefield? If not, what do you need to do immediately?
Thank you for joining us for Bible study and worship. FBC Clarksville is praying for you to know the Lord and live victoriously in Him. Your victory is in the Lord.
We hope to see you this weekend.
View all of the "Contagious" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/contagious.
NOVEMBER 9, 2025 STUDY GUIDE
Contagious: He’s Coming Again One Day
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
How many of you played hide-and-seek growing up? One person would count to a certain number and say, "Ready or not, here I come." One day, Jesus is coming again. Ready or not, He is making His return. Are you ready if He were to return today?
Most people know a great deal about Jesus' first coming. Christmas is the celebration of His birth in Bethlehem. Jesus was born in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn. Hard to believe that Christmas is less than two months away. What do you know about His second coming? Jesus came the first time as a suffering servant (Isaiah 53). His second return will be as King of kings and Lord of lords. Jesus is coming to rule and reign (Revelation 19).
1. Understand the Biblical Timeline (1 Thess. 4:13-14). It's important to be a student of God's Word. You want to know what the Bible says about salvation, generosity, and forgiveness, to name a few subjects. Discuss these two questions: (1) What does the Bible say about Jesus' second coming? Take the time and read what God's Word says. (2) What do Baptists believe about Jesus' return? Search The Baptist Faith & Message 2000 online. Read the article on "Last Things."
2. Celebrate the Biblical Promises (1 Thess. 4:15-17). Can you name two or three of God's promises? Share a few that have personal significance in your life. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. What promises do you see in Paul's writing? Paul believed in the return of Jesus Christ; he experienced the grace of redemption; and he taught the reunion that will take place in Heaven. Who or what do you long to see in Heaven? Take a moment and thank God for His precious promises that anchor our hope and joy.
3. Offer a Biblical Challenge (1 Thess. 4:18). James 1:22 says, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." As you live in the last days and anticipate Jesus' second coming, how should you live and what should you do? Read the following Bible verses and discuss how they answer the previous question: Matthew 24:44; Matthew 24:42; Acts 1:8; 2 Peter 3:11-12; and 1 Thessalonians 4:18. God's Word is inspired and relevant.
In different theological circles, people may disagree about specific timelines and perspectives. However, God's people agree that He's coming again one day. Keep that in mind as you discuss the following three questions.
1. What's the timeline between the rapture, the tribulation, and the second coming?
2. Why do you believe Jesus' second coming is rarely taught or preached in many churches today?
3. What needs to change in your life, knowing that Jesus could return at any moment?
This week's sermon is needed in today's culture. God's people need to live and serve with urgency. May you live with holy anticipation of the glorious return of Jesus Christ!
We hope to study and worship with you this weekend. We have Connect Groups for all ages, and they begin on campus at 9:00 am. Our in-person worship gathering starts at 10:30 am in the Grace Worship Center.
We hope to see you on Sunday.
View all of the "Contagious" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/contagious.
NOVEMBER 16, 2025 STUDY GUIDE
Contagious: He Calls Us to be His Witnesses
Colossians 4:2-4
It's great to be a witness. You witnessed a marriage proposal between two people in love. You observed the "Hail Mary" pass in the last seconds to win the game. You overheard a conversation that troubled you and caused you to fall to your knees in prayer. Being a witness comes with joys and sorrows.
You can be an everyday witness to life events, and you can be a spiritual witness as Jesus commands (Acts 1:8). You need the Holy Spirit to be His witness. Your field of responsibility is the world. You must share about what you've experienced...grace, forgiveness, freedom, salvation, and deliverance. Your witness is about the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Paul was a devoted servant and witness. Following his conversion, Paul labored and prayed for open doors to share the gospel. He faced threats, beatings, and sleepless nights to witness for the Lord. While lodging in a cold, damp, small prison cell, Paul asked God's people to pray for him. He didn't request to be released from prison; he asked for opportunities to share the gospel with conviction and clarity. Paul was a bold, contagious gospel witness.
Take a few moments and read Colossians 4:2-4. What are the keys to being His witness?
1. Engage in Prayer (Col. 4:2). Jesus prayed with consistency and passion. Paul was a man of prayer, too. He was humble enough to ask other people to pray for him. The enemy doesn't want you to pray. Here are two questions for you to consider: (1) What does it mean to "continue steadfastly" in prayer? (2) What are the spiritual benefits of prayer?
2. Ask for Sensitivity (Col. 4:3). Paul was sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leadership. He asked for doors to open to share Jesus. When tempted, you need to be sensitive and discover God's way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13). A witness for Jesus needs to be sensitive. The Lord opens doors for gospel sharing. Share a time when you were sensitive to the Lord's guidance.
3. Persevere through Hardships (Col. 4:3). Paul knew firsthand the experience of being in prison. As he asked for prayer, he didn't request to be released. Paul wanted to share the gospel with people who needed forgiveness, hope, and salvation. Are hardships woven into the story of your life? Are you asking God to use your story for His glory? What hardships are you facing currently?
4. Share with Clarity (Col. 4:4). Paul was specific when he asked people to pray for him. He wanted to share the gospel with clarity. As you pray, what are your requests? Physical healing? Mental health counseling? Spiritual revival? Opportunities to share Jesus? God moves when His people pray. Talk and pray in your group with clarity.
As you review the four points, what are your strengths and weaknesses? Your group is a great place to share your thoughts. You can praise and pray with one another. God's people are better together.
Here are a few final questions to discuss:
How do you need to grow in your prayer life?
How have you been sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leadership?
Who are you praying for by name to be saved?
How are you sharing your story with other people?
When was the last time you shared the gospel with someone?
You're being prayed for at FBC Clarksville.
We'd love for you to join us in person on Sunday. It's Mission Sunday. Lunch will be served after the worship gathering in the gym. It'll be a special time to meet mission leaders and other people. Activities for kids will be available, too.
Have a blessed weekend.
View all of the "Contagious" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/contagious.
NOVEMBER 23, 2025 STUDY GUIDE
Contagious: He’s Faithful at All Times
1 Corinthians 10:12-13
Every person ages, pays taxes, and ultimately dies. Another common reality is temptation. You don't have to look for temptation; it will find you. The Bible teaches that it's "when" you're tempted, not "if" you're tempted.
Take a moment and read 1 Corinthians 10:12-13. You may want to read those verses in two or three different translations. After reading God's Word, discuss the following three questions:
What is temptation?
Where does it come from?
What is its purpose?
As you study these two verses, here are three biblical principles to know and apply.
1. God's Truth is Trustworthy. Is temptation a sin? Jesus was tempted (Matthew 4:1-11), and He never sinned (Hebrews 4:15). Therefore, being tempted isn't a sin. Yielding to temptation is a sin. When are you most vulnerable to temptation? What specific areas do you struggle with most? To overcome the enemy and live victoriously, you must believe that God's truth is trustworthy.
2. God's Faithfulness is Forever. Jeremiah stated that "God's mercies are new every morning. Great is Thy faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22-23). Paul taught the Corinthians about the faithfulness of God in the midst of temptation. You can stand your ground on God's faithfulness. His faithfulness is forever. Why is it important that God's faithfulness doesn't run out?
3. God's Escape is Essential. If you're in a fire, tornado, or hurricane, it's imperative to have an escape plan. When the enemy attacks you, do you have a way of escape? Paul noted that God always offers His children a way to escape when tempted. You don't have to say, "I didn't have a choice." What types of escape have you experienced? Share your stories with your group.
During the sermon, the pastor plans to share seven ways to overcome temptation, and he plans to offer seven actions to take today. You don't want to miss these biblical and practical insights.
What do you think will be on the two lists?
What has helped you handle temptation God's way?
How can you help the next generation learn to handle temptation biblically?
As you finish this week's study, spend time in prayer with and for one another. Here are five ways to pray:
Pray for one another to have adequate time daily in God's Word and prayer.
Pray for one another to have sensitivity to God's Spirit to discover His way of escape.
Pray for one another to invest time in the next generation, teaching them how to handle temptation God's way.
Pray for your pastor and ministry leaders to stand strong and live faithfully in the midst of intense temptation.
Pray for your church to disciple people to expect temptation and to handle it as Jesus modeled and as the Word teaches.
We hope you'll join us on Sunday for Bible study and worship. This week's message is a subject that affects every person.
May the Lord bless you as you seek to honor Him!
View all of the "Contagious" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/contagious.