Ephesians 2: 11-22

One in Christ

Review vs 11-13 as a group.

Paul asked the church in Ephesus to remember the important things that have been discussed so far- and specifically what he mentioned in vs 1-1o

Although your group may have done this last week, discuss what your life looked like before you came to Christ.

1. What was your life style?

- How did sin influence your thoughts and actions?

- Did you ever feel that you were separate from Christ? Did you know Christ at all?

2. What is a Gentile?

- Paul used the terms "uncircumcised" and "the circumcision." Other than the obvious surgical procedure, what was he referring to? Did the circumcision indicate that you had a right relationship with God?

- What did these terms have to do with "citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise?" What promise? What covenants?

3. In vs 13, Paul proclaimed that though you were once "far away," you have been brought near through the blood of Christ.

-What evidence can be seen in your life regarding the transformation from spiritually dead to alive?

Review vs 14-22

Through the death and resurrection of Christ we are reconciled to God. That said, Paul noted that there are other benefits. In verses 14-22 these benefits are addressed.

As a group discuss some of these benefits:

-How was the law and its commandments and regulations abolished by the death and resurrection of Christ?

-How is our life different now that we have access to the Father by one Spirit?

-What are the benefits of being in God's household?

-You are being built to become a dwelling for God to live in by His spirit. Explain what this looks like and how we are to live because of it.

Teacher: Paul Sabino

Ephesians 2: 11-22

Ephesians 2:1-10

Made Alive in Christ

Paul outlined out that all of us at one time were dead in our 

transgressions.

Review vs 1-4 as a group

While you were living in sin- following the ways of the world- did 

you feel that you were "dead?"

- Would you have ever admitted to being under the influence of a 

"spirit" that is at work in those that are disobedient? Would you 

have admitted to being disobedient, in the first place?

- Would you have seen yourself as an "object of wrath?"

Review vs 4 and 5

What is the normal way we respond to those that are "objects of our wrath?" What does it say about God's Love that He had His Son die for those that didn't deserve it?

Paul mentioned Grace in verse 5. Lets address this and the remainder of the chapter.

- What is Grace? How is it different than love?

- When he mentioned that it was by this Grace that you were saved- through faith- what does this mean?

- Is the fact that it took no work on your part to save you from death hard to comprehend?

- What would you tell someone that doesn't believe that faith alone would get you into the Heaven? If they believe that it is the things that you do on this earth that get you into heaven- how would you respond?

Teacher: Peter Matthews

Ephesians 2:1-10

Ephesians 1:15-23

Thanksgiving and Prayer

Review vs 15 and 16

1. Paul discussed the faith and love of the believers that lived in Ephesus.

-Do these qualities provide evidence of anything?

2. Paul gave thanks, not for their love of God, but for their love of all the saints.

-Explain the difference.

-Do we sometimes claim love for God but not evidence this love by loving those around us?

Review vs 17

Paul mentioned that He prayed for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation be given to the believers.

-How would it benefit the believers to know God better?

-If you were given full clarity of what God wants and desires, would that change the way you live? Has He already made these desires clear?

Review vs 18

-What are the "eyes of your heart?"

-He mentioned that he wanted these "eyes" to be enlightened- so that they would know the hope to which we are called and to have an understanding of the inheritance of the saints. How important to your relationship with God is it that you have this understanding?

Review vs 19 and 20

-How significant is it that the power that raised Jesus from the dead, is also at work in us?

-What is the benefit of this great power to a believer? How should it affect how we look at the trials of our lives?

Review vs 21-23

God's great power not only raised Christ from the dead, it placed Christ in a position of authority above all that can be named- including the church.

-Why is this significant? How does this benefit believers?

-How should this authority be seen by those that choose to live in defiance of it?

Teacher: Jeff Dodge

Ephesians 1:15-23