Will to Unite - Week 4
Lesson Four Eph. 2:11-22
Connecting to one another
Read Genesis 1:26-28. Why are genetic and ethnic divisions, among the most hostile of divisions, particularly grievous to our Father?
Understanding the Truth with one another
Verse by Verse ~ Topic by Topic ~ Argument by Argument
CONTEXT – In our text today Paul references Israel as a genetic and ethnic community of God’s people, set apart from the nations (Gentiles). God gave Israel circumcision and the Law as outward demonstrations of holiness, but not all individuals in that community were inward believers (Rom 2:28-29; Jer 31:31-34). We have learned that the community of God in Christ does consist only of inward believers. As you read and discuss today, consider how our reconciliation to God through Christ makes genetic and ethnic reconciliation among all believers both absolutely possible and imperative.
Read Ephesians 2:11-22.
1. Verses 11-13 Note Paul’s use of “you” in these verses is referring to the Gentiles.
a. In verse 11, what is Paul’s purpose in repeating “in the flesh” to describe BOTH Gentiles (uncircumcision) and Jews (circumcision)? In OT “by hands” denotes idols & in the NT things done by hands always has a negative connotation in order to contrast the work of the flesh to the work of the Spirit.
b. Paul commands the Gentiles to remember their former descriptors. List those and discuss how each emphasizes the Gentiles’ particular distance from God.
c. How are genetic and ethnic divisions inoperative in God’s community of adopted children?
Consider -- Regardless of our genetics and ethnicity how are all brought near? (verse 13)
2. Verses 14-18 Note Paul’s use of “our” in 2:14 and “we” in 2:18 as referring to all believers.
a. Review the verses below. Jot down key words/ideas that will help you answer question 2b.
o Ephesians 1:10
o Ephesians 1:22-23
b. Why did Christ create ONE new man? Use the verses above and the bullets below to help you process.
o Which commandment is the greatest? Which one is “like it”? (Matthew 22:36-40)
o Irrespective of ethnicity & genetics, is anyone able to fulfill God’s commandments? (verse 15).
o What does the peace Christ preached to both the far and the near grant us all through Christ? (verse 18)
o Read 2 Corinthians 5:16-17. Note how it teaches we are to regard one another as a new creation.
CONTEXT – Paul layers metaphors to capture the community God created in Christ. In this new community both Jews and Gentiles are reconciled to God; and Jew and Gentiles are reconciled to one another. His climatic metaphor compares the community of God in Christ to the holy temple (naos). This refers to the holy of holies, the most sacred place in the temple (Matt 27:51) where God’s presence dwelt.
3. Verses 19-22 Note Paul’s use of “you” in these verses is referring to the Gentiles.
a. Why does Paul affirm the Gentiles are fellow citizens and members of the household of God?
b. Break down what Paul is affirming to them when he says they (along with believing Jews) are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ as the cornerstone.
c. How is the Church, consisting of all who are in Christ, already a holy temple in the Lord and also being builttogether as a dwelling place for the Lord? You might wish to review CONTEXT above.
4. Read Matthew 28:18-20.
Do you see how our mission has not changed since Genesis 1:26-28? It has always been to multiply God’s image on earth.
a. How is God’s means for this mission growing stronger and stronger according to today’s text?
b. Division is the opposite operation of multiplication. How do we as those in Christ -- the Church, the Body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all – frustrate His mission?
Praying Through and Living the Truth as we are sent out
CONTEXT -- We learned how God created one man out of every nation and tribe and peoples and languages who will worship Him forever (Rev 7:9). Understanding God’s sovereign will for us as individuals and corporately is the crucial first step. Now we must be a witness for it.
5. We cannot be a witness if our heart is not right with God. So, we are each going to spend time alone with God. Here’s a plan for that:
a. Ask the Father to search your heart to reveal sins this text surfaces. Use the text box to guide you if you wish.
b. Listen for His answers.
c. Pray within or write a confession.
d. When you are done, rest your hand on your paper as a sign for your leader.
e. You can continue to pray about other matters while you wait for the group to finish. (Leaders, when all are ready, pray to close this time.)
6. Debrief about your prayer experience. Is there an outward step you could take as an individual to outwardly express love to a person or people group?
Worship ALL Week At Grace we trust Christ to transform us as we abide in Him daily.
READ
o Homework – Read Ephesians 3:1-21 in preparation for next week.
MEDITATE
o Homework -- Take notes from Ephesians 3:1-21. Make a list of questions you have.
ACT
o Continue the dialogue for number 6. You can do this through group text or by talking to one group member this week. Continue praying through group chat, phone calls, coffee shop meets for yourselves and our church to love one another as God wills us to do.
God’s joy and strength to you!
kpaulson@gracelaredo.org