CONNECT: What good work/s do you think God has prepared for you in the coming days? How about in the year ahead?

WARM-UP

1. Have you ever been to a citizenship ceremony? What was it like? What responsibilities and privileges come with being a citizen of a country?
2. This passage speaks of two main parts of our reconciliation. What are they?

READ Ephesians 2:11-12

1. Can you remember a time when you have been excluded from something?
2. What was the relationship between the Jews and the Gentiles like at this point in time? Circumcision was meant to be an outward sign of the Jewish person’s devotion to God. What had it become?
3. What is the result of not being ‘In Christ’? Why are we told to continually remember our former state? How does our view of this former state impact our view and perspective of our current state?

READ Ephesians 2:13-22

1. How does Jesus bring those who are far away near? Who are these people? How does Jesus’ death mean that Gentiles (ie. you and me!) can worship God freely?
2. What does it mean that Jesus has set aside the law? Does this mean that the law is now irrelevant and not important to us today?
3. The fact that we need reconciliation to God indicates that there was a problem. What was that problem and how has that been overcome by Jesus?
4. What is this peace that Paul is talking about in V17? How is this different to the worldly view of peace?
5. How is having access to God such an amazing source of hope and comfort for you? How can we have this access?
6. What is the result of both Jews and Gentiles being reconciled to each other and to God through the cross? Is there anyone who isn’t welcome to join God’s people?
7. What responsibilities and privileges come with being God’s people? How can we make sure we express our unity together as God’s people?
8. What are the dangers of loosing sight of Jesus as the chief cornerstone of God’s people?
9. The temple and tabernacle were where God’s particular presence was with his people in the Old Testament. Where does God dwell now?

APPLY:   Who could you share the good news of being part of God’s people with?

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On Your Frontline This Week: As you plan the end of the year, what opportunities are there to introduce your Christian and non-Christian friends?

Listen, Watch, and Read:          

• AUDIO: “Community and the Cross” by D.A. Carson
• AUDIO: “Ephesians 2:11-22” by Thabiti Anyabwile
• AUDIO: “Reconciling Enemies” by William Taylor
• AUDIO: “All One in Christ Jesus” by Alistair Begg
  

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Ephesians Series:

• St Bart’s Ephesians Guide and Weekly Overview
• VIDEO: The Bible Project Ephesians Overview
• COMMENTARY: “Paul for Everyone, the Prison Letters” by Tom Wright
• COMMENTARY: “The Story of God Bible Commentary, Ephesians” by Mark Roberts
• RESOURCES: Gospel Coalition Ephesian Courses
• COURSE (PAID): “Paul and his Letter to the Ephesians” by Tom Wright

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