In this chapter, Paul explains how we have been reconciled to God through Christ; and how we have been reconciled to each other by God through Christ.
Fundamentally, this whole passage is about the transforming nature of God’s grace.
By grace, he gives us faith in Christ, and so brings us from spiritual death, facing his wrath, to spiritual life, seated in heaven with Christ, and with eternity with him to look forward to. And by grace, he brings us into his church, in which he dwells, abolishing all that divides us as humans.
So, in this study, you will see the desperate state of those who live in rebellion against God (by nature, all of us), and you will see the wonderful new humanity created by God, by bringing everyone to be his people through the cross.
Read Ephesians 2: 1-10
1] How does Paul describe the lives of people before they come to faith in Jesus?
This condition is caused by following what (v 2)? (Find two answers.)
2] Find four words in verses 4-7 that sum up the character of God.
What does each word mean for sinful people like us?
3] In verses 4-6 many translations use the phrase ‘with Christ.’
What three things has God done for us ‘with Christ’?
4] Verses 5, 7 & 8 tell us about God’s grace. How would you define "grace"?
How does "God's grace" make a difference to your day-to-day life?
5] In verses 14-18, what four things has Jesus has done to bring us peace?
Read Ephesians 2: 19-22
6] In these verses, what three pictures illustrate Christ's community?
What is our part in it?
7] What difference does this passage make to your understanding of church?
PRAYER: If you are able, look back to what your life was like before you knew the grace of God. Spend time in prayer giving thanks to God for all the ways in which his gift of salvation has transformed your life.
On Friday there will be an article by a guest writer and on Sunday I will share with you a message from Ephesians chapter 3. - Stephen