Ephesians: Study 3
As the world becomes increasingly polarized and issues of race dominate headlines, the gospel of Jesus Christ offers a profound and argument against hostility and discrimination.
Week 3, Semester 1, 2022
Ephesians 2:11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
1. Would verses 11-12 be considered offensive today? Is God discriminatory?
2. Which is more accurate now that Christ has come?
The church is the new Israel
The church is a second Israel
The church and Israel are separate things
The OT laws still apply to Christians
Only some OT laws still apply to Christians
The OT laws no longer apply to Christians
3. Why would the death of Jesus break down hostility between Jews and gentiles (v.14-16)?
4. Are orthodox jews today part of God’s family still? Are they saved?
5. Look closely at v. 19-22, what would you say to someone who claims to be a Christian but neither attends church nor sees it as vital?
6. In what way is belonging to a church different to belonging to any other club?
7. What is the best thing about being a Christian for you personally?