Ephesians Chapter 2
As you read the book of Ephesians keep in mind that Paul is reminding the church at Ephesus that while they may not be from Jerusalem they have been included in the body of Christ. In fact, all persons no matter where they are located on this earth, if they trust in Jesus as their personal Savior, they too are called sons of God. In the ending verses of this chapter Paul talks about the gap of location between the non-Jew and the Jewish believer as being abolished. The Gentile is brought close (to the gospel started in Jerusalem) because of their faith in Jesus.
The hostility between the Jews and the non-Jews could end because Christ brought peace. The same is true today. To achieve peace in our world the gospel needs to be preached because the people need Jesus. He is the one who can unite all hearts in Him. He is our peace.
Let's Reflect
1. We must all first recognize that we are in need of the salvation that Jesus provides. Why do we all need salvation, what is our eternal destination before Christ?
2. The prince of the power of the air (Satan) is still active and working to destroy the sons of disobedience. Who are the sons of disobedience?
3. Paul makes several comparisons of what we were like before we accepted Christ and after. The unsaved person lives to please the passions of what?
4. Because we once lived to serve only our self and gave in to the temptations of the devil, we deserved the wrath of God. Paul gave the unsaved, degenerate people what title?
5. Paul follows his explanation of our state before knowing Christ, with two very important words. What are they? See verse 4.
6. This is the thing about God that is so mind boggling. We humans deserve the wrath of God because we are terrible sinners, but our God has so much love and mercy for us that even though we were already condemned to die, He was willing to do what was necessary to reconcile us to Himself. He has made us to be alive together with Christ. What is the underlying ingredient that makes our salvation possible? Circle this word each time you find it.
7. This ingredient is not our own doing, it is not a result of our good works. Where did the ingredient come from that is necessary for us to obtain salvation?
8. The Gentiles (including the church at Ephesus) were once called the uncircumcision and the Jews were called the circumcision because they were of the Old Testament covenant. The Gentiles were separated from Christ and had no hope. What has brought them close according to verse 13?
9. While Christ is the one who provides peace and can be the one to end all conflict between the Jews and the Gentiles; what wall of hostility did Christ abolish according to verse 16?
10. Paul says that now both the believer who is in Jerusalem and the believer who lives far away from there, they are united in Christ. And we are all called fellow citizens and saints and members of what household?
11. And together we are called the church, that is all believers in Jesus Christ are collectively the church. Who is the cornerstone of the church?
