Rise to become a holy temple in the Lord (Ephesians 2q)

Rise to become a holy temple in the Lord

. Ephesians 2:1-22*

Key verse: “In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.” (Ephesians 2:1-22).

1.      [1-3] Before they came to believe in Christ, what was the Ephesians’ condition (1)? How was this spiritual deadness experienced in their lives (2)? Who also lived among the disobedient and how (3a)? What similar fate did they come under? Why (3b)?

2.      [4-10] In such a situation, what did God do (5, 6)? Why (4, 5b)? What was His purpose (7)? What’s its implication for us (8-9)? What is God’s purpose in all this (10)?

3.      [11-15a] What were they to remember (11-12)? Contrary to the past, what was their situation now (13)? What was the dividing wall of hostility (14b-15)? How did Jesus destroy this barrier (15a)? By doing so, what has he become (14a)?

4.      [15b-18] What’s Jesus’ purpose in doing this (15b)? How did he accomplish his purpose (16, ref. 13)? What’s its significance for all people (18)? How was that access offered (17)? Discuss how people can pursue peace, even from far away.

5.      [19-22] What was the implication of them having the access to the Father (19)? What are the foundation and chief cornerstone of their new household (20)? How are these joined together and for what purpose (21)? What was the significance of this for the Ephesians (22)?

6.      Discuss how God’s purpose in creating us (v10) might be related to His plan in v21.