Lesson 4
Read Mark Learn Bible Studies
To the Praise of His Glory
A Study in Ephesians
In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. Ephesians 2:3
Ephesians 2:11-22
Read Ephesians 2:11-22
1) In Ephesians 2:10 Paul declares that we are created in Christ Jesus for good works. "Therefore," (verse 11) we are to remember what we were, not simply as sinners, but as Gentile sinners. Use phrases from Ephesians 2:11-12 to describe the condition of the Gentile apart from Christ.
2) The term covenants of promise refers to God's covenant with Abraham and promise to make him a great nation (Israel), the Law of Moses, and the Davidic covenant (a son of David will always sit on David's throne). What do the following verses teach about Christ's fulfillment of these covenants?
3) Jesus came as the fulfillment of all God's promises to his people Israel, but his ministry is not limited to descendants of Abraham. Read Genesis 12:3 and Isaiah 11:10. Write phrases from these verses that show God's intention to save Gentiles.
4) We were once far off, but now, by the blood of Christ we have been brought near (Ephesians 2:13). This is good news indeed. While it is true that Israel had always received converts, full inclusion into the people of God is only made possible by Christ. What did Christ accomplish according to Ephesians 2:14-16?
According to the historian Josephus, the sanctuary was walled by a stone partition displaying an inscription in Latin and Greek that no foreigner should go within the sanctuary (The Jewish War, VI.2.6). This stone wall was symbolic of a greater wall of hostility now broken down in Christ. Both Jew and Gentile are now reconciled to God. In Christ we are no longer two people but one new man.
5) Jesus came and preached peace to those who were far (Gentiles) and to those who were near (Jews). Not only do Jew and Gentile enjoy peace with each other in Christ, but all who are in Christ have peace with each other. Is there an area in your life where you need to know the peace Jesus has made available to you? (This area could be with God or man.)
6) What benefit do both Jew and Gentile enjoy in Christ according to Ephesians 2:18?
If we've been Christians for some time we may take access to the Father for granted. Under the Law, access to God was restricted. Only the high priest could enter the immediate presence of God, and then, just once a year on the Day of Atonement. He could only enter the most holy place with blood after offering sacrifice for his sin. Because of Jesus' blood we can boldly enter the throne room of grace (Hebrews 4:14-16) freely, at any time.
7) Do you have a need that should be brought before the Father? Mercy and grace is available in your time of need.
8) Read Ephesians 2:19-24. Describe the imagery Paul uses here to teach about the body of Christ.
9) What is the purpose of this structure?
10) It is the Spirit who is working in the church, building us together into a dwelling place for God. How is the Spirit working in your life in this point in time to make your heart a suitable home for the living God?
Let's thank God for his work in our lives. It is a high calling to be the dwelling place of God. May our lives advertise to the world what we really are.
Copyright © 2007, Carol Duffy. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Read Mark Learn Bible Studies
To the Praise of His Glory
A Study in Ephesians
In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. Ephesians 2:3
Ephesians 2:11-22
Read Ephesians 2:11-22
1) In Ephesians 2:10 Paul declares that we are created in Christ Jesus for good works. "Therefore," (verse 11) we are to remember what we were, not simply as sinners, but as Gentile sinners. Use phrases from Ephesians 2:11-12 to describe the condition of the Gentile apart from Christ.
2) The term covenants of promise refers to God's covenant with Abraham and promise to make him a great nation (Israel), the Law of Moses, and the Davidic covenant (a son of David will always sit on David's throne). What do the following verses teach about Christ's fulfillment of these covenants?
- Mathew 5:17
- 2 Corinthians 1:20
- Hebrews 9:15
3) Jesus came as the fulfillment of all God's promises to his people Israel, but his ministry is not limited to descendants of Abraham. Read Genesis 12:3 and Isaiah 11:10. Write phrases from these verses that show God's intention to save Gentiles.
4) We were once far off, but now, by the blood of Christ we have been brought near (Ephesians 2:13). This is good news indeed. While it is true that Israel had always received converts, full inclusion into the people of God is only made possible by Christ. What did Christ accomplish according to Ephesians 2:14-16?
According to the historian Josephus, the sanctuary was walled by a stone partition displaying an inscription in Latin and Greek that no foreigner should go within the sanctuary (The Jewish War, VI.2.6). This stone wall was symbolic of a greater wall of hostility now broken down in Christ. Both Jew and Gentile are now reconciled to God. In Christ we are no longer two people but one new man.
5) Jesus came and preached peace to those who were far (Gentiles) and to those who were near (Jews). Not only do Jew and Gentile enjoy peace with each other in Christ, but all who are in Christ have peace with each other. Is there an area in your life where you need to know the peace Jesus has made available to you? (This area could be with God or man.)
6) What benefit do both Jew and Gentile enjoy in Christ according to Ephesians 2:18?
If we've been Christians for some time we may take access to the Father for granted. Under the Law, access to God was restricted. Only the high priest could enter the immediate presence of God, and then, just once a year on the Day of Atonement. He could only enter the most holy place with blood after offering sacrifice for his sin. Because of Jesus' blood we can boldly enter the throne room of grace (Hebrews 4:14-16) freely, at any time.
7) Do you have a need that should be brought before the Father? Mercy and grace is available in your time of need.
8) Read Ephesians 2:19-24. Describe the imagery Paul uses here to teach about the body of Christ.
9) What is the purpose of this structure?
10) It is the Spirit who is working in the church, building us together into a dwelling place for God. How is the Spirit working in your life in this point in time to make your heart a suitable home for the living God?
Let's thank God for his work in our lives. It is a high calling to be the dwelling place of God. May our lives advertise to the world what we really are.
Copyright © 2007, Carol Duffy. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
