This week we continue to look at what it means to be Reconciled both to God and to each other.
Questions for Small Groups:
To start your group, have everyone share one way they have seen God at work in their life this week.
Read Ephesians 2:11-22.
1. Go through the passage together and find the phrases that describe how we are reconciled to God and the phrases that describe how we are reconciled to each other.
2. v.11-12 and 15. There was division between the Jews and Gentiles. The root of this division was the OT Law. The Jews used the Law to make themselves feel privileged and to look down upon the Gentile Christians (notice their name calling in verse 11). What are some ways we use “law: to create privilege, division, or animosity with other Christians.
3. v.13- Our new identity is in Christ. How does this amazing truth begin to heal all division in the church?
4. In v.13 Paul talks about the “blood of Christ” and in v.16 he talks about the cross of Christ. How does the substitutionary death of Christ reconcile us to God AND to each other?
- To God: Read Ephesians 2:1-10 for more on this.
- To each other: Think about the gospel (you are wicked yet loved).
5. First Jesus IS our peace (v.14) then he MAKES peace (v.15). Why is this progression important? Or why must I have peace with God before I can have peace with others.
6. Paul has given us a very high Christology (view of Christ) which leads to a very high ecclesiology (view of the church). Read v.19-22. How is the church described in these verses? What stands out to you here?
7. Do you think there is unity at Grace Baptist Church? What could be done to help this cause?
8. Why is it important that a church celebrate diversity within its unity? How does the gospel (wicked yet loved) allow us to do this?
9. Do you see your salvation as a personal issue or a corporate reality? ie: Do you see yourself as being saved into a community, a family, a temple for God to live in? How would your life be different if you embraced this reality?
10. What walls of hostility are still standing strong in your life (at home, in church, in community, at work)? How can the peace of Christ allow you to start breaking down those walls today?
Practice saying the Fighter Verse with one another:
Ephesians 2:14. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility
