United In Christ

Opening

What typically causes major conflicts?

Answer: Typically it is a difference that seems to have no easy solution to reconciliation.

Explore Options

Game:

Go to the left if you haven’t done it

Go to the right if you have done it

Do you like spicy food?

Do you like to play video games?

Have you ever had the flue?

Is Christmas your favorite holiday?

Do you like chocolate?

Do you like coffee?

Would it be wise to divide and break fellowship over these things? Of course! However, the divide between Jews and gentiles was very real and a huge issue because one was trying to worship God while the other practiced idolatry.

Ephesians 2:11–16 CSB

11 So then, remember that at one time you were Gentiles in the flesh—called “the uncircumcised” by those called “the circumcised,” which is done in the flesh by human hands. 12 At that time you were without Christ, excluded from the citizenship of Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility. In his flesh, 15 he made of no effect the law consisting of commands and expressed in regulations, so that he might create in himself one new man from the two, resulting in peace. 16 He did this so that he might reconcile both to God in one body through the cross by which he put the hostility to death.

Q. What were Jews and gentiles divided over in Paul’s day? what causes division among people in our culture today?

Q. How did Paul describe the gentiles in Ephesus before they became Christians? were the jews in Ephesus any better off?

Q. How does the gospel empower us to tear down the walls that divide us? How does it help us love people who are different from us?

Q. What did Jesus do to unite Jews and Gentiles (v16)? What can we learn from this in terms of how we live with and serve others?

Ephesians 2:17–22 ESV

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.

Ephesians 2:17-22

Q. What message was preached to both Jews and Gentiles in Ephesus? According to Paul, How does this message bring peace (v.17)?

Ephesians 2:17 ESV

17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.

Q. Do you tend to think of the gospel primarily as good news? Why or why not?

Q. How does Paul describe followers of Jesus in verses 19-20? Do you tend to think of yourself this way? Why or why not?

Eph 19-20

Ephesians 2:19–20 ESV

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,

Q. How are both Jews and gentiles essential to the work God is doing in the world? why is unity essential in the mission God has given us?