Belong: Something Greater

Ephesians 2:11–22 ESV

11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 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 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 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.

What does it mean to belong to God’s family?

1.) We are no longer on the outside looking in. (v. 11-13)

Five realities of those on the outside:

Separated, alienated, strangers, no hope, without God

God responds to sin with covenants

Noahic Covenant

Abrahamic Covenant

Mosaic Covenant

Davidic Covenant

A new reality requires a new covenant

“You who were once far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”

We have to acknowledge our old reality in order to fully appreciate the new.

2.) Jesus has defeated hostility and brought peace. (v. 14-17)

“It is not the law as a revelation of the character of God, but as a written code, threatening death instead of imparting life that has been done away with in Christ.” -FF Bruce

Jesus’ peace should bring his people together.

We need to live like people who are at peace.

3.) We are part of something much bigger than ourselves. (v. 18-22)

Four realities of belonging to God’s family:

Access to the Father, fellow citizen, member of God’s household, dwelling place for the Spirit.

Ephesians 3:14–20 ESV

14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,

Live as one who is part of the whole, not as one who thinks the whole should be all about them.

Head

What stood out to you about this morning’s message?

Read Matthew 5:17, then compare to Ephesians 2:15. Does Paul contradict Jesus? How does Christ become the ultimate fulfillment of the law? See Romans 8:1-4

Why do you think Paul uses the analogy of a house in Ephesians 2:20-21? How does it help us to view our faith?

Heart

How do you personally experience God’s peace in your life?

Be honest. Are there any “dividing walls of hostility” in our student ministry? What has kept us from living like a family?

Do you personally feel like you “belong” ? Why or why not?

Hands

Paul took time to remind the Ephesians who they were before they came to know Christ. Take a minute to think through who you were before you knew Christ. What was life like? What made you realize you needed Jesus as a personal savior?

God has gifted everyone with talents and abilities, how can you use your personal gifts and abilities to continue to build God’s household?

Paul takes an opportunity to pray for the Ephesians’ spiritual strength. Pair up with someone and share with them three ways they can pray for you. Each pair should pray for each other, then come back together and let the leader pray over the group as a whole.