SS 11-8-20 Ephesians 2:19-22

Audio Lesson

This morning, we begin with Hebrews 13:20-21 concerning the eternal covenant. Let us keep this eternal covenant in mind as we discuss this morning’s passage in Ephesians.

Read Ephesians 2:11-13, 14-18, 19-22

1. We are no longer foreigners and strangers (v.12).
2. We are fellow citizens with God’s people and now members of His household (v.19).
   1. He has made the two groups one (v.14).
   2. How? Through His flesh (v.15).
   3. He has fashioned one new humanity out of two (v.16).
   4. We are reconciled together through the cross (v.16).
   5. The Key: Access to the Father by one Spirit (v.18).
3. We are being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets.
   1. Apostles- read 1 John 1:1-4
   2. Prophets- read Isaiah 9:1-2, 6-7
   3. Jesus Christ is the Chief Cornerstone- Read Luke 20:17-18, Acts 4:9-12
4. The whole building is being built to become a holy temple in the Lord (v.21).
   1. The New Jerusalem- read Revelation 21:9-11, 22-24, Ephesians 5:25-27, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Jude 24, and Revelation 21:11 again
   2. God’s Temple- read Galatians 4:6, 1 Corinthians 3:9&16, 6:15-17, 19-20
5. We are being built together to become a corporate dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit (v.22). Read Galatians 3:28, Hebrews 3:6, Matthew 18:20.

So, through Christ’s flesh and because of His sacrifice on the cross, we who were far away and those who were near were joined together to create a new humanity, the Bride of Christ, and we are individual temples, but also a collective temple in which God lives. One day, Christ will come for His Bride. O, what a glorious day that will be!

We end like we began, with Hebrews 13:20-21, “May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Around the Table:

1. Was any of this material new to you?
2. How does it change your view of the church? You and your place in Christ?
3. Is this good news? How might you share it with other people who are Christians? Who are lost?