OPEN

As you open up tonight, What does it mean to be a citizen?

What jumped out at you from the message this week? What led you to really think or even better, to change your actions?

INTRODUCTION

What jumped out at you from the video in this session? What are some ways that we might use this to live on mission with Christ?

What does it mean to be a citizen? What were Gentiles living with the Jews called previously?

READ
READ Ephesians 2:18-22
18For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Through Christ both groups have access to who? By whom? V18

What has happened to the position of the people in this passage? What terminology does Paul use? V19

what is the foundation upon which God’s household, the church, is built? What does the word “foundation” mean to you when you hear it? V20

According to Paul, what did God call God’s church to be? V21

Who is included in this process? What are they becoming? V22

Note the use of “one” in verse 18. Christian unity is a mutual headship – all have the same head. Who is the author of this unity? What is the price of this unity?

DIVE DEEPER

Note the use of “one” in verse 18. Christian unity is a mutual headship – all have the same head. Who is the author of this unity? What is the price of this unity?

A church building is often called God’s house. In reality, the church is a group of people who Christ lives in and shows Himself through to the world. It is to be a community in whom the Holy Spirit dwells. Think on these words: “God’s household”, “holy temple”, “dwelling in which God lives”. Now put the words “I am” before each phrase. Describe how this affects you.

How does this lesson give us hope in Christ?

BIG IDEA
Jesus Christ has reconciled Jews and Gentiles alike to God. In so doing He has destroyed the basis for hostility that exists between people as well. Because of Christ’s death we can enjoy peace with God and with our enemies.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

As a member of God’s household, you have lots of brothers and sisters. What would a church look like that was truly living out the vision of this passage?

Think of a person you are at odds with. How does the gospel free you up from resentment and bitterness?

People from hundreds of different cultures comprise the household of God. What are a few things that we all have in common?