Chapter 2

Main Point: The power of Jesus can unite two groups into one.

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. —Ephesians 2:1-3

When your identity is in Jesus, you become a new creation.

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. —Ephesians 2:4-5

It is God’s love, mercy, and grace that changes us.

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. —Ephesians 2:14-15a

Jesus came to destroy barriers and dividing walls, and he expects us to continue that work, not to rebuild them.

His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. —Ephesians 2:15b-16

One of the primary signs of God’s power at work in our lives is unity.

He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. —Ephesians 2:17-18

There is no classification that matters more than our relationship with God.

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. —Ephesians 2:19-20

Living out this unity requires keeping Jesus at the center of our lives and relationships.

In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. —Ephesians 2:21-22

Takeaway: Jesus is our peace.

Discussion Questions
1.Have you ever seen two groups united into one? What were the circumstances? Did you have any takeaways from that experience?

2.Who were you before your identity was in Jesus? Who are you now?

3.Throughout scripture there is an incredibly high value given to unity in the lives of Christ-followers. Why do you think God places so much importance there?

Table Discussion Question: What barriers or walls of hostility do you see around you? What can we do to remove those and tear them down? How is that continuing the work of Jesus?