Ephesus: One New Man-One New Community (discussion questions)

Here are the discussion questions that accompany my message at Eastbrook Church this past weekend in our “Light for the City” series. This message focused on Ephesians 2:11-22.

Discussion Questions:

1.       The foundation for the discussion of the sermon is an understanding of sin and salvation.  Genesis 1-3 conveys the picture of humanity’s original ‘right-ness’ with God and the subsequent ruin of that relationship because of sin. Ephesians 2:1-10 tells of how Jesus Christ put things right through His life, death, and resurrection.  How would you put into your own words this story of creation, ruin through sin, and re-creation through Jesus Christ?

2.       What was the situation that the Gentiles experienced in relationship to God and Israel as Paul describes it in Ephesians 3:11-13? Specifically identify the five things Paul mentions in verses 12-13 and reflect on what they mean.

3.       How was this situation drastically changed through Jesus Christ (see 3:14-18)?

4.       Sin impacts not only our relationship with God, but also brings a sense of disconnection between one person and another. Salvation not only restores our relationship with God, but restores our relationship with one another. What does this mean for our relationships in the church today?

5.       Paul offers some different picture-images of what the church is now because of Jesus. Identify what these picture-images are in 3:14-22. Spend some time considering how these picture-images should shape our understanding of the church’s life together?

6.       At Eastbrook, we celebrate the diversity that God has brought into our midst as a church. What do you think it means that through the Cross, we are one new humanity inclusive of all people regardless of ethnic or cultural backgrounds?

7.       Take some time at the end of your study to consider at least one thing you have learned that will change how you live practically. If you are in a group, share this with one another. If you are on your own, write it out somewhere you will see it and come back to it each day this week.