Ephesians Curriculum jethrotools.org
Teaching Text: Ephesians 2:11-22
Teacher Study Notes:
Teaching Text: Ephesians 2:11-22
Teacher Study Notes:
- In this section Paul discusses the body of Christ (the church). He notes that Jewish and Gentile believers are connected and united because of Christ. In many ways this passage is similar to Ephesians 2:1-10 as Paul looks at the past and present with and without Christ. However, the difference is that this passage moves away from the things that are true for all believers (2:1-10) to things that exist within the Ephesian church regarding people of various backgrounds.
- Notice the negative portion of verses 11-22.Notice how Paul uses the word you. He is focusing on one specific group of people in the church. Think back through all that has been covered so far in the letter to the Ephesians. Could it be that Paul is trying to help the people remember where they have come from, why they are connected to each other, and the value of the connection? Could this have any relation to Revelation 2:1-17 where this church was reprimanded for lacking it’s first love? How often do internal church conflicts affect or display our relationship with God?
- As you think about this passage pay attention to the way that God’s grace has been used to bring the necessary changes in the lives of the Ephesians. Think through the connection and relationship between this passage and Ephesians 1:3. The people have been blessed with every spiritual blessing individually and now they are connected with others who have been blessed in the same way.
- Attraction of the audience to your Bible lesson with an illustration.
Describe common relationship problems. People do not communicate and trust each other. This is the main reason why 50% of all North American marriages, in and out of the church, end up in divorce. All relationships need communication, trust and love. Transition: This passage will show us how God and His love unites people who are different for His purposes - Read the Bible passage
Read the Bible passage out loud or ask someone else to read it out loud, open in prayer Make general important observations about the passage and the context.
Briefly review by telling what has been presented up to this point in the book. Summarize for the group what will be covered in this section. - Examination of the Bible passage with the group
(These questions are to guide your thinking and development of your Bible lesson.) What is the main point or idea of this passage?
There are two main divisions in this passage.
Where is it divided and why? What is the difference? Look for a contrast. Where do the negative and positive lifestyles come from?
What are the things that are noted about a negative lifestyle?
What are the things that are noted about a positive lifestyle? - Application of the Bible lesson
Think back on the changes that have happened in your life.
What has God brought you out of?
How has God shown His grace to you?
How can your connection with other believers cause you to grow as a spiritual body?
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