1. In Ephesians 2:1 Paul explains the way the Ephesians “once walked.” Compare this “walk” with the one described by John in I John 1:7. What does it mean when the Bible talks about a “walk” such as this?
2. Paul depicts this walk as (a) following the course of this world, (b) following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience, (c) carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and (d) being by nature children on wrath. In your own words, describe what these statements mean. Paul says those who live this way are dead in their ________________ and ________.
3. The good news is that we do not have to stay in this condition because of God’s great love for us. See also John 3:16 and Romans 5:8. God did this by taking those who were dead and “made us _____________ together with __________.” (Ephesians 2:5), “raised us up with __________,” (Ephesians 2:6) and _______________ us with him in the _____________ _____________ in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6). This was done to “show the _____________ _________________ of his _____________” (Ephesians 2:7) and is a “_______ of God” (Ephesians 2:8). The result of this is that “we are his _____________ created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Ephesians 2:10). This is the way God wants us to walk (live).
4. In Ephesians 2:11-16 Paul explains that at one time the gentiles were (a) “separated from Christ,” (b) “alienated from the commonwealth of Israel,” (c) “strangers to the covenants of promise,” (d) “having no hope and without God in the world.” However, the effect of the _____________ of Christ was to allow the Gentiles to “have been brought near.” He made both Jews and gentiles ________ by breaking down “the dividing wall of _____________” and abolishing the law of ________________ and ____________________.” He brought everyone so close that they are now “one __________.” What is this? (Hint: refer back to Ephesians 1:22-23)
5. Christ accomplished this by coming and preaching peace to those who were far off (Gentiles) and those who were near (Jews) (Ephesians 2:17). Now, according to Ephesians 2:18-20, everyone has equal access to the Father through the one _____________ and is a fellow citizen of the _____________________ if God (i.e., the church).
6. In the Old Testament God dwelt in the Holy Temple that had been built in Jerusalem (see I Kings 8:25-30). However, now God chooses to dwell in a different holy temple, the body of his followers (Ephesians 2:21-22). For more references to this concept, see John 4:20-24, I Corinthians 3:16 and 6:19.
(a)See Ephesians 2:22 and 3:8
(c) See Ephesians 3:20
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