Ice Breaker: (15 min)

Paul starts this section with a call to remember their former lives before Christ: Please share a fond memory that you greatly value.

Watch “The Bible Project’s “Book of Ephesians” (timestamp: 2:25 to 4:22).

In the previous study “We Came Back from the Dead” – Ephesians 2:1-10

In Ephesians 2:11-22, Paul used three common, but pivotal transitional words to develop his instructions. They are “therefore”, “but” and “so”.

Part 1

Read Ephesians 2:11-12 (20 min)

“Therefore” (dió) – looking backward (“because”) to properly look forward (“therefore”).

1. What does “therefore” refer to (Review verses 2:1-10)?
2. What former condition did Paul want them to remember in verses 11-12?
3. Why is it significant to remember?
4. What do we need to remember in our own former lives?

Part 2

Read Ephesians 2:13-18 (20 min)

“But” (dé, a conjunction) – moreover, indeed now

1. What’s the good news of peace?
2. How is this good news made possible?
3. What does Satan want to destroy? Hint: In what Christ has done (verses 13,16).
4. How does he divide us? How does he affect our witness?
5. How can we be safeguarded from these lies?

Part 3

Read Ephesians 2:19-22 (20 min)

“Consequently” or “So” or “Therefore” (airo) through the idea of drawing a conclusion

1. What new identity do we possess (verse 19)?
2. What work is God doing in and through us? (Ephesian 2:20-22; 4:11-16)
3. What then does it mean for me to be a holy temple of the Lord?
4. What daily actions are consistent with being a holy temple of God?

“We were once dead … Now, we are a holy temple in which Christ lives”

LEADERS GUIDE 

Ice Breaker: (15 min)

Paul starts this section with a call to remember their former lives before Christ: Please share a fond memory that you greatly value.

Watch “The Bible Project’s “Book of Ephesians” (timestamp: 2:25 to 4:22).

In the previous study “We Came Back from the Dead” – Ephesians 2:1-10

In Ephesians 2:11-22, Paul used three common, but pivotal transitional words to develop his instructions. They are “therefore”, “but” and “so”.

Part 1

Read Ephesians 2:11-12 (20 min)

“Therefore” (dió) – looking backward (“because”) to properly look forward (“therefore”).

1. What does “therefore” refer to (Review verses 2:1-10)?

(For Study Leader: Summary of 2:1-10 to 2:1-3 – Previously dead in sins and followed Satan. 2:4-9 – We alive in Christ and saved by grace. 2:10 – Created to do good works.)

2. What former condition did Paul want them to remember in verses 11-12?

3. Why is it significant to remember?

4. What do we need to remember in our own former lives?

Part 2

Read Ephesians 2:13-18 (20 min)

“But” (dé, a conjunction) – moreover, indeed now

1. What’s the good news of peace?
2. How is this good news made possible?
3. What does Satan want to destroy? Hint: In what Christ has done (verses 13, 16).

(Leaders Notes: Verses 13, 16 deal with the unity of the Body of Christ)

4. How does he divide us? How does he affect our witness?

5. How can we be safeguarded from these lies?

(Leaders Note: Examples include being involved in Circles and fellowship with sound doctrine, discipleship, reading God’s Word ….)

 Part 3

Read Ephesians 2:19-22 (20 min)

“Consequently” or “So” or “Therefore” (airo) through the idea of drawing a conclusion

1. What new identity do we possess (verse 19)?
2. What work is God doing in and through us? (Ephesian 2:20-22: 4:11-16)

(Leaders Note: Chapter 2:20-22 covers God’s work in the church and Chapter 4 speaks to our responsibility as the household of Christ.)

3. What then does it mean for me to be a holy temple of the Lord?

(Leaders Note: We do not need to go anywhere else to worship.)

4. What daily actions are consistent with being a holy temple of God?

“We were once dead … Now, we are a holy temple in which Christ lives”