We’re One in Christ (Pentecost 8B Epistle)

Download a PDF of the Word One Bible Study for Pentecost 8B Epistle.

Text: Ephesians 2:11-22 for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, Lectionary Series B

OBJECTIVES

Participants will:

1. Recognize that all believers in Christ are reconciled to God.
2. Recognize God’s desire that all believers be reconciled to each other.

MATERIALS NEEDED

Bibles

GROUP GUIDELINES

Line up according to the month you were born (January through December). Divide into small groups of 4-6 persons. The leader is the person whose birthday is closest to today’s date. The leader’s job is to keep the group moving through the material and ensure that everyone has a chance to share.

BUILDING COMMUNITY

All members of the group (except one person) are to form a circle, interlocking their arms. The person on the outside of the circle is then asked to try and get on the inside. Allow 2-3 persons to be the person on the outside and replay the game. Following the game let those who were on the outside talk about how it felt to be excluded from the others. Also, let those who kept the others out, share how it felt to exclude others.

LOOKING AT GOD’S WORD

1. Read Ephesians 2:11-22.
2. Who is the author of the Book of Ephesians? To whom is this letter written?
3. The Ephesians were Gentiles and considered heathen, godless and unclean by whom? Why were they considered lost? (verse 12)
4. Verse 13 says that the Ephesians were once far away from God. In your own words what do you think that means? What does it mean to be alienated from another person/God?
5. Verse 13 states that “Though you once were far away from God, now you have been brought near through the .
6. The Blood of Christ Jesus is said to reconcile us to God. What does the term reconcile mean?
7. In addition to reconciling the Gentiles to Himself, Christ also reconciled the Jews and the Gentiles (and all believers to each other) “Who has made the two and has      the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” (Verse 14)
8. Christ’s death is said to annul the Jewish laws which separated the Jews and the Gentiles. Verse 16 says, “And so, the feud ended at last at the cross.” Compare other Bible translations to the verse quoted.
9. Verse 19 states that as Christians, we are no longer  and       to God, but members of God’s very own family.
10. Verses 20-22, talks about the beautiful, constantly growing temple of God. What is the foundation of the temple? Who is the cornerstone? Who joins the body of believers together?

REINFORCING WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED

1. Is there more than one way to be reconciled to God?
2. God would, that all members of His family be reconciled together. From time to time however, members become separated from each other. What are some ways members can be reconciled to each other?
3. Does the fact that you’re a member of God’s family make you feel better than others?

CLOSING

Sing or read together the song “Make Us One” by Tim Frusti from Singing Saints Songbook.

As we gather together in Your Son,
Let us know the joy of being one!
Let the time we share in this place
Be a time of love and friendship in Your grace,
By your Spirit help us be
One in faith and unity
Bless us here as we gather in Your Son.
Give us joy, Grant us peace, Make us One!

by Terry and Barb Wiechman

Originally published in Discovery Bible Studies 9, 1996.

Updated for youthESource in June 2015