1. All believers are on a spiritual journey. How might you briefly describe the past, present and future of your journey with God?

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1 Ephesians 2 October 22, All believers are on a spiritual journey. How might you briefly describe the past, present and future of your journey with God? Read Ephesians 2:1-10. What are the past, present and future truths for all people who are journeying with God? Past - Present - Future - After reading these verses, use just one word to describe each area of your walk with God past, present and future. You will have three words in all. 2. Read Ephesians 2:1-10 again and summarize all that you learn about salvation in these verses. What is your favorite verse in 2:1-10 and why?

2 Ephesians 2 October 22, 2015 Page 2 3. Read Ephesians 2: What is the spiritual condition of Gentiles that are apart from Christ? What descriptive words does Paul use to define these Gentiles in verses 11 and 12? Read Romans 1:18-25 and explain the sinful choices made by the Gentiles that led them to forsake the one true God. 4. In Ephesians 2:12 we read that Israel had the privilege of covenantal promises from God. What can we learn about God s plan for the Jews from Jeremiah 31:33-34? According to Jesus in Matthew 23:37-38, what sinful choices made by the Jews led them to abandon God s plan for them? All people in this world find themselves in what undeniable predicament? Read Romans 3: Paul reminded the Gentiles of their separation from God in the former verses to celebrate their new position with God thanks to His goodness and grace. Read Ephesians 2:13. Why are these Gentiles who were far from God now brought near? Read Romans 5:8-9 and explain what part your goodness and good works played in bringing you near to God.

3 Ephesians 2 October 22, 2015 Page 3 6. Read Ephesians 2: Only the Jews had the prophets, the Law, the promises of God s presence and blessings and the distinct calling to be a nation that worshipped the one true God. How might these truths play into the hostility that existed between the Jews and the Gentiles? The Jews had accepted their divine blessings from God but not their divine mission. What was it? Read Isaiah 42:6, Isaiah 49:6 and Isaiah 62:1-2. What did Christ accomplish regarding the Jewish/Gentile hostility and how did He do it according to Ephesians 2:14-18? 7. Read Ephesians 2: Paul closes his discussion by giving four metaphors to illustrate the unity of the body of Christ. Read each metaphor along with a verse that further explains it and record what you learn about this unity. Fellow Citizens (Philippians 3:20) God s Household (Romans 8:14-16) A Holy Temple (1 Peter 2:4-5) A Dwelling Place (2 Corinthians 6:16) Read Ephesians 2:20 again. Why must Jesus Christ be the cornerstone of God s household? Read 1 Peter 2:6, 9-10 for added insight. In what way have the apostles and prophets laid the foundation of God s household? Read Ephesians 3:4-5 and 4:11-13 for added insight. 8. As you walk with God, who are the people He has placed alongside you to strengthen and bless the past, present and future of your spiritual journey? 9. Do you have a personal prayer request to share with your small group?

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5 FREE AND RICH IN CHRIST/Ephesians 2 October 22, 2015 Isaiah 53:6a All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned- everyone- to his own way.. Romans 8:7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God s law; indeed, it cannot. I Corinthians 2:14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. John 1:1-4 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. I John 2:16 For all that is in the world- the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life- is not from the Father but is from the world. 2 Corinthians 4:3,4 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. I John 5:12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 2 Timothy 1:10.and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. Colossians 3:1-3 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. I John 2:2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.