Points from Ephesians 2:11-16: Citizens of Peace – Part 1
Far — God’s heart for those far away
Ephesians 2:11-12
Genesis 12:1-3
I Kings 8:41-43
Isaiah 56:6-7
Near — God’s holiness and heart to bring us near
Ephesians 2:13-14
Luke 4:16-28
One — God’s Peace to make us one
Ephesians 2:14-16
Questions:
Paul says remember (2:11–12). What do you think he did not want this church to forget? What happens in a church that forgets it was far?
God calls Abraham so all peoples will be blessed (Gen 12:3), and Solomon prays for the foreigner at the temple (1 Kgs 8:41-43). How does that sit with the idea that the Old Testament God “only cared about Israel”?
Paul says we were brought near by the blood of Christ, not by becoming the right kind of person. Where do you still try to get close to God by performance, belonging, or being “better than”?
The dividing wall was a real holy boundary that also became hostility. Where do you still keep a wall up - people you would allow near the church but not all the way in?
Jesus in Nazareth names a Sidonian widow and a Syrian soldier, and the room turns violent (Luke 4). Who is hard for you to believe God is pursuing — and what would it look like this week to treat them as someone Christ can bring near?
Paul says he himself is our peace (2:14) - not that he only hands us a calm feeling. Where do you need Christ to be peace right now: with God, with someone in the church, or with someone you have called “other”?
After the flood a dove means God is making room for life again; at Jesus’ baptism the Spirit rests on him; in Ephesians both Jew and Gentile have access to the Father in one Spirit (2:18). Where do you need that same Spirit to grow wholeness in you? Where do you need unity with someone you would rather keep at a distance?
Lectio Divina
As we grow together, each week, we will practice a discipline together that will help our walk with Jesus. This week we are going to practice Lectio Divina together. Unlike analytical Bible study, which focuses on historical facts or theological arguments, Lectio Divina aims for personal transformation and communion with God.
For this week our passage to pray is Psalm 65
Instruction for Lectio Divina: A Simple Way to Pray Scripture
1. Be still
Sit down. Silence your phone. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak. One sentence is enough: “Lord, I am here.”
2. Read
Read the passage slowly out loud.
Read it a second time.
Notice a word or phrase that stays with you. Do not hunt for a sermon. Receive what is given.
3. Reflect
Sit with that word.
What is God showing you about himself?
What is he showing you about you?
Where does this touch your real life this week?
4. Pray
Talk to God about what you noticed. Thank him. Confess. Ask. Keep it plain.
5. Rest
Stop talking. Stay with God for a minute. You do not have to fix anything. Let the Word hold you.
6. Live
Carry one sentence into the week. If you are in a group, share that one sentence.