Week 2 Reflection

Begin by rereading chapter 2 of Ephesians. Does anything new stand out to you? What truths are reinforced? What truths do you need more faith to believe? What truths do you need to put into practice today?

In Ephesians 2:1–5, we learned about a stark contrast: our state before believing in Christ compared to our state after believing in Christ. Before, we were dead, absorbed by the world, following the Evil One, giving in to the desires of our flesh, children of wrath. But God . . . God chose to come in and rescue us—to give our spiritually dead bodies life. He didn’t have to do this, but He chose to do it out of His great mercy and love for us. Therefore we are not saved by our own efforts but God’s grace alone. Do you ever try to earn your own salvation? What would it look like to daily accept God’s grace?

In Ephesians 2:6–10, we learned about two things that happen upon belief in Christ—we are raised up with Him, and resurrected and seated with Him in the heavenly places. What do these truths tell you about God’s love for you? What does it look like to live a resurrected life, one that has been raised up with Christ?

We also learned that we are God’s masterpiece—His workmanship. We have been created for good works, and God has prepared the way of good works for us so we can walk in them. You are God’s masterpiece. How does this change your view of yourself? What good works has God created for you today, this month, this year?

In Ephesians 2:11–16, we learned that we were once far away from God, separated by our sin. And now through Jesus, we have been brought near. Think about being far away from a loved one and how your heart aches to be near to them. God loves us and wants us near to Him, and He made a way for this to be possible through Christ. How have you been a ected by being near to God?

We also learned about the peace Jesus brought to Jews and Gentiles. Once in a hostile relationship due to cultural, ethnic, and racial reasons, they gained the ability to have a peaceful and uni ed relationship. How badly do we need this existence of peace in our families, our friendships, and between cultures, ethnicities, races, and countries? It is possible to have peace in Christ. He has created a new “country” within His body, the church. No one has to leave their identity behind to join His church, but rather we bring all of who we are, and our differences make us stronger as they glorify God. We are all Christians in Him. How can you fight for peace in your life?

In Ephesians 2:17–22, we learned about the foundation, formation, and function of the church. Remember, at this point in history when Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesians, the church was still very new, since the apostles had recently founded it after Jesus’ ascension into heaven. Not only was the church new, but Jesus created a body/church that brought two groups that hated one another (Jews and Gentiles) together, creating one new body of Christians. With this in mind, which aspect of the church stood out to you the most and why?