Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Ephesians Bible Study Notes- Chapter 2


Ephesians 2

 

-Chapter 2 of Ephesians is all about the walk in Christ Jesus. We used to walk according to the course of this world, which follows the “prince of the power of the air (Satan, the adversary, the enemy), the spirit that works in the sons of disobedience (Ephesians 2:2).” We once lived in the passions of our natural flesh (the fallen and depraved man by birth) carrying out its desires both in mind and body. We were under the wrath of God, like everybody else. But God, who is rich in mercy, grace, and great love, even when we were dead in our trespasses (sins), made us alive (regeneration) together with Christ (Ephesians 2:3-5). God has raised us up to walk with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus so that we might be able to show the immeasurable riches of His grace and kindness in the coming ages (Ephesians 2:6-7). So it is all by His amazing grace that we have been saved; it is NOT our own doing (works based). It is a free gift of the Lord to us; therefore, we cannot boast in ourselves, only in Him (Ephesians 2:8-9). We can then walk in newness of life as His sublime workmanship, which God has prepared beforehand at the foundation of the world (Romans 6:4, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 1:4; 2:10). *Application* How is your walk today? Are you walking with Christ Jesus or are you still walking in your own power according to the natural course of this world? The invitation is still open as long as you have breath. Join Christ and receive His ultimate gift of a new creation and you will NEVER be the same. Walk on in HIM by faith and trust! He’s done all the work for you. Become alive in Him!

-In the latter half of this chapter Paul talks about how the Spirit has brought us who are in Christ together. He is our peace because we have been brought near to Him in union by the covenant of promise through His blood. We have access to Him in one Spirit as citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the firm foundation of the apostles and prophets with Jesus as the cornerstone. He builds us up together in unity as a holy temple in the Lord into a dwelling place for God by His Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:13-22). Therefore, the ones who were once separated from Christ and alienated from the commonwealth of Israel as strangers and aliens are now reconnected to His great and awesome Kingdom and love by simple faith in His work (Ephesians 2:11-12, 19). *Application* Because of these facts, we have great confidence in who we are in Christ. You have an inheritance in Christ Jesus and are a part of His Divine family (Ephesians 1:11, 14, 18, Colossians 1:12, Hebrews 9:15). This gives you your ultimate worth and purpose in life. This is exciting news of hope and destiny. Walk together in Him!

 

Verses to Memorize- Ephesians 2:8-9

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