In this introductory sermon Pastor Billy considers what it means to be the church. This term “the church” brings many different ideas to mind for different people. For some the church is a building. Others think of a certain denominational structure or a particular liturgy. For still others memories of past hurt and pain quickly come to mind. How the people of God think about the church matters very much and to really understand who or what the church is we need to go to the Scriptures.
In this short passage from Ephesians 2:19-22 we are reminded that we all were once alienated from God without any hope, that now we have been reconciled through Christ, and that we are currently being transformed together with all the saints into the dwelling place of God. Our response to the lostness of the world around us and indeed to our own former way of life should not be anger or regret, but rather love and compassion.
Passage: Ephesians 2:19-22
Date: 8 September 2019
Discussion Questions
- What comes to your mind when you think of “the church?” If you had to define the church in one sentence what would you say?
- Paul says we are no longer strangers and aliens. What kind of challenges do you think strangers and aliens face? What do you think it is like to live as a stranger and an alien?
- What does this passage say about who we are now? Of all the words that are used to describe our current state, which is most applicable for you right now?
- Do you find it easier to identify with who you were when you were a stranger and an alien or with who you are now in Christ? How so?
- In what ways have you experienced the “togetherness” Paul describes in this passage? How can we as a church (and as a Home Group) experience more of the “togetherness” of being built into the dwelling place of God?
- Paul says that the work of being built together takes place v.22 “by the Spirit.” What do you think it looks like on a practical level to be led by the Spirit? In your own life? In the life of the church? What specifically is getting in the way of being truly Spirit led?
- What is one thing that you will put into practice as a result of studying this passage?