Ephesians 2:11-13
Summary so far: Chapter one: How God sees us and what He’s done to prove it. Chapter two: Contrasting who we are with who we were to show how much it matters. Some people live like they haven’t changed.
Circumcision: Mark of those who are citizens and share in the covenant (v12) In the body, done by men (v11) Separator, mark of distinction
You were uncircumcised: You don’t fit in, you are aliens. In terms of men, you aren’t much. You lack something everyone else seems to have. They’re right too!
The circumcision group: Think they’re more fit and moral than you. They’re supposed to include you, but don’t. They point out the distinctions. Those who don’t fit in judge them too!
Jesus: Turns all the distinctions on their head. Makes the lost the centre of things and puts the self-righteous to the side. Hope in the world, brought near to God. What do we do with distinctions?
Ephesians 2:11-13 What makes you feel like an outsider? _____________________________________________ What is the impression people have of church? _____________________________________________ Is it fair to say you’re not good enough for God’s people? _____________________________________________ What do people use as distinctives in our social sphere? _____________________________________________ What does Jesus do with all the distinguishing features? _____________________________________________ There’s probably something you need to be careful not to judge people for. What must you do? _____________________________________________ Ephesians 2:11-13 What makes you feel like an outsider? _____________________________________________ What is the impression people have of church? _____________________________________________ Is it fair to say you’re not good enough for God’s people? _____________________________________________ What do people use as distinctives in our social sphere? _____________________________________________ What does Jesus do with all the distinguishing features? _____________________________________________ There’s probably something you need to be careful not to judge people for. What must you do? _____________________________________________