1. Ephesians 2:11-13

2. 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.

3. Circumcision:  Mark of those who are citizens and share in the covenant (v12)  In the body, done by men (v11)  Separator, mark of distinction

4. 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!

5. 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!

6. 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?

7. 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? _____________________________________________