AGN ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS UNIT 2: Letter To The Ephesians FEBRUARY 19 2023

Memory Verse: Ephesians 2:8- By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God (KJV).

Lesson Bible Text:

Ephesians 2

Lesson Central Truth:

Salvation by grace unites all believers in Christ.

One of the most important and encouraging aspects of serving God is recognising the new life He gives us. New life in Christ is a life saved by grace and prepared for the Master’s use. We become new creatures in Christ because the old life of sin is no more in control of us. “What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Note that there must be a difference between the old life of sin and new life in Christ. New life in Christ must say no to all the lifestyles old life – this is possible by His grace through the help of Holy Spirit.

In writing to the Christians at Ephesus, Paul was writing to people who were just beginning their new lives in Christ. Yet the principles he shared are timeless, and we do well to learn from the Ephesians as we study this lesson.

1. SAVED BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH

A. Once Dead – Ephesians 2:1-3

B. Now Alive – Ephesians 2:4-10.

2. ONE BODY IN CHRIST

A. Once Divided – Ephesians 2:11-12

B. Now United – Ephesians 2:13-18.

3. CITIZENS OF GOD’S HOUSEHOLD

A. We Are Fellow Citizens – Ephesians 2:19-20

B. We Are a Dwelling Place For God – Ephesians 2:21-22.

1. SAVED BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH

Ephesians 2:1-10

Paul begins Ephesians chapter two by looking at life before Christ. Before we encountered Christ, Paul said we were dead ie we were slaves to sin. Anyone that lives in sin is like a dead walking person. Physically the person is still alive, but deep down inside he or she is dead. We feel like there is something missing whenever we live in sin. A sinner is a transgressor of God’s plan and purpose. Remember as believers, we were dead in out transgressions and sins. God has given us guidelines to live righteously for our own good and we trespassed against the guidelines while living sin. Your present lifestyle will definitely show if you are walking according to the course and pattern of this world or not. Note that life without God is hopeless and empty.

Paul declared in Ephesians that God gives mercy to those on the road to God’s judgement. Such marvellous mercy does not deny the fact that a sinful offence against God exists. Rather, in an act of mercy, God chooses to withhold the just consequences of that offence. God mercy is based in His love for His creation. A worthy sacrifice was necessary to pay the price for the sins that human beings had committed against a righteous and holy God. Paul made it clear that Jesus’ death was that sacrifice. Our salvation is a great gift from God through the precious blood of Jesus. We are now have new life in Christ because of His grace and mercy. God made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions–it is by grace you have been saved.

Ephesians 2:11-18

Paul remind us that at the time we were without Christ, we stood outside as strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world (Ephesians 2:12). But now we are no more far from the commonwealth heaven. We are now very close to the Father unlike while we were still living in sin. Sin separated us from God and grace through the blood of Jesus Christ brought us into a mutual and glorious relationship with the Father. Sin brings hopelessness, but there is hope in Christ as soon as we accept Him in our lives and start living according to His purpose. The true and powerful gospel is that God intervened in our lives through the blood of Jesus. In Christ, everything changed. We are no more strangers or foreigners.

Death of Christ that brought salvation is not restricted to particular group of people, it is for everyone that believes. The peace of God that passes all understanding has come to make us a united entity in Christ. In Christ, there is no more Jewish Christian and Gentile Christian. Instead, we have one united and strong body of Christ. Now all of us, both Jews and Gentiles, may come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us(Ephesians 2:18). Beloved, the state of the world today, it can be difficult to find peace of mind. The peace that we need today is only found in Christ. May the Lord bless and keep you in perfect peace.

3. CITIZENS OF GOD’S HOUSEHOLD

Ephesians 2:19-22

Church is created in Christ ie the foundation of church is Christ and not the leaders of the church. This is why we often describes the church as the body of Christ. Jesus Christ is the cornerstone, through Him, we are united as one body. We are citizens of the kingdom of God. Note that the church is measured and built according to His righteous standard. As believers, we are strangers in the world(1 Peter 2:11; Hebrews 11:13), but we fellow citizens of the kingdom of God(Ephesians 2:19). Having in mind that this world is not our final destination will definitely position our minds for that glorious home of Christ. So, lifestyle of Christ(holiness) should be our hallmark as we live daily on earth.

The temple in the Old Testament was a holy place set apart for worship, prayer, and God’s presence. In the New Testament we are told that we have become God’s dwelling place. When Paul talks of the church, which is like a holy temple, he is talking about us. We are the temple. We are the dwelling place for God. The Old Testament temple was a very holy and consecrated place. Being the dwelling place for God should cause us to live holy knowing fully well that God is dwelling inside us. You are being built, transformed and made to be His holy temple. The temple we are made to be is the dwelling place for God by the Spirit. As a believer, God dwells within you by His Spirit. You are filled with the Spirit who testifies that you are indeed a child of God (Romans 8:15). May God continue to show His glory to the world through us in Jesus Matchless Name. Amen!

Lesson Action Word

New life in Christ is a life saved by grace and prepared for the Master’s use. We become new creatures in Christ because the old life of sin is no more in control of us.

Lesson Prayer Point

Father, we ask for more Your grace to keep living for You in Jesus Matchless Name. Amen!

Remain blessed as you join us in our Sunday school both online and at any Assemblies Of God Church close to you as we study together under the Feet of the Master.

Share your contribution and as well ask your question from the lesson

Shalom!