Discussion Questions
- As human beings, we tend to sort ourselves into different groups and see the world with an "us versus them" mentality - this is called tribalism. Examples of this can include Republicans versus Democrats, black versus white, Christians versus non-Christians, etc. QUESTION: Why do you think we tend to do this as human beings?
- What is the Christian response to the "us versus them" tribalism mentality we see in the world?
- What is an area of your life where you might need to bring healing to brokenness, conflict, or division? It could be a damaged relationship, an attitude, a grudge, judging others etc. -------------- (If you struggle to answer this question, maybe share a story of a time God brought healing in one of these areas in your life in your past).
READ EPHESIANS 2:11-22, THEN ANSWER THE QUESTIONS BELOW:
- What does this passage tell me about God and about people?
- If I believe today's teaching is from God and that He loves me so much He sent Jesus to die for me, what is the appropriate way to respond in my everyday life?
- Who can I talk to more about this or share this with?
Spend time sharing prayer requests as a group, and close your time in prayer together.
Scripture
Ephesians 2:11-22 (NIV):
11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called âuncircumcisedâ by those who call themselves âthe circumcisionâ (which is done in the body by human hands)â 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called âuncircumcisedâ by those who call themselves âthe circumcisionâ (which is done in the body by human hands)â 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with Godâs people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.