Ephesians 2:11-17: There is a problem, there is a peace.
I. Problem
a. Collective Memory
i. Do we realize just how much it shapes us?
ii. How willing are we to take ownership?
b. Lonely
i. This is a universal problem
ii. Power structures reinforcing isolation – Spheres of influence theology in Ephesians
c. Hatred
i. Idolatry
ii. Fear
iii. “Power”
II. Personalization
a. Listen
b. Learn
c. Love
d. Paul’s story (Acts 21, Ephesians 3:1, Phil 3)
III. Peace
a. Justification is gone
b. Justice has come
c. The time is now
Discussion Questions:
- How did your upbringing shape you for good and bad in relationship to the issues this text talks about? What was broken? What was good?
- Why are humans truly lonely? What does your loneliness tell you about yourself? What does it teach you about others? Why is loneliness first and foremost a theological problem?
- How are hatred and power related? Hatred and fear?
- What do the words listen, learn, and love look like in your life right now?
- Jesus is our peace. What does that mean? What does it look like in the life of a Christian?
- Why is it so easy to have the right ideas, but no action? Given our current cultural moment, what is it the time for you to do?