In the second chapter of his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul says that believers in Jesus are being built together into a holy temple in which God’s Spirit dwells. It’s a beautiful picture of unity and of believers bound together in peace. However, that unity is often marred by the walls of division we build between us. These walls are created for many reasons: family feuds, politics, race and more. Fortunately, Paul also illustrates the “tools” that can tear the walls down: humility, gentleness, love, and peace.

Discussion Questions

Have you experienced unity in the Spirit with other believers? If so, how would you describe it? If not, why do you think that is so? How can you pursue it?

In the sermon, 3 examples of “walls of hostility” in the church were listed: family feuds, politics, and race. What are some other examples you’ve noticed?

Ephesians 2:15-16 says that God made believers of different backgrounds into one new humanity. How have you experienced this “oneness” with another believer that is very different from you? Or how have you seen this among other believers?

Would you say that you’ve been aware of a wall between blacks and whites in the household of God? Is it different when it’s in the church compared to “out in the world”? What have you done about this wall in the church?

When the legacy of slavery came up in the message, did you feel like leaning in or pushing back? Have you thought much about slavery’s legacy in the US? Based on what Paul says in Ephesians 2 and 4, what should a believer’s response be to this legacy?

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