These guides are designed to help DNA groups engage the Scriptures from the sermon on Sunday and deepen conversations and growth around the gospel. If you missed this sermon, you can listen here as a primer for your DNA time.
INTRODUCTION:
In Ephesians 2:11-22, Paul turns his attention toward the reality of the church. These would-be dead but now raised to life humans. Paul does this by telling the church they’re a family, a household, a body, a people of promise, and the temple itself. As you dive into this passage, consider watching this short video on covenants as a way to understand these verses in the context of God’s Story:
DISCOVER:
Read Ephesians 2:11-22 out loud
What does this passage say about the church? What are the metaphors Paul uses and what do they mean?
What do these verses tell us about what Jesus has done in shaping the church?
Why do you think it’s important to remember that we were once far off from God? What does it mean that we are now near and part of the covenant?
NURTURE:
This passage says we needed Jesus to preach peace to us who were far off and those who were near. In fact, he says we were far from God, and now we’ve been brought near. The presence and dwelling of God within the church is the grand reward.
How do you experience God’s presence within the life of your missional community? DNA? Soma?
How does this truth create unity within the body?
ACT:
At it’s heart, this passage is saying that the covenant partnership and people of God is now bringing in all these people (us!) into the church because of Jesus.
What would it look like to live your life knowing you are on the mission of God?
What would it take to live a life as an integral part of the body or soma of Jesus?
PRAY TOGETHER:
Spend time praying for each other as you reflect on this passage and your own lives