Key Verse
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God.
—Ephesians 2:19
Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse. Use the following definitions to better understand this verse:
- Strangers means “not belonging to a Christian community; a stranger, not a Christian.”
- Foreigners means “a sojourner; one who dwells in a foreign country; a temporary dweller without a settled habitation where he resides.”
- Fellowcitizens means “Gentile Christians.”
- Of the household means “one belonging to the church – the household of God.”
Emphasis: We are to understand that Christians are the “saints,” separated to the service of God, remembering how to live the new life in Christ and the importance of the armor to win the battle.
Lesson Summary: In the letters of Paul we have studied so far, we have understood the teaching of doctrine (Romans), then correction for wrong living (Corinthians), and finally rectifying wrong doctrine that had permeated the church (Galatians). In this lesson, we will read as Paul revealed doctrinal truths, much deeper than his previous teachings – intended for growing Christians, ready for a deeper walk with Jesus.
Paul wrote Ephesians to the church at Ephesus, probably with the intent that it would be passed on to other churches to be read as well. It was written while Paul was imprisoned in Rome. On Paul’s third missionary journey, he returned to this church and remained for about two or three years. Interestingly, Paul did not address wrong living or wrong doctrine in the letter to the church at Ephesus. Instead, he gave more instructions on how to live a life faithfully for Jesus. He helped them better understand the concept of the body of Christ, reminding them again that Christians are saved by grace through faith. Believers were no longer strangers, but fellow citizens with the Christian Jews who, together, are the building “fitly framed together.” Paul then presented them with the challenge to walk worthy, not as other Gentiles, but as God’s workmanship – giving them exact teachings as to how to live the new life in Christ. He explained the family relations: as God’s children, and reminding of the earthly family relations as well (as in children obeying their parents).
Paul taught that there is a battle to be fought – not earthly, but spiritual. He revealed the spiritual armor needed to fight this battle, ending with one final action needed to win the battle – one often forgotten: prayer.
Y3Q3 – Lesson 8 Questions
Y3Q3 – Lesson 8 Children’s Worksheets
If you are teaching this to children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:
We made this to help us remember the Christian’s Armor: The Whole Armor of God.
The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Three is now available through Amazon.
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