Hear the words of absolution: “God, who is rich in mercy, loved us even when we were dead in sin, and made us alive together with Christ. By grace you have been saved. In the name of Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven. Almighty God strengthen you with power through the Holy Spirit, that Christ may live in your hearts through faith. Amen.” (ELW, p. 96) Where do these words come from? Does discovering this connection enrich your understanding of the liturgy? Of Ephesians? Of forgiveness? If so, how? Are these appropriate words for absolution? If so, why?
Read the Luther Rose note on p. 1923 of your Study Bible. What does Luther’s addition of the word “alone” add or clarify to 2:8-10? What do these verses mean for our lives as Christians?
The “dividing wall” (2:14) was a literal wall past which Gentiles could not go in the Jerusalem temple. What “dividing walls” exist in our contemporary church? In our congregation?
Consider the proposition that Ephesians was written to a new generation of Christians. On what “foundation” and “cornerstone” do we build together new generations in our church (cf. 2:19-22; 3:16-17)? How might we better be about this work? What insights does Ephesians offer?
To whom has God revealed the “mystery” – his plan for salvation (cf. 3:4ff.)? What does this mean for those of us already entrusted with this mystery? For those who don’t yet know?
Did God create the devil? Sin? Pain? Death? How does God exist in relationship with these evils? (cf. 3:9) What difference does this make for you?
The author of Ephesians believes that believers are already “in Christ” / “with Christ” in the heavenly places. In light of this, what might be the intention of his prayer in 3:17? How might this prayer be applicable to us? How might it effect us? Change us?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment