Class Lesson for April 26, 2026

 Series: Fully Alive - A Study of Ephesians

Sermon Recap

Ephesians 3:1–13 reveals that the gospel is not a last-minute plan, but God’s eternal purpose to unite all people in Christ. What was once hidden has now been made known — through Jesus, everyone is invited to become part of God’s family. This mystery has been entrusted to the Church, calling us to boldly proclaim it to the world. Because we have confident access to God and a secure place in His plan, we can live on mission knowing that even our suffering is not wasted but used for His glory.

 

 

Ephesians 3:1-13

The Mystery of the Gospel Revealed

[1] For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles — [2] assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, [3] how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. [4] When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, [5] which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. [6] This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. [7] Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of His power. [8] To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, [9] and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, [10] so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. [11] This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, [12] in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in Him. [13] So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory. (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Ephesians 3:1-13.

 

Closing Thoughts

As a group, this means embracing the reality that the gospel we’ve received is the mystery we’ve been entrusted to share. Ephesians 3 reminds us that God’s plan has always been to bring all people into one family through Christ, and now the Church is the vehicle through which that message is made known.

As a group, this means we don’t turn inward — we live with intentionality, praying for those far from God, creating space for others to belong, and boldly speaking the truth of the gospel. We encourage one another to see everyday moments as opportunities for mission, remembering that we carry a message the world desperately needs to hear.

END

Teacher Notes:

The Mystery We Carry

We have the best news in all the world and churches full of people who don’t talk about it.

“Whoever saves one life saves the world entire.”

Click Play to Watch

We are not saved by what we did… or didn’t do.

But…
that doesn’t mean how we live doesn’t matter.

Paul says we’ve been entrusted with something:

A mystery revealed.
A message meant to be shared.

 

And one day, we will stand before God, not to answer for our salvation…

 

but for our stewardship of the mystery, we carry.

1.   The Mystery: It’s bigger than you - Ephesians 3:1–6

Ephesians 3:1-6

For this reason, I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles — assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

What is the “mystery”?

Why do you think Paul calls the gospel a “mystery”?

When Paul talks about the ‘mystery,’ isn’t this just John 3:16?

In a way, it is connected.

John 3:16 tells us that God loves the whole world… that anyone can be saved.

But here’s what makes Ephesians 3 different:

It shows us what the ‘mystery’ looks like.

Not just individuals being saved…but people being brought together.

People who used to be divided — Jew and Gentile — now one family, one body, one promise.

So, the mystery isn’t just that God saves…

It’s that He brings us together.

It’s like being invited to dinner.

John 3:16 is the invitation — Everyone is welcome.

Ephesians 3 is what happens next…

You walk in and realize the

table is full of people who are

nothing like you — and yet…you all belong there.

Not just invited…but seated together as family!

When did your faith shift from being about you to being about God’s purpose?

2. The Mission: You’ve been entrusted - Ephesians 3:7–11

Ephesians 3:7-11

Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of His power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord,

How does Paul’s view of his calling challenge how we think about our role today?

We have the best news in all the world and churches full of people who don’t talk about it.

 

What distractions pull us away from our mission?

One simple act of boldness…

and millions went searching for Scripture.

Click Play to Watch

He didn’t save anyone…

but he pointed people to the message that does.

This is what Paul is saying.

We’ve been entrusted with something powerful.

 

What is one simple way you could make your faith visible

this week?

3.   The Confidence: You don’t carry this alone - Ephesians 3:12-13

Ephesians 3:12-13

Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in Him. So, I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

3 points here:

Boldness and access to God

Paul is writing this from prison

Confidence not based on circumstances

Click Play to Watch

END

Class Lesson for April 19, 2026

Series: Fully Alive - A Study of Ephesians

Sermon Recap

In Ephesians 2:11–22, we see how the cross of Christ tears down the walls that once divided people — between Jew and Gentile, insider and outsider — and replaces hostility with peace. Through Jesus, those who were once far from God and one another are brought near and made into one new people. In Christ, we are no longer strangers but members of God’s family and living stones in His temple, where His Spirit dwells. Because we are united with Christ, we are called to pursue unity and reconciliation with one another as His church.

The Wall That Divided Us (v. 11-12)

Before Christ, there was a deep and painful separation, not just between people and God, but between people themselves. This hostility is one that mirrors our own racial, cultural, and political divisions today.

The Cross That Unites Us (v. 13-18)

Through His death, Jesus tears down the wall that once divided us. His blood brings those who were far near, creating peace not only between us and God but also between one another. The cross doesn’t just remove hostility; it replaces it with unity.

The Temple That Includes Us (v.19-22)

Because of Christ’s work, we are no longer outsiders — we are fully included in God’s people. Paul describes this with rich imagery: we are citizens of a kingdom, members of a family, and stones in a temple.

 

 

Ephesians 2:11-22

Therefore, remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands — 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 

13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in His flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that He might create in Himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.

19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In Him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Ephesians 2:11-22.

 

Discussion Questions

What words or phrases describe who the Gentiles were before Christ?

What specific things does Christ accomplish in verses 13–18?

Where do you see division or hostility in the world today that reflects this passage?

How does the gospel address hostility between people, not just individuals and God?

Do you tend to drift toward isolation or toward biblical community? Why?

Are there subtle ways you elevate differences over unity with other believers?

What fears or barriers keep you from fully engaging in community?

 

Closing Thoughts

This passage makes it clear: the gospel doesn’t just save individuals — it creates a people. The people of God share an eternal mission in which we are called to fulfill together. The sinful nature still at work within us often hinders us from effective and collective Kingdom efforts.

 

END

Teacher Notes:

Click Play to Watch

In Christ, those who were once separated — from God and from each other — are brought near, united, and made part of God’s family. Paul is writing to Gentile believers who once were outsiders — not just socially, but spiritually. And yet, everything changed in Christ.

Ephesians 2:11-12

Therefore, remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands — remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

What point is Paul trying to make here?

Separated from God, alienated from Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise – what does that mean?

Paul tells them to remember their past:

Separate from Christ

Excluded from God’s people

Strangers to the promises

Without hope

This isn’t to shame them — but to help them appreciate grace.

We often lose our sense of wonder because we forget how far God has brought us.

Ephesians 2:13-18

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in His flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that He might create in Himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And He came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through Him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.  

Where do you see division or hostility in the world today between Jews and Gentiles?

Click Play to Watch

Jesus didn’t just bring us closer to God — He also:

Destroyed the barrier (the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile)

Made peace

Created one new humanity

Reconciled both to God

Jesus didn’t come to make better individuals only — He came to create a unified people.

Why is unity among believers so important to God?

Ephesians 2:19-22

So, then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In Him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. 

What does it mean to you personally to be part of God’s family?

What helps people feel like they truly belong in a church?

Paul shifts from past → present identity:

No longer strangers

Fellow citizens

Members of God’s household

Built on Christ as the cornerstone

Being built together into a dwelling for God

Christianity is not just about believing — it’s about belonging.

We are not isolated believers — we are part of something God is building.

Click Play to Watch

Never forget where God brought you from

Celebrate the peace and unity Christ created

Live like you are part of God’s family

Class Lesson for April 12, 2026

 New Series: Fully Alive - A Study of Ephesians

Sermon Recap

Ephesians 2:1–10 reminds us of the radical transformation that only Jesus can accomplish. We were not just struggling; we were spiritually dead in our sin and unable to save ourselves. But because of His great love and mercy, God stepped in and made us alive in Christ by grace through faith. Now, as His workmanship, we have been given new life and a new purpose to walk in the good works He has already prepared for us. Only Jesus can bring the dead to life, and that changes everything about who we are and how we live.

 

 

 

Ephesians 2:1-10

By Grace Through Faith

[1] And you were dead in the trespasses and sins [2] in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience — [3] among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. [4] But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, [5] even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ — by grace you have been saved — [6] and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, [7] so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. [8] For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, [9] not a result of works, so that no one may boast. [10] For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Ephesians 2:1-10

 

Discussion Questions

Why do you think Paul describes our condition as “dead” rather than just “lost” or “broken”?

What stands out to you most about God’s character in verses 4–7?

Why is it important that salvation is described as a gift and not something we earn?

In what ways do people (even Christians) try to “earn” what God has already given freely?

What does it look like practically to live as someone who has been “made alive” in Christ this week?

 

Closing Thoughts

Living on Mission

Living on mission as a group begins with remembering who we were and celebrating what God has done. Ephesians 2 reminds us that we were once dead in our sin, but God, in His mercy, made us alive in Christ — not because of our works, but by His grace. As God’s workmanship, we now live with intentionality, looking for the good works He has already prepared for us. This involves motivating individuals to regard daily environments — such as neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools — as platforms to communicate their beliefs to others.  As a group, living on mission looks like praying for specific people, caring for tangible needs, speaking the gospel with boldness, and holding each other accountable to step into obedience. We don’t go on mission to earn God’s favor — we go because we’ve already been brought from death to life, and we want others to experience that same resurrection power.

 

END

Teacher Notes:

Today we’re going to look at one of the most powerful passages in all of Scripture Ephesians 2:1-10.

It answers a question that every one of us has had to face at some point: What is my true condition apart from God… and what has God really done for me?

What can this child do to change his condition?

Click Play to Watch

This scene is powerful because we all recognize what’s happening — a completely helpless situation… and someone steps in to change it.

 

This is what God does this morning in Ephesians 2:1-10 where we read that our condition was just as serious as the little boys’.

Ephesians 2:1-3

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience — among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

Paul tells us that our lives were shaped by three powerful influences:

• The world around us
• The enemy against us and
• The flesh within us

This means our problem wasn’t just what we did — it was who we were.

Looking back over your life, when did you first realize you weren’t just “off track,” but truly in need of saving?

Do you think it becomes harder or easier with age to admit our spiritual helplessness? Why?

Many people spend their lives trying to “be better,” but this passage reminds us — we didn’t need improvement, we needed resurrection.

How does the 1st (be better) miss the 2nd (resurrection)?

Ephesians 2:4-9

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ — by grace you have been saved — and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace, you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.  

Can you identify a moment in your life where you clearly saw “But God…” change your story?

What is the difference between serving God out of gratitude versus serving Him out of obligation?

How would your daily walk change if you truly lived as though you had nothing left to prove? 

Ephesians 2:10

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.  

Click Play to Watch

How have you seen God use your life experiences — both joys and hardships — for His purposes?

If God has resurrected, you from death - what do you think He wants you to do with that?

No matter your stage of life, God is not finished with you. There are still steps to take, still works to walk in, still purpose to fulfill.

 

Grace doesn’t just rescue you from the past — it calls you into a meaningful future.