Scripture: Ephesians 2:20-22
Lesson Outline
The calling of the Church (Ephesians 1:1-3:21)The salutation (Ephesians 1:1-2)The praise for redemption (Ephesians 1:3-14)Paul’s prayer for wisdom and revelation (Ephesians 1:15-23)Our new position individually (Ephesians 2:1-10)Our new position collectively (Ephesians 2:11-22)The alienation of Jew and Gentile (Ephesians 2:11-12)The reconciliation of Jew and Gentile (Ephesians 2:13-18)The results of the union (Ephesians 2:19-22)A new relationship (Ephesians 2:19)A new building (Ephesians 2:20-22)Excursus: God’s seven temples
His past temples (2)Solomon’s templeSolomon reigned from 971-931 BCTemple begun in 967, completed 960 BCDestroyed by Babylonians in 586 BCSecond templeBegun in 536 BC, completed 515 BCCompletely remodeled by Herod the Great who died in 4 BC. Remodeling completed AD 64.Destroyed by Romans AD 70.His future temples (2)The Tribulation temple (2 Thes. 2:4)The Millennial temple (Ezek. 40-44)His present day temples (3)Two Greek words for templehieronnaosThe human body (1 Cor. 6:19-20)The local church (1 Cor. 3:16-17)The universal church (Eph. 2:20-22)Built on the apostles and prophetsChrist is the Cornerstone“fitted together”“dwelling”This passage shows the Church inherits the promises together with Israel.cf. Hebrews 11:39–40; Romans 11:16–26 (NB There is a distinction between natural and wild branches).Conclusion and application