2 of 10

Ephesians Raising Children in the Light of the Gospel

08/23 Ephesians 2:1–10 (Ephesians 2:8)
08/30 Ephesians 2:11–22 (Ephesians 2:19)
09/06 Ephesians 3:1-13 (Ephesians 3:8)
09/13 Ephesians 3:14-21 (Ephesians 3:17)
09/20 Ephesians 4:1-16 (Ephesians 4:2)
09/27 Ephesians 4:17-32 (Ephesians 4:32)

3 of 10

God’s Household

Ephesians 2:11-22

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, Ephesians 2:19

Once Far Away (v. 11–12)

Remembering where we came from — Paul tells Gentile believers to remember that they were once separated from Christ and outsiders to God's covenant promises.
Distance from God was real — Being "far away" wasn't simply an emotional feeling; sin had created genuine separation between people and God.
We can easily forget what grace has done — When life feels comfortable, we can forget that our relationship with God is not something we earned or deserved.
Being an outsider affects how we see others — Those who have experienced God's welcome should become people who welcome others.
Our identity isn't built on status — Paul reminds believers that earthly categories, backgrounds, and accomplishments do not determine our ultimate identity. Our identity is found in Christ.
Remembering should produce humility — We don't welcome others because we're better than they are. We welcome them because Christ first welcomed us.

Brought Near by Christ (v. 13–18)

Christ brings the far-off near — "But now in Christ Jesus" is another dramatic turning point. Those who were once far away have been brought near through Christ.
Jesus is our peace — Christ doesn't merely tell people to get along; He Himself is the source and foundation of reconciliation.
Christ breaks down dividing walls — The hostility and separation between Jew and Gentile were overcome through Christ's work on the cross.
The gospel creates a new kind of community — Our unity in Christ is deeper than our differences in background, personality, culture, preferences, or social status.
The cross changes how we treat one another — If Christ has removed the barriers that separated us from God and one another, we should be willing to pursue reconciliation rather than holding tightly to resentment or division.
Peace requires action — Biblical peace isn't simply avoiding conflict. It can require humility, forgiveness, listening, repentance, and intentional steps toward one another.
We all have access to the Father — Through Christ, believers have the same access to God. No one has to earn a place at the table.

Members of God's Family (vv. 19–22)

We are no longer strangers — Paul moves from describing what believers were to describing who they are now: fellow citizens and members of God's household.
The church is a family — Christianity isn't meant to be lived in isolation. God brings His people into a community where we belong, serve, encourage, correct, and care for one another.
Belonging comes before contribution — We don't have to prove that we deserve a place in God's family. In Christ, we have already been welcomed.
Christ is the foundation — The household of God is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone.
God is building something together — Paul describes believers as being joined together and built into a dwelling place for God. Christianity is both personal and deeply communal.
Our families can model God's household — The way we treat people in our homes can give our children a picture of what it means to belong, welcome, forgive, and live together in Christ.
A Christian home should have an open door — Hospitality isn't just entertaining people; it is creating space for people to experience welcome, belonging, and care.

Understanding the Passage

What does it mean that Christ Himself is our peace?
What images does Paul use to describe God's people?
Why is it significant that Paul describes believers as "fellow citizens" and "members of God's household"?
What does this passage teach us about the relationship between our identity in Christ and our relationships with other believers?
Why is reconciliation such an important part of the gospel?
What does this passage teach us about the importance of community in the Christian life?

Parenting Application

How can parents teach children to welcome those who are different?
How can hospitality become part of family culture?
Who might our children naturally exclude?
Are we modeling reconciliation?
How can we teach our children the difference between sameness and unity?
Does our home communicate belonging?
Are we teaching our children that church is a place to consume or a family to participate in?

Personal challenge the week of 08/30

Who are the people I naturally welcome, and who am I less likely to welcome? Why?
Have I unintentionally taught my children that some people are more valuable, interesting, or worthy of our attention than others?
Do my children see me pursuing reconciliation when relationships become difficult?
What would it look like for our family to become known for hospitality?
What would change in my parenting if I truly remembered that I am a welcomed member of God's household—not because of what I have done, but because of what Christ has done?

Parenting challenge the week of 08/23

Practice hospitality as a family—not simply by inviting someone into your home, but by intentionally creating space for someone to feel welcomed, known, and included.
This week, choose one person or family who may be easy to overlook, and make a deliberate effort to welcome them. It could be: