Message Notes

(I) SPECIAL REFERENCES OF THE CHURCH

1. Members of the household of God – a spiritual family             Ephesians 2:19

a) No longer strangers

b) Fellow citizens

2. The foundations are built upon the prophets and the apostles            Ephesians 2:20

a) Their writings

b)Their life and ministry

3. Christ the chief cornerstone          Ephesians 2:20

(II) THE CHURCH AS THE DWELLING PLACE OF GOD

1. Concept of a building

“In whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord…” Ephesians 2:21

a. Many different parts

b. Fitted together

c. A glorious temple in the Lord

2. Concept of a habitation

“In whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”   Ephesians 2:22

a. The work of the Holy Spirit

b. Built together

c. The dwelling presence of God

(III) BUILDING A DWELLING PLACE FOR GOD IN THE CHURCH

“In whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”  Ephesians 2:21 – 22

1. The role of the Lord Jesus Christ

“In whom…”

a. Christ established as the chief cornerstone             Ephesians 2:20

b. The blessings of God unfolded          Ephesians 1:3

c. Spiritual power          Ephesians 1:18

d. Spiritually alive           Ephesians 2:5

e. Exceeding grace given           Ephesians 2:7

2. The work of the Holy Spirit

“In the Spirit…”

a. Godly wisdom          Ephesians 1:17

b. Revelation of the truth and spiritual understanding        Ephesians 1:17 – 18

c. Spiritual unity          Ephesians 4:3

d. Spiritual renewal        Ephesians 4:24

e. Seeking to honour God         Ephesians 5:8

3. Our part in building

a. Desiring Oneness

“In whom the whole building, being fitted together…”   Ephesians 2:21

b. Pursuing Oneness

“In whom you are also being built together…”   Ephesians 2:22

c. Perseverance (After unity has been achieved!)

“Grows into a holy temple…”   Ephesians 2:21