Purkey's Bible Study Outlines

KEY VERSE: In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit (Ephesians 2:21-22).

INTRODUCTION: Conversion is often treated as an emotional experience of psychological change. The Apostle Paul treats conversion as a stunning spiritual transformation: the passage from a state of spiritual death to a state of spiritual life.

This passage does have psychological implications. Before conversion, a person “used to follow the ways of the world” and be driven by the “sinful nature’s desires and thoughts.” After conversion, a person’s life is reoriented toward God and doing good. The reality of the inward change must in time be reflected in a true change of life, or the conversion is unreal.

1. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8).

(Ephesians 2:8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.

The Bible says (Ephesians 2:8) that God saves all Christians by His grace. This is God’s free act of doing something good for us, even though we do not deserve it. God’s grace is activated in our lives through faith. Paul said that when we put our trust in Christ, we become the recipients of His grace, and so we enjoy salvation.

Heaven Knows No Such Distinctions

A story is told about John Wesley who, in a dream, found himself at the gates of hell. He knocked and asked,…

“Are there any Roman Catholics in there?”

“Yes,” was the answer.

“Any church of England people?”

And again the answer was “Yes.”

“Are there any Presbyterians?”

“Yes, a great many.”

“Are there any Wesleyans?”

“Yes, we have some of them too.”

Disappointed, especially by the last reply, he turned his steps upward and at last came to the gates of heaven. Here he repeated the same questions.

“Do you have any Wesleyans in there?” he anxiously inquired.

The answer was “No.”

And as he named the other denominations, to his dismay each time the answer was “No.”

“Then who is in there?” he asked in desperation.

“We know nothing here of the names you have mentioned,” said the angel, “Only Christians are here: born again people. Of these we have a great multitude which no man can number, gathered out of all nations and kindred and peoples and tongues.”

Of course, this was only a dream but the message is clear. 

– From Glad Tidings Radio Newsletter

2. Salvation is not earned but received as a free gift (Ephesians 2:9).

(Ephesians 2:9) Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Salvation cannot be “of works” because the work of salvation has already been completed on the cross. This is the work that God does for us, and it is a finished work. We can add nothing to it; we dare take nothing from it. When Jesus died, the veil of the temple was torn in two, from the top to the bottom, signifying that the way to God was now open. There is no more need for earthly sacrifices. One sacrifice -- the Lamb of God -- has finished the great work of salvation. God did it all, and He did it by His grace.

3. Salvation gives saved people a purpose (Ephesians 2:10).

(Ephesians 2:10) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

We are saved to serve! Paul makes it clear that God created us in Christ Jesus -- that is, gave us our new life -- in order that we would be able to, and would do, good works. What are “good works”? Any activity which is beneficial to God or our fellowman. Good works cannot contribute in any way to our salvation, but are an expected product of salvation.

That’s Too Easy!

After hearing the gospel explained, people often say, “You mean there is nothing I can do to deserve it? That’s too easy!” It seems natural for people to object to the idea that God’s unmerited favor (grace) can be given so freely to unworthy sinners.

Many find it difficult to trust a God who offers salvation as a free gift. Because of God’s grace, salvation is a free gift. But to receive salvation, we must stop trying to pay for it and start trusting what Christ has done on the cross. It is free to us, but it is not cheap – it cost Jesus Christ and enormous price on the Cross of Calvary.

 – Unknown Author.

INSIGHT: The “One Body” is the New Testament Church born in Acts 2:1-47. It  is made up of Jews and Gentiles saved by the grace of God. That means people like you and me!

A. Remembrance Of THE PAST(Ephesians 2:11-12).

1. Without peace – Without Christ (Ephesians 2:11-12).

(Ephesians 2:11-12) 11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

2. Without promise – Without covenant (Ephesians 2:12).

(Ephesians 2:12) That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.

3. Without parentage – Without God (Ephesians 2:12).

(Ephesians 2:12) That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.

The Apostle Paul related that it was through Jesus’ death on the cross that believing Jews and Gentiles are reconciled. We had previously existed in a state of hostility, but now there is peace because of the saving work of Christ. Jews and Gentiles are still distinct groups, but as far as the Lord is concerned, Jesus has united our two groups within the context of the Church.

QUESTION: Have You Personally Experienced The Grace Of God?

Are you spiritually dead? Are you distant from God? Or have you trusted Christ and received that eternal life that only He can give? If you are not sure of your spiritual position, I urge you to turn to Christ by faith and trust Him. Like the nation of Israel, you may have been given many spiritual privileges, only to reject the God who gave them. Or, like the Gentiles, you may have turned away from God and lived deliberately in sin and disobedience. In either case, “there is no difference, for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:22-23). Call on Christ -- He will save you!

B. Reconciliation In THE PRESENT (Ephesians 2:13-18).

1. Abolishment of ordinances (Ephesians 2:13-15).

(Ephesians 2:13-15) 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

2. Acceptance with the Lord (Ephesians 2:16-17).

(Ephesians 2:16-17) 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

3. Access by the Spirit (Ephesians 2:18).

(Ephesians 2:18) For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

Christ’s death on the cross reconciled both Jews and Gentiles to God (Ephesians 2:16). In other words, Jesus’ redemptive work brought an end to the hostility between sinners and God. Through Jesus Christ, both Jews and Gentiles – indeed, all people – now have equal access to the Lord.

QUESTION: If You Are A True Believer In Christ, Are You Helping Others To Trust Him?

You have been raised from the dead -- do you “walk in newness of life”? (Romans 6:4) Do you share this Good News of eternal life with others? You are no longer at enmity with God, but are you spreading the Good News of “peace with God” with those who are still fighting Him?

Jesus Christ died to make reconciliation possible. You and I must live to make the message of reconciliation personal. God has “given to us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18). We are His ambassadors of peace (2 Corinthians 5:20). Our feet should be shod “with the preparation of the Gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15). “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9).

The Soul Winner

A missionary was preaching in the village market, and some of the people were laughing at him because he was not a very handsome man. He took it for a time, and then he said to the crowd, “It is true that I do not have beautiful hair, for I am almost bald. Nor do I have beautiful teeth, for they are really not mine; they were made by the dentist. I do not have a beautiful face, nor can I afford to wear beautiful clothes. But this I know: I have beautiful feet!” And he quoted the verse from Isaiah: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace” (Isaiah 52:7). Do you have beautiful feet? – Author Unknown.

 A. The Right Relationship (Ephesians 2:19).

(Ephesians 2:19) Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.

The unsaved are “strangers and foreigners” with respect to God and His people. This status no longer exists when sinners trust in Christ. Whereas before we had no rights or privileges in the kingdom of God, now we are “fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.” In other words, we enjoy a personal relationship with God.

B. The Right Foundation (Ephesians 2:20).

(Ephesians 2:20) And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.

We are “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets.” This is important. It does not mean that the apostles and prophets were the foundation but that they personally laid the foundation. The early church built its doctrine upon that of the apostles. “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).

“Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” reveals that Christ is the Rock on which the church is built. Paul makes this very clear: “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11). The apostles and prophets put down the foundation, and Christ is the chief cornerstone, the Rock.

C. The Right Church (Ephesians 2:21-22).

(Ephesians 2:21-22) 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

As you look back over this chapter, you cannot help but praise God for what He, in His grace, has done for sinners. Through Christ, He has raised us from the dead and seated us on the throne. He has reconciled us and set us into His temple. Neither spiritual death nor spiritual distance can defeat the grace of God! But He has not only saved us individually, He has also made us a part of His church collectively. What a tremendous privilege it is to be a part of God’s eternal program!

 From: Our Daily Bread.

Pastor and author Greg Laurie says that churches are "well" when they practice these activities:

W-orship
E-vangelize
L-earn
L-ove

Like the early church, we should be active in these ways today.

First, Worship: We must meet together for fellowship, communion, prayer, and praise (Acts 2:42, 47). God is to be the focus of all we do in His church.

Second, Evangelize: As we share the Word, the Lord will add new believers to the church (Acts 2:47). We can all take part in spreading God's Word by developing a friendship, by giving someone an article about the gospel, or by sharing some Scripture verses with a stranger.

Third, Learn: We must continue learning sound doctrine taught by qualified leaders (Acts 2:42). The Bible is filled with instruction for living, and we should take every opportunity to learn from it, apply it to our lives, and teach others.

Fourth, Love: We are to share with whoever has need, and enjoy the fellowship of other believers regularly (Acts 2:45-46).

INSIGHT: A church whose members worship, evangelize, learn, and love will be a "well" church, effective in the community, and appreciated by "all the people" (Acts 2:47). 

– Adapted from Anne Cetas, Our Daily Bread.

CONCLUSION: Appropriating the blood of Jesus Christ for salvation is just the first step on the highway of spiritual blessings. The Lord’s grace has been poured out on all of us – no one has been left out – so that we might be reconciled to Him. The Lord wants us to imitate Christ and to embrace all people with His love and acceptance.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: “Sin worked against us, but God worked for us.”