Sermon Notes
The Building of God
WORD PICTURES OF THE CHURCH – Part 6
June 1, 2025
19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.
21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.
22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Ephesians 2:19-22
Aspects of the Church as the Building of God:
- A Building of People
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
Matthew 16:18
You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable
to God through Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 2:5
- A Work In Progress
And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Ephesians 2:22
- The Temple
In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.
Ephesians 2:21
21 But the temple he had spoken of was his body. 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said.
Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.
John 2:21-22
Practical Ways to Use the Truth that the Church is the Building of God:
- Grow In Patience
- Defend Against Sin
- Increase Your Joy
- Elevate Your Concept of the Local Church
Small Group Discussion Questions for the Week of June 1, 2025.
Opening
1. What is the most memorable or unique building you have visited or seen?
Digging Deeper into the Scriptures
Read Ephesians 2:19-22
1. There are different descriptors of Christians used in this passage: citizens; God’s
people; members; household. Take a few moments to discuss each of these. What is important about each one?
2. Paul mentions “the foundation of the apostles and prophets,” and “Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone (v. 20).”
What is the significance of each of these ideas?
3. In what ways is the church described as living and growing (v. 21)? What are some of the key words or phrases that
speak to this (v. 21)?
4. What is the significance of the imagery of the temple and the “dwelling in which God lives” (vv. 21-22)?
Applying the Scriptures
1. How does the concept that God’s church is a work in progress encourage you?
2. What are some practical things that you can do to show that you are joined together and are being built together
with others as God’s church?