Ephesians Study: Our Cornerstone

[Ephesians 2:11-23]

Psalm 118:22 – stone rejected by the builders has become the head of the corner

Verse 12 — At one time we were Through Christ we are

Separated Brought Near

Without hope With Peace

Fellow citizens with the saints – Members of the household of God
Built on Foundation of Apostles & Prophets
Christ – Cornerstone – whole structure joined together into Holy Temple in the Lord – We are living stones to be united to & built up by the Cornerstone

Christ is a stumbling block to those without faith

Isaiah 8:14 – And he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling to both houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. [ESV]

Parable of the Wicked Tenants – Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:10, Luke 20:17

Christ is security to those who believe

Acts 4:11 – Built together into dwelling place for God by the Spirit – completeness & unity

Matthew 7:24-27 – built house on the Rock – hear words & act upon them – firm foundation

Isaiah 28:16 – Therefore the Lord GOD said: “Look, I have laid a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will be unshakable. [HCSB] — Firm, Unshakable, Reliable

1 Peter 2:6 – those who trust in Him will never be put to shame – no shame

Follow up questions:

Read Isaiah 28:16. This verse describes the foundation of Christ as firm, unshakable, and reliable.

Take time to consider in your life…

How has Christ been firm?
How has Christ been unshakable?
How has Christ been reliable?

Read Psalm 118:22. This verse speaks of a stone that is rejected by the builders becoming the head of the corner, the Cornerstone. The Cornerstone holds in place all of the other stones. Consider what you have used to build up your house. Examine the pieces you used to build. Is Jesus the Cornerstone? What are some of the pieces you have been using to build? What do you need to do to get back to your foundation of Christ and allow Christ to be your Cornerstone?

Read Acts 4:11. Peter makes it clear that this cornerstone is Jesus Christ who was rejected by the Jewish leaders and crucified. If the stone is precious and sure to be laid as a cornerstone, why would it be rejected by the builders? Why did the Jewish leaders not accept Him? What can we learn from this?

Read 1 Peter 2:6. This verse says those who trust in the Lord will not be put to shame. When have you felt shame in life? Why did you feel this shame? Why does the Bible promise that we will not be put to shame? How can you live this out?