In this upcoming election, both sides are promising that if we just vote for them, we will cease to be divided and that “our” interests will be put first, and that the future will be great and perfect. Just pull the correct lever. We know that this is a gravely false promise that the father of lies is behind.

In today’s reading, we get a lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy promise: that we are being joined together into a temple in the Lord.

We are being joined together into a temple in the Lord.

We said it twice just so it would sink in, and it’s worth saying again: we are being joined together into a temple in the Lord.

Not you, not me, not any one of us but -- if we abide -- all of us are being built together into a dwelling place for God. That bears repeating thousands of times. It is a promise too rich to fathom. It is the definition of heaven and it can guide us through the peaks and valleys of life.

Let’s jump in and unpack the realities of this awesome truth.

Ephesians 2.19-22

19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What does verse 20 say about the work of women and men’s hands who were guided by Jesus? How does this contrast with Isaiah 64.6 and Romans 3.10?

+ What is the key to lasting work that the wind does not sweep away?

+ Verse 22 says we are being “built together”. What implications does this have on your work with other disciples/talmid at your church? What personal responsibility and personal disciplines might you practice to strengthen the whole, and lift up other brothers and sisters?

+ Verse 20b has a beautiful truth for those of us who get overwhelmed by consecrating ourselves. What is that truth?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ We are all aliens made citizens who have been given a robe and a ring and places of honor we do not deserve. The blood of the Lord Jesus provided the merit for us to receive this reward. He gave everything for us. What sacrifices can you place on the altar of the Lord in return? There is no wrong answer as long as the answer is wrought through fervent prayer.

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?