Memory Verse: Eph. 3:6

The book of Ephesians is one of the two Pauline Epistles that contain the highest of church truths and doctrines that shed light on God’s redemption plan for the Gentiles. It highlights the position, privileges, prospects and precepts for Gentiles -who are outside the commonwealth of physical Israel. It behoves every believer to study and discover the spiritual gems contained in the book.

Ql. Explain the concepts of heirs and joint-heirs? Gen. 15:3-4; Rom. 8:16-17; Gal.4: 7; 3:8; Heb.11:7; I Peter 3:7; James 2:5.

The Past, Practice and Predicament of Gentiles: Eph.3:6; 2:11-12; Deut.18:9; Rom.9:22-24; I Cor.12:2; I Thes.4:5; Psalm 44:2; 105:44; 111:6; I Kings 16:3; Jer. 10:2; 4:7; Rom.9:4; 2:28; 3:1; 4:14-17

Q2. In the past, who were those referred to as Gentiles? Deut.18:9; Eph.2:11; 3:6;

Q3. Name some of the abominations and practices that alienated the Gentiles from God? I Kings 16:3; Lev.18:24-30;
I Cor.l0:20; 12:2.

Q4. Enumerate some of the predicaments of the Gentile?. Eph.2: 12; Psalm 44:2; 105:44; 111:6; Isaiah 61:6

The Greek words "ethnos & ethniko" and Hebrew word "hellen" have been translated severally and sometimes interchangeably as Gentiles. It literally means non-Israelites, pagans, heathen. Those that are aliens to the covenant of promise and commonwealth of Isreal.. Because of the abominable practices among the gentile world, they have the curse, condemnation and judgement of God hanging upon them.

The Position, Privileges and Prospects of Gentiles as Fellow Heirs: Eph.3:6; 2:13-14; Acts 9:15; 10:9-22;

10:45; 14:27; 28:28; Rorn.10:12-13; 9:25-26; 4:6; 3:20-22 2:28; 8:17; Luke 21:24; Mat.12:21; Rom.1l:i1; 5:27;

16:4; Gal.3:8.

Q5. Who is a Gentile today? Romans 2:28; Rom 10:13; II Cor.5:17.

Q6. What are the consequences of remaining and dying as a Gentile (spiritual) today? Eph.2: 12; Rev.20: 11-14; 22:15.

Q7. Enumerate the privileges accruing to every Gentile through Christ? Eph.2:13-19; 1:3; 2 Peter 3:1; Mark 16:17-18

Q8. Are these privileges conditional or not?

Q9. Describe our responsibilities to exploit the prospects we have in Christ? Deut. 28:1-2; I Pet. 2:2; Heb.6: 1.

Despite the abominations, God in His infinite mercies provided a means of reconciling man (Jews and Gentiles) to himself. Eph.2:13; Rom.10:l 1-13. The Gentiles now have the opportunity of becoming spiritual Jews through the redemptive work of Christ. The "Holy of Holies" and God’s majestic throne, riches and spiritual blessings have been made accessible to every Gentile. Mark l5;37-38; Eph.2:18.

The Pattern, Pursuit and Precepts for Fellow Heirs: Eph.3:6; 4:17-32; 5:8; Acts 21:25; Rom.l2:14-15; 11:21; I Cor.10:12; Colossians 3:1-11; I Peter 1:17.

Q10. Having become a joint-heir through Christ’s redemptive work, How are we expected to live, work for and walk with God as heirs-apparent to His kingdom? Col.3:1-11; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; I Cor.9:27; I Peter 1:17.

God has invested so much to redeem us from the destruction to come. Have you accepted His offer? What is your state and nature at this hour? Are you a Spiritual Jew or Gentile? What record does heaven have for you? God has a plan for every joint heir. Have you discovered yours? Like the physical Jew, we cannot afford to live like a Gentile. As an heir apparent, have you truly discovered your place in the kingdom? What are your investments in the kingdom? What are you doing for the kingdom?