Ephesians 1:1-2

*If you’re doing this with your littles, skip to the bottom and use the short form family follow up version*

Sermon Summary

In Ephesians 1:1–2, we explored the meaning of Paul’s address to the church as “saints.” Far from referring to spiritual elites, the word saints means holy ones—people granted sanctuary access to the very presence of God. This status is not earned through religious performance but given freely through Christ’s cleansing work. Finally, we consider what it means to be “faithful in Christ Jesus.” Just as covenant faithfulness in the Old Testament meant remaining in the land where God dwelled, so faithfulness in the New Covenant means remaining rooted in Christ—particularly among His gathered people. We are sanctuary people, welcomed by grace and called to stay planted where Christ has promised to dwell.

Reflection/Discussion Materials

Personal Reflection Questions

1. When you hear the word saint, what images come to mind? How does Paul’s use of the word challenge that instinct?

2. Do you tend to think of holiness as something you achieve or something you are given in Christ?

3. Where do you most feel the temptation to “wash yourself” rather than receive cleansing from Christ?

4. What does “faithful in Christ” mean in your current season of life?

5. In what ways are you rooted in a local church? In what ways are you drifting?

Family/Group Discussion Questions

1. How does understanding saints as “people with sanctuary access” change the way we think about the church?

2. Why is it important that sainthood is given, not earned?

3. What dangers arise when Christians try to be “in Christ” apart from Christ’s body?

4. The sermon compared Old Covenant faithfulness in the land with New Covenant faithfulness in Christ. What are the strengths of that comparison?

Practice Prompts (Application-Oriented)

This week:

• Attend gathered worship with a renewed intentionality—acknowledging it as an act of anchoring your life in Christ’s presence.

• Initiate one deeper conversation with another member of the church.

Short Form Family Follow Up

Big Idea:

Christians are saints—holy people welcomed into God’s presence. And saints stay where Jesus dwells.

Ask Your Kids:

• What is a saint?

• Can we make ourselves holy?

• Where does Jesus promise to be found?

• Why is church important?

Prayer Prompt:

“Father, thank You for making us saints through Jesus. Help us stay rooted in Him and among His people.”