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Change We Can Believe In

I. CHANGE FOR SINNERS 2:1-10

Give at least four or five different phrases that describe sinners from v.1-3.
Describe the sinner’s condition from Romans 1:18; John 3:36.
According to v. 4, who took the initiative to change our sinful condition?
Write out v. 4-5, substituting your name for the personal pronouns.
From v. 6-7, give phrases that reveal the dramatic change in a sinner’s condition by contrasting them with the phrases from v. 1-3.
Put into your own words what is necessary in order to truly change. v. 8-9.
What is one purpose for the changes? v. 10? 1:11-12?
Do you think politics or our government can truly change sinners…from God’s perspective? Explain your reasoning based on these verses.

II. CHANGE OF STATUS 2:11-19

Who were the “Gentiles” in v. 11 and who do they represent today?
Give at least three phrases that describe our spiritual status. v. 12.
Because of our original status, what was our spiritual condition? v. 12.
What dramatic change is described in v. 13? Who brought it about, and how was it accomplished? v. 13 and also John 5:24.
How is this change in status referred to in John 1:12? 15:15? Romans 8:17? Galatians 3:29? 4:7? Ephesians 3:6? 2:19? 1 Peter 2:10? Acts 26:18?
What is one result of this change, repeatedly referred to in v. 14-15, and twice in v. 17? Describe it in your own words.
Do you think peace in the human heart can be achieved through politics or legislation? Explain your answer.

III. CHANGE FOR SHATTERED LIVES 2:20-22

List lives that are shattered according to 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.
Are these shattered lives hopeless and incapable of change? 1 Corinthians 6:11.
What dramatic change in shattered lives is referred to in Ephesians 2:20?
If our lives are like a building, who is the foundation and how do you lay it? v. 20, 1 Corinthians 3:11.
What is a cornerstone and why is it important? [Use a dictionary if necessary]
In the analogy of our lives, who is the cornerstone according to v.20? Acts 4:11? 1 Peter 2:6-7?
What or who are the building blocks? 1 Peter 2:5.
Describe the before and ultimate after of a shattered life changed through the power of the Cross in v. 21-22.

Who do you know who desperately needs change? Will you recommit yourself to telling them about change they can believe in…change through faith in Jesus Christ and through the power of His Cross?