Ephesians 2:11-22

Changed debate clubs because of clickiness and being an outcast.

What is a gentile? Why were they called “the uncircumcision”? (Verse 11-12)

Ephesians 2:11–12 ESV

11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

The jews were often called the chosen ones, the ones who were circumcised, physically and symbolically of the what God called Abram to do thousands of years ago. It was a symbol to be different.

Jews were cruel to those whose were not Jews. Even if a gentile they were shunned.

What was life prior to Christ like? (Verse 12)

Ephesians 2:12 ESV

12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

- The three words I want to focus on is separated, no hope, and in the world.

What a sad, dark place to be in.

- Without Christ:

- Without spiritual blessings.

· Without light.

· Without peace.

· Without rest.

· Without safety.

· Without hope.

· Without a Prophet, Priest, or King.

What has Christ done? (Verse 13-14)

Ephesians 2:13–14 (ESV)

13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility

I love the words, brought near. The seperation of being an outcast but now near.

You may be an outcast of the world and separated from a group of friends, but you are now near to Jesus.

This is all made possible through the blood of Jesus Christ, through His sacrifice and His spirit now living within us.

He has brought peace now.

How is this possible? What did Christ do in order for this to happen? (Verse 15-16)

Ephesians 2:15–16 ESV

15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.

The old law separated gentiles and jew because as about. In the prior verse (14), he brought down the wall:

The work of Jesus on the cross is the common ground of salvation for both Jew and Gentile. Therefore, there is no longer any dividing wall between Jew and Gentile. Jesus broke that wall down.

New Man - Early Christians recognized that they were not Jews, not Gentiles, but one new manembracing all who are in Jesus.

He abolished the law and created himself a new one. One that unites us by reconciling us both through the cross.

What is hostility? How does what Christ has done, kill hostility? (verse 16 and 17)

Ephesians 2:16–17 ESV

16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.

Give me an example of when you’ve experienced hostility in your life?

hostile behavior; unfriendliness or opposition

How did Christ teach peace?

The gospel, the one that unites us both

Do you see the craziness? Some of the worst people that are now saved, are unified with us. Those that have bullied and treated you poorly if they are under christ, they can now have unity with one another.

How are we united with Christ? Are separated anymore? (Verse 18-19)

Ephesians 2:18–19 ESV

18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 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,

One Spirit

Remember all the blessings we receive in Christ? What are the benefits of being a Christian?

Chosen by God (Ephesians 1:4)

Predestined for Adoption (Ephesians 1:5)

Redemption through His Blood (Ephesians 1:7)

Revelation of His Will (Ephesians 1:9)

Inheritance (Ephesians 1:11-12)

Sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13)

- We are not just mere aquantences, we are family.

We are no longer strangers but citizens and members. Why is this so important? (Verse 19)

Ephesians 2:19 ESV

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,

- Paul refers to Christians of Gentile background. They should not regard themselves as “second-class citizens” in God’s kingdom in any regard. They are not only full citizens, but also full and equal members of God’s household.

Not by what they have done, but through the grace of God

What is the significance of being built upon Jesus? (Verses 20-22)

Ephesians 2:20–22 ESV

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.

the most important stone in the structure, the one on which its stability depended.”

Christ is the center of everything.

When built upon christ you now join upon this family and grow into the temple in the Lord.

A dwelling place is not inactive, a dwelling place is where someone lives, where someone is breathing.

As a church, we are a group of believers who are alive and living and doing what God has called us to do.

What and where in your life have you noticed God growing and building you into a disciple of Jesus? Where have you seen freedom from sin and joy? (Verse 22)