Ephesians 2:11-22

Introduction:

we are in the middle of our series through the Book of Ephesians

Ephesians is a book that is all about showing us who we are “In Christ”

Recap: Remember//Remember// Remember///

The what… (chapter 2 part 1)

You were dead

but God “Rescued You”

So that you can serve him.

But The How?

Opening Illustration: How did they win a championship?

The missing puzzle piece on a champion team?

Scotty or Michael.

Michael Scott No longer in the office.

Jesus….

Big Idea: Jesus is the cornerstone on which the whole structure of the Church stands.

This Morning: 1) We will lay out the problem for those outside of Christ

2) We will then discuss the Solution (Jesus)

3) and land on what is our new reality for those who are now in Christ

Pray/Read

The Problem: (Therefore)

Ephesians 2:11–13 ESV

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— 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. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

1) Gentile: You were outside the family of God.

You were Separated

Alienated

Strangers

Hopeless

Far Off

2) You do not have the mark of the covenant

Why is circumcision such a big deal? (You do not have the mark of the covenant with God)

Ephesians 2:11 ESV

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—

Those inside the church were labeling Gentile believers as something lesser.

Stanley Cups

Paul speaks against this time and time again in his ministry

Acts 15:1–2 ESV

But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question.

Circumcision is instructed in Genesis 17

Pauls Understanding of Circumcision: (Made by human hands or a transformation of the heart)

Romans 4:11–12 ESV

He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.

A mark of the covenant made by human hands vs a sign made by God (The Holy Spirit) (Baptism)

Colossians 2:11 ESV

In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ,

Deuteronomy 30:6 ESV

And the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.

Recap:

You were outside… you do not have the mark of the covenant But Paul is going to go on and explain How God has solved this in Jesus.

Transition:

So here is the problem you are far from God, you do not have the sign of the covenant but Praise God Paul does not stop there… God is at work in bringing all things back to him

The Solution: Jesus (But Now)

Ephesians 2:13–18 ESV

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 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, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.

Just like last week another great statement that begins with “but… Now in Christ”

What did he do? Union With Christ: Oneness

He makes us one with himself

Ephesians 1:22–23 ESV

And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

In Christ:

you were brought near

you have peace

you have been made one In himself

In one spirit

How did he do it?

The Blood of Jesus v.13

His body broken down.

The Gospel Preached.

Jesus Reconciles us to God .

Transition: Jesus does it all. He takes us removes us from the pit he finds us, and bring us back to him. So there you have it… the problem has been solved Jesus is the solution. Now Paul Ends with another great biblical phase to close out chapter three discussing our true Identity in Christ!

The New Identity: (Conclusion) (So That)

Ephesians 2:19–22 ESV

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

Paul is laying out a picture of the church. The Jews + Gentiles who submit themself to Jesus lordship.

The New Identity:

Those who are in Christ -

A. Citizens B. Saints C. Members of Gods Household

The Church!

The Church is build on Build on…

1) Citizens/Saints/Members of Gods household 2) ) The Bible (foundation of Apostles and Prophets)

2) Christ (the cornerstone) 3) The Dwelling Pace of the Spirit of God

This is the new temple of the Lord! In this place God dwells.

Closing Challenge:

Those outside the family of God?

In Christ: (The Great gift of Salvation)

You are no longer strangers… but you are citizens.

Believers:

You are stones in Gods temple

May we commit to the work of the church.

May we commit to unity

May we commit to welcoming more people into the family of God (That those who are far off may be brought near)

This morning Pastor Jon is going to lead us through Communion…

May we be a people to recognize our Union With Jesus.

May we be a church that recognizes our union with one another!

Pray