UNITED BY THE GOSPEL (Bible Study)

Ephesians 2:20 NKJV

20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,

Biblical unity is not based on personality — But on the gospel.

I. WE WERE SEPARATED

Ephesians 2:11–12 NKJV

11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands— 12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

Segregated

Discriminated

Alienated

A. Divided by Culture 

11Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh,

Called Barbarians, their ceremonies were different, because of birth

B. Divided by Custom

who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

Exp (What does that mean? Explain it):

This outward side that they were the people of God

C. Divided by Covenant

12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

Exp (What does that mean? Explain it):

They were deprived of direct participation in God’s covenants and thus had no hope of future glory and blessing as Israel did. Israel’s “covenants” include the Abrahamic (Gen. 12:1-3; 15:18-21; 17:1-8), the Palestinian (Deut. 28-30), the Davidic (2 Sam. 7:16; Ps. 89:1-4), and the New (Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 36:24-30). These covenants—all pointing to “the promise” of the Messiah and of blessings through Him—assured Israel of a national existence, a land, a King, and spiritual blessings.[1][1]Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-). The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures (Eph 2:12). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

Without Christ

Aliens from the commonwealth

Strangers from covenant

Without hope

Without God

What divisions naturally exist in churches today?

Why do we tend to gather with people “like us”?

II. WE WERE RECONCILED

Ephesians 2:13–18 NKJV

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 both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

A. He Removed the Barriers

13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

15Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

Exp (What does that mean? Explain it):

Galatians 3:28 NKJV

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Romans 10:12 NKJV

12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.

Stop your brick mason of segregation and your carpenters of discrimination Open your eyes and realize that there is nothing separating us for in Christ there are no walls, no races, no gender, no classes, no distinction of any kind.  We are one in Him.

One Mind

One Heart

One Purpose

One Message

One Lord

One Family

One Faith

We are One

B. He Repaired the Bond

16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

C. He Remade a Brotherhood

19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

We are brothers and sisters in the body. 

No more outsiders but family

No more foreigners but family

No more strangers

No more visitors

No more aliens

No more outcasts

Brought near by the blood

Christ is our peace

He broke down the middle wall

One new man

Unity is not manufactured — it is accomplished by Christ.

What does it mean that Christ Himself is our peace?

How does remembering the gospel reduce division?

III. WE ARE BEING BUILT TOGETHER

Ephesians 2:19–22 NKJV

19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Fellow Citizens: Imagine someone who has lived in a country for years but was never fully recognized. Then one day they stand, take the oath, receive citizenship papers — and everything changes.

Same streets.

Same job.

Same house.

But now: rights, protection, identity, voice.

That’s what the gospel does. We were spiritual immigrants — now we have kingdom citizenship.

Preaching Line: Citizens don’t visit — they belong.

Members of the household: In a home:

You know where the plates are.

You open the fridge without asking.

You are corrected and comforted.

You are loved even on bad days.

Guests behave carefully. Family lives comfortably.

Paul says we are not spiritual guests — we are family.

Holy Temple: In the Old Testament:

The temple wasn’t casual.

It was where God’s presence dwelled.

It demanded reverence.

Paul shocks his readers — The building is no longer sacred. The people are.

Preaching Line: You are not attending sacred space — you are sacred space.

Built together: A pile of bricks does not make a house.

Bricks must:

Be aligned.

Be joined.

Be cemented together.

Scattered believers do not display the fullness of God’s dwelling.

Unity makes habitation visible.

Fellow citizens

Members of the household

A holy temple

Built together for a dwelling place of God

You cannot experience temple life in isolation.

How are you living out the fact that saints are united together?