Ephesians Chapter 2 (2)

One In Christ

Last week we looked at God’s Rich Mercy and Grace

This week:

Paul reminds the Gentiles of their past separation from God and highlights the reconciliation achieved through Christ.

Ephesians 2:4–5 ESV

4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—

What we will see tonight is that Paul reminds the Gentiles of their past separation from God and highlights the reconciliation achieved through Christ.

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.

Remember - Never Forget

Paul reminds the Gentiles of their previous alienation, allowing us to reflect on the miracle of being brought near by the blood of Christ

Ephesians 2:13 ESV

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

It is Critical to remember our own past separations from God to appreciate the profound reconciliation that is found only in Christ.

Colossians 2:13–15 ESV

13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

Ephesians 2:14–16 ESV

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 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.

Peace: the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is.

A little Rabbit Trail

What is the opposite of peace?

Fear And Anxiety?

So what do we do when we struggle with anxiety?

Rather than allowing anxiety to dominate, you’re invited to bring your concerns to God through prayer and thanksgiving, trusting that God’s peace—which transcends rational understanding—will protect your inner life in Christ.

Philippians 4:6–7 ESV

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

This isn’t passive wishfulness; it’s an active exchange where vulnerability before God becomes the gateway to stability.

When your thoughts remain anchored to God and grounded in trust, you experience the protection of perfect peace.

Isaiah 26:3 ESV

3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

Ephesians 2:17–19 ESV

17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 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,

Colossians 1:19–20 ESV

19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Philippians 3:17–21 ESV

17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

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.

Emphasize that believers are being built together as a spiritual dwelling where God resides.

We are being built together into the the dwelling place for the Habitation of God himself.

In Closing:

We who once was so far off from being apart of the family of God; have been brought close because of the atoning work of Christ.

That now not only have we been adopted but we are the dwelling place for the Habitation of God himself!

We went from being enemies of God to being sons and daughters of the most High!