Being Built Together

Ephesians 2:11-22

Introduction

Formerly Far Off

Gentiles were outsiders (Eph. 2:11-12; Rom. 2:28-29; Deut. 10:16; 30:6).

Paul starts by minimizing the difference with the word “so-called.” (Rom. 2:28-29; Deut. 10:16; 30:6).

But there was a real distinction:

They were separated from the Messiah, the promised King.

They had no citizenship among Israel, the covenant people through whom God’s kingdom purpose was advancing.

They were strangers to the covenants through which God carried forward His promise—from Abraham, through Israel, to David.

Therefore, they had no hope grounded in divine promise and were without the true God in the world.

Consider what remembering is meant to produce here (Eph. 2:11-12; cf. Deut. 15:15; 24:18, 22).

There is a real danger to think that Christ adds a benefit to a life that really is pretty good already.

This recognition should produce gratitude and loyalty.

We Both Have Our Access

The far off have been brought near (Eph. 2:13; Psa. 148:14; Deut. 4:7; Isa. 57:19).

The nearness is covenant nearness. This is not just modern emotional nearness.

It points to the fulfillment of Isa. 57:19 which he will quote a few verses later.

He broke down the dividing wall (Eph. 2:14-16).

Notice the focus is on the enmity created by the Law.

Christ fulfills the Law which breaks down the enmity created by the separation aspects of the Law.

The enmity had a purpose and points to a continued enmity (Jas. 4:4).

Christ could both be true to the point of the Law while also abolishing the dividing elements

He is our peace (Eph. 2:17-18).

The peace of Jew and Gentile is not merely “putting aside our differences.”

It is unity through common loyalty to the King.

He is the peace preached to those far off and those who are near.

God’s Household

We are fellow citizens (Eph. 2:19).

Under the law, provision was made for strangers and sojourners, but they remained a distinct people.

Now, their presence is not merely tolerated, they are granted the full privelege of citizenship.

There is a lot of discussion about the nature of a nation online.

In most countries (historically), ethnicity is part of nationality.

But in America, there has been a constant debate about America as an ideal or as an ethnicity.

One of the arguments people make against America being a nation rooted in an ideal is that when people reject the ideal, they remain citizens.

But that is the thing about this kingdom. THAT is the part that has been broken down. And it allows Gentiles in, but also becomes more exclusive for the Jews.

Citizenship is rooted entirely in the ideal of loyalty to the King and NOTHING else.

We are part of the same household (Eph. 2:19; Gal. 3:29).

We not only get to claim an immigrant status as fellow citizens, but we claim shared ancestry (Gal. 3:29).

We are not merely given a place at the table, we are given all the status and privelege of sons of the father.

Our ancestral connection to Abraham through the promise fulfilled in Jesus is more real and enduring that the connection of blood relation.

We are the temple of the Lord (Eph. 2:20-22).

This is a progression leading up to the most prestigious description that can be made.

This is the kind of description that exceeds not only what the Gentiles once were, but even what Israel once was.

Isreal had the temple, in Christ is people are the temple.

Conclusion

We live in a nation that is increasingly divided.

What should be an easy point of unity has become yet another point of political rancor.

This is because our nation has no consistent ideal anymore. We have no identity to rally around.

Christ is our rallying point.

He says, you are fellow citizens and therefore have responsibilities to each other.

Further, we are family. That means we work to overlook the various minor frustrations in service to our relationship with one another.

Further, we are the dwelling place of the true and living God. How can we bicker with that thought in mind.

Lift your eyes above petty disagreements and see the glory of what we have with all those who are loyal to the King of Kings.