Bind Us Together, Lord Ephesians 2:11-22

The Separation of two people, 2:11-12

Seen in what we were Called,

Ephesians 2:11 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—

· Greeks called Jews “Ethne” (pagans)

· Jews called the Greeks “Goi” (Gentiles)

· Spiritually, the Jews were better off.

o Salavation through them

o God had shows Himself through their prophets

Seen in our Condition,

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.

· Remember your former state:

o Christless – separated from Christ

o Stateless – alienated from the commonwealth of Israel

o Friendless – strangers to the covenants of promise

o Hopeless – having no hope

o Godless – without God in the world

· Today, many are in the same condition

· Do we care?

The Preparation for one People, 2:13-18

The blood had to break down the wall,

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

The sign on the Temple Wall read: “No foreigner may enter within the barricade which surrounds this sanctuary and enclosure. Anyone who is caught doing so will have himself to blame for his ensuing death.”

Specifically, what Christ’s blood did,

Ephesians 2:15–18 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. 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.

· It Removed the law

· It Created one new man

· It Reconciled both to God

· It Killed hostility

· It Preached peace

· It gave Access to the Father

· Today’s walls are: Ethnic, social, political, whatever it may be.

· Today He is calling the weary, despondent, fearful, troubled, bereaved, disappointed—to Himself.

· He offers all: reconciliation, peace, and access to the Father.

The Consummation of One People

What we were,

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,

What we are building,

Ephesians 2:20–21 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.

What we will become,

Ephesians 2:22 ESV

22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.