08-22-2021 AM

INTRODUCTION

Ephesians 2:11–22 NASB95

11 Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “Uncircumcision” by the so-called “Circumcision,” which is performed in the flesh by human hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, 15 by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, 16 and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; 18 for through Him we both have our 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 are of God’s household, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.

CIT

MESSAGE

I. Without Christ there is SEPARATION from Peace.

1. People Groups

1. Gentiles - “Circumcision”

2. Jews - “Circumcision”

2. Circumcision - works of the flesh

1. Human work

2. Even some Jews separated

3. Gentiles were separated

1. Separated from Christ

2. Separated from Citizenship in the nation of Israel

3. Separated from the covenants of promise

4. Separated from Hope

5. Separated from God

II. Christ is the SOURCE of Peace.

Christ is our peace. There is NO peace without Christ.

1. Brought near by the Blood of Jesus

1. Verse 14 “He Himself is our peace.

2. Christ removed the dividing wall.

1. Railing to separate the Gentiles court from the Jewish section in the temple.

2. Also barrier to keep the Jews in.

3. The Law

3. Nullifying the Law

1. The blood of Christ (HIS FLESH) paid the price for sin which separated us from God.

2. The Law’s purpose was to show us our need for a Savior by showing us our sin.

3. The price of our sin is death and separation, Christ paid that price.

4. There by Nullifying the Law’s penalty.

III. With Christ we can STAY in Peace.

1. One Body

1. Are in Christ

2. Fellow citizens

3. Part of the promise of God

4. Have hope

5. “Are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.”

2. Christ Jesus is the corner stone

1. Jews and Gentiles become one body.

2. v. 21 “whole building fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord.”

3. the CHURCH - unified body

CONCLUSION

“Christ is not divided into competing groups ans so those who are identified with Christ are also at peace with one another. (1 Corinthians 1:12-13)

1 Corinthians 1:12–13 NASB95

12 Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.” 13 Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?