From Far To Near

From Far To Near

Text: Ephesians 2:11-13 (NIV)

11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (that done in the body by the hands of men)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.

I.       Introduction:

II.    Without Christ We Are Accused: A Detested People

A.    A People Marked At Birth

B.     A People Held In Contempt

1.      Contempt For The Uncircumcised

a)      A Label Attached

b)      A Mark Missing

2.      Contempt By The Circumcised

a)      A Privilege Title

b)      A Superficial Mark

III. Without Christ We Are Alienated: A Distant People

A.    A Life Without The Benefit Of A Savior

B.     A Life Without the Privileges of Citizenship

C.     A Life Without The Assistance Of Hope

D.    A Life Without The Company Of God

IV. With Christ We Are Accepted: A Distinct People

A.    A People Once Kept Far From God

B.     A People Now Brought Near By Christ

1.      United Together In The Person Of Christ

2.      United To God Through The Blood Of Christ

V.    Conclusion: