Untitled Sermon (26)

Introduction

Ephesians 2:11 contains an important transition word: “Therefore”

We often joke that when you see a “therefore” in Scripture you are to ask, “What’s it there for?”

As with most “therefore” transitions, this is there to say, in essence, “Because what I just told you is true, this leads us to believe/behave/do the following...”

So, before we dig into our focal verses for the morning, I want to briefly look at what Paul says ought to be our response to the fact that God has resurrected believers from spiritual death to spiritual life through the finished work of Christ Jesus.

Read Ephesians 2:11-22 (focusing in on verses 19-22)

So, Paul tells the church of Ephesus, but also the church of Castle Rock and all other churches, that we are one in Christ Jesus, unified, because it was God’s intention to make us a holy temple to the Lord.

Thus, we are unified in the Lord.

But what is it specifically that unifies us in the Lord? And then, what should that mean for us specifically today (individually as believers, but also corporately as the body of Christ, a church family)?

Body

We are saved by grace alone through faith alone.

Daily put to death the works-based theology that most of us wrestle with.

Embrace the truth that the same grace that saved you also saved other believes.

So, we should extend grace to them.

We are God’s workmanship.

Continually remember that you are God’s work of art, therefore you have value to Him.

Remember, also, that your fellow church members are also God’s workmanship.

So, treat them like they are valued by God.

We were created in Christ Jesus for good works.

Invest your time and energy in doing God’s good works.