MESSAGE TEXT
Ephesians 2:11-22 Part 1
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INTRODUCTION
In Ephesians 2:11–22 Paul describes one of the greatest rivalries of all time - a deep, complex, hostile rivalry between Jews and Gentiles. Gentiles are non-Jews. The Greek word is ethna in verse 11 (meaning non-Jewish ethnicities). This rivalry was religious: Gentiles did not know the God of Israel. It was cultural: Jews had rituals, feasts, and ceremonies that distinguished them from the nations. It was racial: the Jews could boast of having the blood of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob flowing in their veins. Yet through Christ these two enemies (Jews & Gentiles) have become friends in something called a "Church".
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PROPOSITION
The theme of this entire section is reconciliation, which involves bringing fallen humanity out of alienation into a state of peace and harmony with God. Jesus, as Reconciler, heals the separation and brokenness created by sin and restores communion between God and people.
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Key Word: The THREE MAIN MOVEMENTS of Ephesians 2:11-22 are fascinating.
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The three movements are marked by the expressions...
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‘at one time’ (verse 11),
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‘but now’ (verse 13)
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and ‘so then’ (verse 19).
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And the sequence runs: Remember that at one time you … were alienated … but now in Christ Jesus you … have been brought near … for he is our peace … So then you are no longer strangers … but … fellow citizens with the saints …
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OUTLINE
Who We Were: Alienated Peoples of the Earth (2:11-12)
First, in verses 11 to 12 we're going to see that the peoples of earth are alienated.
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What Christ Has Done: “Tear Down that Wall” (2:13-18)
Second, in verses 13 to 18 we're going to see that the two people groups Jew and Gentile are now united in Christ. Notice the verbs in this section; they emphasize what Christ has done in order to reverse our condition: “made one,” “tore down,” “made of no effect,” “create,” “reconcile,” and “proclaimed.”
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Who We Have Now Become: God’s New Family (2:19-22)
Third, in verses 19 to 22 we're going to see that the church
is the household of God - the family, the dwelling place where we all belong. Paul uses three images, three metaphors, three illustrations to describe the church. The first one is we are citizens in a kingdom. Secondly, we are members of God’s household (siblings), members of his family. Thirdly, we are building blocks (stones) in a temple.
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CONCLUSION
Paul argues that we don’t have peace outside of the cross (v.14, 15,17). There is no way to real peace unless we can break the selfishness and pride, the glorying in our gifts, and the only way to do that is the cross.[1] How so? The cross shows you that you are a sinner. The cross reveals who you are on the inside. We failed so bad that it required the death of Jesus to save us. All of our achievements aren’t enough to fix it. We’re not superior to anybody. Come to Jesus today!