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Stones Hill Community Church
Ephesians - Finding Our New Identity
Welcome to an exciting new sermon series on the Book of Ephesians, one of the Apostle Paul’s most profound letters. Paul proposes that we are "in Christ." We have a new identity. In a sense, he encourages us to become what we already are!
Locations & Times
Ligonier, IN
151 W Stones Hill Rd, Ligonier, IN 46767, USA
Saturday 2:00 PM
MESSAGE TEXT
Ephesians 2:11-22 Part 3
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INTRODUCTION
To recap where we've been and where we're going: Ephesians 2:1-10 – the dead are raised. Ephesians 2:11-19 – the divided are united. Ephesians 2:19-22 – the aimless are directed.
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Key Word: Paul uses three images, three metaphors, three illustrations wherein Paul says, “This is how I want you to start thinking about yourselves; how I want you to see yourself now. This is your new reality.” Without these guiding metaphors to give our lives direction, we will numb out with pleasure if we remain aimless.
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OUTLINE
The first one is a metaphor of identity - we are citizens in a kingdom. “It’s in this community that you’ll rediscover who you were meant to be all along and it will bring you peace.” The church speaks to the crisis of lost identity.
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Secondly, a metaphor of belonging - we are members of God’s household (siblings), members of his family (Eph.1:5 – adoption of sonship). The church is a place for God’s family and this deals with the crisis of chronic loneliness that pervades culture.
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Thirdly, a metaphor of a purpose - we are building blocks (stones) in a temple. Building concepts of foundation and cornerstone and blocks are important here. The culture has misplaced their purpose. The church is a place for God’s presence and purpose. Our lives are to give glory to God.
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PROPOSITION
In Ephesians 2:19-22, the aimless are directed. To find meaning in life you need three things: a core identity, a community of people who love you unconditionally, and a redemptive view of all that happens to you in your life can somehow bring glory to God - thus Paul's three life-shaping metaphors at work.
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CONCLUSION
Have you applied for citizenship? Do you have a family? Are you part of God’s new temple in the world? Was there ever a time in which you said, “Lord, I know I’m an alien. I know I have no right to be accepted by you, but I no longer trust in my own efforts. I trust in what Jesus Christ has done for me. Accept me for His sake. Bring me into the kingdom?” You applied for citizenship, and anybody who applies for citizenship like that, who humbles himself or herself like that, gets citizenship. Apply today!
Ephesians 2:11-22 Part 3
*
INTRODUCTION
To recap where we've been and where we're going: Ephesians 2:1-10 – the dead are raised. Ephesians 2:11-19 – the divided are united. Ephesians 2:19-22 – the aimless are directed.
*
Key Word: Paul uses three images, three metaphors, three illustrations wherein Paul says, “This is how I want you to start thinking about yourselves; how I want you to see yourself now. This is your new reality.” Without these guiding metaphors to give our lives direction, we will numb out with pleasure if we remain aimless.
*
OUTLINE
The first one is a metaphor of identity - we are citizens in a kingdom. “It’s in this community that you’ll rediscover who you were meant to be all along and it will bring you peace.” The church speaks to the crisis of lost identity.
*
Secondly, a metaphor of belonging - we are members of God’s household (siblings), members of his family (Eph.1:5 – adoption of sonship). The church is a place for God’s family and this deals with the crisis of chronic loneliness that pervades culture.
*
Thirdly, a metaphor of a purpose - we are building blocks (stones) in a temple. Building concepts of foundation and cornerstone and blocks are important here. The culture has misplaced their purpose. The church is a place for God’s presence and purpose. Our lives are to give glory to God.
*
PROPOSITION
In Ephesians 2:19-22, the aimless are directed. To find meaning in life you need three things: a core identity, a community of people who love you unconditionally, and a redemptive view of all that happens to you in your life can somehow bring glory to God - thus Paul's three life-shaping metaphors at work.
*
CONCLUSION
Have you applied for citizenship? Do you have a family? Are you part of God’s new temple in the world? Was there ever a time in which you said, “Lord, I know I’m an alien. I know I have no right to be accepted by you, but I no longer trust in my own efforts. I trust in what Jesus Christ has done for me. Accept me for His sake. Bring me into the kingdom?” You applied for citizenship, and anybody who applies for citizenship like that, who humbles himself or herself like that, gets citizenship. Apply today!