February 25, 2024
Series: Ephesians
Teacher: mike laughrun
Ephesians 2:11-22
(11) Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands– (12) remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated 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 once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (14) For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility (15) by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, (16) and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. (17) And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. (18) For through him we both have 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 members of the household of God, (20) built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, (21) in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. (22) In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
Big Truth:
Jesus Followers are Brought Near to God by His Blood
“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”
Ephesians 2:13
Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:14-15, 19
(14) For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility (15) by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, … (19) So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God
Ephesians 2:11-13
(11) Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— (12) remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated 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 once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Big Truth:
Jesus followers are brought near to God by His blood.
Big Idea:
In our sin, we were separated from Christ.
(12) remember that you were at that time separated from Christ,
Big Idea:
In our sin, we were alienated from God’s people.
(12) remember that you were… alienated from the commonwealth of Israel…
Big Idea:
In our sin, we were strangers to God’s promises.
(12) remember that you were… strangers to the covenants of promise…
Big Idea:
In our sin, we were hopeless and godless.
(12) remember that you were… having no hope and without God in the world.
Ephesians 2:13
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Acts 2:39
For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”
Ephesians 2:17
And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. –
Ephesians 2:13
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Ephesians 2:18
For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
Ephesians 2:13
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Ephesians 2:16
and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.
Hebrews 9:22
and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.
1 Peter 3:18
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
(23) For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, (24) and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
(25) In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (26) For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
In your sin, you were far off. In Christ, you have been brought near by His blood.
In Christ, you are called according to His purpose. Rejoice in His blood which brings peace.
Feel the weight of our desperation apart from Christ. Feel the glory of His grace shown to us at the cross.
Long to see others come from death in sin to life in Christ. Consider those in your life who do not know the Lord; in their sin they are dead, separated from Christ, without hope. Purpose to have a gospel conversation with them this week.