New Series: Fully Alive - A Study of Ephesians
Sermon Recap
In Ephesians 2:11–22, we see how the cross of
Christ tears down the walls that once divided people — between Jew and Gentile,
insider and outsider — and replaces hostility with peace. Through Jesus, those
who were once far from God and one another are brought near and made into one
new people. In Christ, we are no longer strangers but members of God’s family
and living stones in His temple, where His Spirit dwells. Because we are united
with Christ, we are called to pursue unity and reconciliation with one another
as His church.
The Wall That Divided Us (v. 11-12)
Before Christ, there was a deep and painful
separation, not just between people and God, but between people themselves.
This hostility is one that mirrors our own racial, cultural, and political
divisions today.
The Cross That Unites Us (v. 13-18)
Through His death, Jesus tears down the wall
that once divided us. His blood brings those who were far near, creating peace
not only between us and God but also between one another. The cross doesn’t
just remove hostility; it replaces it with unity.
The Temple That Includes Us (v.19-22)
Because of Christ’s work, we are no longer
outsiders — we are fully included in God’s people. Paul describes this with
rich imagery: we are citizens of a kingdom, members of a family, and stones in
a temple.
Ephesians 2:11-22
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.
The
Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001
by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Ephesians
2:11-22.
Discussion Questions
What words or phrases describe who the
Gentiles were before Christ?
What specific things does Christ accomplish
in verses 13–18?
Where do you see division or hostility in the
world today that reflects this passage?
How does the gospel address hostility between
people, not just individuals and God?
Do you tend to drift toward isolation or
toward biblical community? Why?
Are there subtle ways you elevate differences
over unity with other believers?
What fears or barriers keep you from fully
engaging in community?
Closing Thoughts
This passage makes it clear: the gospel
doesn’t just save individuals — it creates a people. The people of God share an
eternal mission in which we are called to fulfill together. The sinful nature
still at work within us often hinders us from effective and collective Kingdom
efforts.
END
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