Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:14-18
The Church: Alive in Christ
(Ephesians 2)
Intro.
1. The church is the fullness of Christ, Eph. 1:23.
2. Prayer that Christians know the richness of our blessings in Christ, Eph. 1:15-23. Paul continues uninterrupted into Ephesians 2.
3. Our condition before and after conversion (2:1-10); Our relation before and after conversion (2:11-18); Grand Summary (2:19-22).
I. OUR NEW CONDITION IN CHRIST, Eph. 2:1-10.
A. A Study in Contrasts: Before and After Conversion.
1. Dead in sin (1) – Alive in Christ (5).
2. Walked in lusts (2) – Walk in good works (10).
3. With Satan (2) – With Christ (5).
4. In the world (2) – In the heavenly places (6).
5. Disobedient (2) – Obedient (8, 10).
6. Wrath (3) – Mercy, love, grace (4-8).
7. Lost – Saved (5, 8)
-WHEN? Believe, repent, confess, baptized, Rom. 6:3-5; Col. 2:11-12
B. The Two Sides of Salvation, 2:8-9.
1. Divine side: Grace (mercy, love, gift), 2:4-8 (Jno. 3:16; Rom. 5:8; 6:23; Tit. 3:4-7).
2. Human side: Faith, 2:8 (not works of merit, 2 Tim. 1:9) (Jas. 2:14-26).
C. The Church: God’s Workmanship, 2:10.
1. Shows His wisdom and ability, Eph. 3:10-11; Matt. 16:18.
2. Purpose: We are to walk in good works.
a. Prepared by God (not man), Heb. 13:21.
b. Revealed in Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
II. OUR NEW RELATION IN CHRIST, Eph. 2:11-18.
A. Contrast of Relation to God’s Blessings and People, 2:11-18.
1. Without Christ (12) – In Christ (13).
2. Aliens / Far off (12-13) – Near (13).
3. Strangers (12) – One body (14-15).
4. No hope (12) – Peace (14-15).
5. Without God (12) – Access to God (16-18).
-HOW? Blood of Christ, 2:13 (1 Pet. 1:18-19)
The Cross (2:16) -- The Gospel (2:17)
B. Two Peoples become One, 2:13-18.
1. Who: Jews and Gentiles (11-14) – All mankind.
2. Where: In one body (16) – The church (4:4; 5:23).
3. How: The gospel (17); Rom. 1:16-17; 2:47.
III. THE GRAND SUMMARY, Eph. 2:19-22.
A. “Now Therefore You Are...”
1. No longer strangers and sojourners, 2:19 (a place in this world).
2. Fellow citizens with the saints, 2:19 (Heb. 12:22).
3. Members of household of God, 2:19 (1 Tim. 3:15, family).
4. Sure foundation, 2:20 (stability).
5. Holy temple 2:21-22 (2 Cor. 6:16) [Habitation, service and worship, 1 Pet. 2:5].
Conclusion
1. The church is alive with Christ (new condition). Christ is our means of peace with God (new relation, 2:16) and peace with man (2:15).
2. We are His product, the result of His work, His craftsmanship (2:10).
a. We are not saved by our works (2:9); we do not merit salvation.
b. Our mission is to do His good works (Tit. 2:14; Lk. 17:10).
3. Oh, how great are our blessings in Christ.
By: Joe R. Price
Posted: January 18, 2013