A Journey from Isolation to Community
Ephesians 2:11-22
In today’s fast-paced, individualistic world, the message of unity and community within the body of Christ is more relevant than ever. The sermon, grounded in Ephesians 2:11-22, challenges us to move from a mindset of “me” to “we,” emphasizing the transformative power of the Gospel in uniting all believers.
The Individual vs. The Community
Our culture often promotes the idea of personal faith as a private affair between oneself and God. However, this sermon underscores the importance of community in our spiritual journey. Ephesians 2:11-22 reminds us that our salvation is not just an individual experience but a communal one. We are called to remember our past isolation and alienation from God and others, highlighting our need for reconciliation and unity.
Remembering Our Past
The sermon begins with a call to “remember” our past, as outlined in Ephesians 2:11-12. We were once “Gentiles in the flesh,” alienated and without hope. This recollection is not meant to dwell in the past but to appreciate our current standing in Christ. By understanding our previous state of being Christless, stateless, friendless, hopeless, and godless, we can better appreciate the present reality of being brought near by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:13).
The Role of Christ in Reconciliation
At the heart of the sermon is the powerful message of reconciliation through Christ. Jesus is our peace, having torn down the dividing wall of hostility between Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians 2:14). By fulfilling the law and its requirements, Jesus created in Himself “one new man,” uniting all believers into a single body (Ephesians 2:15-16). This unity is not just spiritual but also communal, breaking down barriers that divide us and calling us into a collective identity as members of God’s household.
Building a New Community
The sermon emphasizes that God is building something new in place of division—a community that reflects His glory. As fellow citizens and members of God’s household, we are being built into a holy temple, a dwelling place for God by the Spirit (Ephesians 2:19-22). This new identity calls us to embrace our differences and celebrate the kaleidoscope of cultures within the body of Christ.
Responding to the Call
In response to this message of unity, the sermon calls us to:
- Remember our past to fully appreciate our present reality in Christ.
- Rejoice in the peace and reconciliation that Jesus has accomplished.
- Be Reconciled with others, tearing down any walls of division that exist within our hearts and communities.