Sermon Summary

Throughout the Old Testament we can see God’s favor over the Jewish people. From this favoritism, animosity arose in many forms. As we dive into the second chapter of Ephesians we can see how the Gentiles were separated from the covenant of Christ and how the coming of Christ reconciled us to our Original Design.

  1. Reconciled: Jew and Gentile in Christ. God chose Abraham to carry a promise. But because he stepped outside of God’s will because of impatience, Ishmael was born. Isaac eventually came later fulfilling God’s promise over Abraham’s life. Muslims believe that Ishmael is the original bearer of God’s promise but we can see that God’s intent was for Abraham to bear Isaac first and receive the inheritance. Sin allows us to take matters into our own hands, but the Lord remains sovereign in his will, as our Savior came through the original promise-bearer’s lineage.
  2. Reconciled: You and God in Christ. Our primary identity is in Christ. Not money, occupation or status. Our differences allow us to become a salad bowl, bringing different gifts, talents and personalities to the Kingdom of God. We are all needed and unique! (Ephesians 2: 15–18)
  3. Reconciled: You and others in Christ. The Church of Christ becomes the main priority. Is church a priority to you? Without community we will not thrive in our Christian walk. We need a deep and solid foundation in order to build. Is He your foundation? The whole structure together grows into a Holy Temple, the Church. Every individual part is needed in order for the Church to thrive. You are needed!

“I wonder if anything is more urgent today, for the honour of Christ and for the spread of the gospel, than that the church should be, and should be seen to be, what by God’s purpose and Christ’s achievement it already is—a single new humanity, a model of human community, a family of reconciled brothers and sisters who love their Father and love each other, the evident dwelling place of God by his Spirit. Only then will the world believe in Christ as Peacemaker. Only then will God receive the glory due to his name.” John Stott

Discussion Questions

  1. Place your trust in Him and only Him. Does my trust lie in other places? If so, why?
  2. Ephesians 2:13-15 We become unified through the blood of Jesus and therefore our inheritance is peace. Do you find yourself walking in peace more regularly or not? If anxiety is more present, seek prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to pinpoint the source of fear, and boldly press into Jesus and His payment for fear on the cross.
  3. Imagery: The veil getting shredded and torn in two. Do you come boldly into the presence of God? If you are timid to approach God, can you identify the source of why?
  4. Are you giving away your spiritual gifts to build the Church up? Take the Spiritual Gifts test on our App to learn more about your personal gifts!