God’s Power Changes Relationships
Ephesians 2:11-22
Know-what the Word says
Main idea of the passage: The Gentiles have been unified with the Jews to become members of the household of God.
Explanation: Paul uses the argument he built in the first 10 verses of the chapter (namely that our salvation depends on God, not us, and there’s no basis to boast about it) to speak to Gentile believers in Ephesus about what real Christian fellowship is all about. Those who were once aliens (Gentiles) have now been brought near into brotherhood with God’s chosen people. Why? So that His Spirit might dwell in a people called by His Name, gathered for His purposes, and commissioned for His service.
Live-what the Word says
Main application of the passage: Live a life of unity and peace with other believers. We are one in Christ.
Application: Christ destroys the barriers we place between us and other believers. We have no authority to divide believers into classes or categories. We are all one in Christ. Skin color, social status, and family status mean nothing in God’s economy. In Christ there is perfect unity because He is the Prince of Peace. Spend your life making peace with others, especially those in the household of God. The world knows that we are His disciples by our love (John 13:35). We speak a very loud word about what we really believe about God by how we interact with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Love, support and consistently pray for those in the household of God. We are One.
Rogers– Lessons by Bucky Rogers, minister to students at Anderson Mill Road Baptist Church, Moore, since 2006. Rogers, originally from Cleveland, Tenn., is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and Southern Seminary.