Ephesians 2:11-22 | March 15th
Sermon Overview
Portraits of the Church: Understanding Your Identity in Christ
Have you ever felt left out of a family portrait? Maybe you arrived late to a gathering and missed the group photo, or perhaps you discovered on social media that friends had a party without you. That feeling of being excluded, separated, and alone is something many of us can relate to. But as believers in Christ, we need to understand that we are never left out of God's family portrait.
What Does It Mean to Be Part of God's New Man?
In Ephesians 2:11-22, the Apostle Paul addresses Gentile believers who once felt excluded from God's promises. Before Christ, there were only two types of people: Jews (descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) and Gentiles (everyone else). A great chasm existed between these groups.
The Jewish people had been chosen to share God's promises with all nations, but over time, they developed an attitude of superiority. Historical records show that first-century Jews had immense contempt for Gentiles, even believing that Gentiles were created to be fuel for hell's fires. The barrier between Jew and Gentile was absolute.
How Christ Broke Down the Dividing Wall
But Christ changed everything. Paul writes: "For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall" (Ephesians 2:14). Through His death on the cross, Jesus created something entirely new - not just recent, but qualitatively new. He formed "one new man" from both Jews and Gentiles.
This new man is the Church - all who have placed their faith in Christ alone as Savior, regardless of ethnic background. We now stand side by side at the cross, no longer separated by cultural barriers or religious practices.
What Are the Four Portraits of the Church?
Paul presents four beautiful pictures to help us understand our identity as the Church:
1. We Are God's New Man
Christ has made both Jews and Gentiles "into one new man, thus establishing peace" (Ephesians 2:15). This breaks down all ethnic barriers. We march together in Jesus' name to share His love with the world.
Consider the powerful example of an Iranian pastor married to a Jewish woman, both preaching the gospel together. In a world where Iranian and Jewish relations are often tense, the Church demonstrates something supernatural - unity that transcends political and ethnic divisions.
2. We Are Part of God's Forever Kingdom
"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints" (Ephesians 2:19). As believers, our citizenship is in heaven. We've been "rescued from the domain of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of his beloved Son" (Colossians 1:13).
This is why believers from every nation can stand together and pray, "Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
3. We Are Part of God's Forever Family
Paul continues: "you are fellow citizens with the saints and are of God's household" (Ephesians 2:19). The phrase "God's household" means we are members of God's family. We can call on our Heavenly Father because "you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out 'Abba! Father!'" (Romans 8:15).
No believer is a second-class citizen in God's kingdom. Whether Jewish or Gentile, we all have equal access to the Father through Christ.
4. We Are God's Dwelling Place
Finally, Paul describes the Church as God's temple: "in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit" (Ephesians 2:22). In the Old Testament, people had to go to the physical temple in Jerusalem to experience God's presence. The Holy of Holies was where God's tangible presence dwelt.
Today, God's dwelling place is not a building but His people. The Church collectively serves as God's temple on earth. When we gather together, when we love one another across ethnic and cultural lines, the world experiences God's presence through us.
Why Should We Remember Where We Came From?
Paul urges the Ephesians to "remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh" were "separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world" (Ephesians 2:11-12).
We should remember our former state not to feel bad about ourselves, but to:
Understanding our identity as the Church should radically impact how we relate to others, especially those who are different from us. Jesus gave us a new commandment: "love one another, even as I have loved you" (John 13:34-35). When we love each other despite our differences in ethnicity, language, geography, economics, or education, the world takes notice.
This love across differences becomes "the greatest drawing card" that brings others into God's family. When people see believers loving each other sacrificially, they want to know more about the God who makes such love possible.
Life Application
This week, challenge yourself to live out your identity as part of God's new man, kingdom, family, and dwelling place. Look for opportunities to demonstrate Christ's love to someone who is different from you - whether in ethnicity, socioeconomic status, political views, or life experiences.
Remember that you were once far from God, and He brought you near through Christ's blood. Let this reality fill you with both gratitude and compassion for others who may still be searching.
Ask yourself these questions:
Have you ever felt left out of a family portrait? Maybe you arrived late to a gathering and missed the group photo, or perhaps you discovered on social media that friends had a party without you. That feeling of being excluded, separated, and alone is something many of us can relate to. But as believers in Christ, we need to understand that we are never left out of God's family portrait.
What Does It Mean to Be Part of God's New Man?
In Ephesians 2:11-22, the Apostle Paul addresses Gentile believers who once felt excluded from God's promises. Before Christ, there were only two types of people: Jews (descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) and Gentiles (everyone else). A great chasm existed between these groups.
The Jewish people had been chosen to share God's promises with all nations, but over time, they developed an attitude of superiority. Historical records show that first-century Jews had immense contempt for Gentiles, even believing that Gentiles were created to be fuel for hell's fires. The barrier between Jew and Gentile was absolute.
How Christ Broke Down the Dividing Wall
But Christ changed everything. Paul writes: "For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall" (Ephesians 2:14). Through His death on the cross, Jesus created something entirely new - not just recent, but qualitatively new. He formed "one new man" from both Jews and Gentiles.
This new man is the Church - all who have placed their faith in Christ alone as Savior, regardless of ethnic background. We now stand side by side at the cross, no longer separated by cultural barriers or religious practices.
What Are the Four Portraits of the Church?
Paul presents four beautiful pictures to help us understand our identity as the Church:
1. We Are God's New Man
Christ has made both Jews and Gentiles "into one new man, thus establishing peace" (Ephesians 2:15). This breaks down all ethnic barriers. We march together in Jesus' name to share His love with the world.
Consider the powerful example of an Iranian pastor married to a Jewish woman, both preaching the gospel together. In a world where Iranian and Jewish relations are often tense, the Church demonstrates something supernatural - unity that transcends political and ethnic divisions.
2. We Are Part of God's Forever Kingdom
"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints" (Ephesians 2:19). As believers, our citizenship is in heaven. We've been "rescued from the domain of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of his beloved Son" (Colossians 1:13).
This is why believers from every nation can stand together and pray, "Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
3. We Are Part of God's Forever Family
Paul continues: "you are fellow citizens with the saints and are of God's household" (Ephesians 2:19). The phrase "God's household" means we are members of God's family. We can call on our Heavenly Father because "you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out 'Abba! Father!'" (Romans 8:15).
No believer is a second-class citizen in God's kingdom. Whether Jewish or Gentile, we all have equal access to the Father through Christ.
4. We Are God's Dwelling Place
Finally, Paul describes the Church as God's temple: "in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit" (Ephesians 2:22). In the Old Testament, people had to go to the physical temple in Jerusalem to experience God's presence. The Holy of Holies was where God's tangible presence dwelt.
Today, God's dwelling place is not a building but His people. The Church collectively serves as God's temple on earth. When we gather together, when we love one another across ethnic and cultural lines, the world experiences God's presence through us.
Why Should We Remember Where We Came From?
Paul urges the Ephesians to "remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh" were "separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world" (Ephesians 2:11-12).
We should remember our former state not to feel bad about ourselves, but to:
- Appreciate what Christ has done for us
- Have compassion for others who are still separated from God
- Recognize that we're all equal at the foot of the cross
- Understand the magnitude of God's grace
Understanding our identity as the Church should radically impact how we relate to others, especially those who are different from us. Jesus gave us a new commandment: "love one another, even as I have loved you" (John 13:34-35). When we love each other despite our differences in ethnicity, language, geography, economics, or education, the world takes notice.
This love across differences becomes "the greatest drawing card" that brings others into God's family. When people see believers loving each other sacrificially, they want to know more about the God who makes such love possible.
Life Application
This week, challenge yourself to live out your identity as part of God's new man, kingdom, family, and dwelling place. Look for opportunities to demonstrate Christ's love to someone who is different from you - whether in ethnicity, socioeconomic status, political views, or life experiences.
Remember that you were once far from God, and He brought you near through Christ's blood. Let this reality fill you with both gratitude and compassion for others who may still be searching.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I truly see other believers as equal members of God's family, regardless of their background?
- How can I demonstrate God's love to someone who is different from me this week?
- Am I living in a way that helps others experience God's presence through the Church?
- What barriers do I need Christ to break down in my own heart toward others?
Day 1: From Death to Life
Devotional
Imagine being declared legally dead while still breathing. That's exactly where we all stood before Christ - spiritually dead in our sins, cut off from the life of God. Yet in His incredible mercy, God didn't leave us in that hopeless state. Through Christ's sacrifice, He breathed new life into our dead spirits, making us alive together with Him. This isn't just a minor improvement or a fresh start - it's a complete resurrection from spiritual death to eternal life. The same power that raised Jesus from the grave now flows through every believer. You are no longer who you used to be. The old you - trapped in sin and separated from God - has been replaced with a new creation filled with His life and purpose. This transformation isn't something you earned or achieved through good works. It's purely a gift of God's grace, received through faith alone. When you truly grasp this reality, it changes everything about how you see yourself and your relationship with God.
Bible Verse
'For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.' - Ephesians 2:8-9
Reflection Question
How does understanding that your salvation is entirely God's gift, not your achievement, change the way you approach Him in prayer and worship?
Quote
"Even though we were dead in our transgressions, God made us alive together with Christ, for by grace you have been saved."
Prayer
Father, thank You for breathing life into my dead spirit through Christ. Help me never forget that my salvation is entirely Your gift, not something I earned or deserve.
Imagine being declared legally dead while still breathing. That's exactly where we all stood before Christ - spiritually dead in our sins, cut off from the life of God. Yet in His incredible mercy, God didn't leave us in that hopeless state. Through Christ's sacrifice, He breathed new life into our dead spirits, making us alive together with Him. This isn't just a minor improvement or a fresh start - it's a complete resurrection from spiritual death to eternal life. The same power that raised Jesus from the grave now flows through every believer. You are no longer who you used to be. The old you - trapped in sin and separated from God - has been replaced with a new creation filled with His life and purpose. This transformation isn't something you earned or achieved through good works. It's purely a gift of God's grace, received through faith alone. When you truly grasp this reality, it changes everything about how you see yourself and your relationship with God.
Bible Verse
'For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.' - Ephesians 2:8-9
Reflection Question
How does understanding that your salvation is entirely God's gift, not your achievement, change the way you approach Him in prayer and worship?
Quote
"Even though we were dead in our transgressions, God made us alive together with Christ, for by grace you have been saved."
Prayer
Father, thank You for breathing life into my dead spirit through Christ. Help me never forget that my salvation is entirely Your gift, not something I earned or deserve.
Day 2: Breaking Down the Walls
Devotional
Throughout history, humanity has been divided by walls - some visible, others invisible but equally real. In Paul's time, the division between Jews and Gentiles was so severe that intermarriage resulted in immediate funeral rites for the Jewish person involved. The hatred ran so deep that each group believed the other was destined for destruction. Sound familiar? We still build walls today based on race, politics, economics, education, and countless other differences. But Jesus came to demolish every dividing wall. Through His death on the cross, He didn't just bridge the gap between different groups - He created something entirely new. Christ took hostile enemies and formed them into one unified body, the Church. This wasn't a superficial peace treaty or temporary ceasefire. It was a complete transformation that made former enemies into family members. When we truly understand what Christ accomplished, we can no longer justify harboring prejudice or maintaining divisions with other believers. The cross levels the playing field completely.
Bible Verse
'For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.' - Ephesians 2:14
Reflection Question
What walls of division do you still maintain in your heart toward other believers who are different from you?
Quote
"For He Himself is our peace. Who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall."
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You broke down every wall that separated us from You and each other. Help me tear down any remaining walls of prejudice or division in my own heart.
Throughout history, humanity has been divided by walls - some visible, others invisible but equally real. In Paul's time, the division between Jews and Gentiles was so severe that intermarriage resulted in immediate funeral rites for the Jewish person involved. The hatred ran so deep that each group believed the other was destined for destruction. Sound familiar? We still build walls today based on race, politics, economics, education, and countless other differences. But Jesus came to demolish every dividing wall. Through His death on the cross, He didn't just bridge the gap between different groups - He created something entirely new. Christ took hostile enemies and formed them into one unified body, the Church. This wasn't a superficial peace treaty or temporary ceasefire. It was a complete transformation that made former enemies into family members. When we truly understand what Christ accomplished, we can no longer justify harboring prejudice or maintaining divisions with other believers. The cross levels the playing field completely.
Bible Verse
'For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.' - Ephesians 2:14
Reflection Question
What walls of division do you still maintain in your heart toward other believers who are different from you?
Quote
"For He Himself is our peace. Who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall."
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You broke down every wall that separated us from You and each other. Help me tear down any remaining walls of prejudice or division in my own heart.
Day 3: Citizens of Heaven
Devotional
Your passport might say one thing, but your true citizenship is in heaven. As believers, we hold dual citizenship - we live on earth but belong to God's eternal kingdom. This isn't just a future reality; it's your present identity. You are a citizen of the most powerful kingdom that has ever existed, with rights and privileges that earthly governments could never provide. Unlike earthly citizenship that can be revoked or lost, your heavenly citizenship is permanent and secure. You have direct access to the King of kings, protection under His authority, and inheritance rights as His child. This perspective should radically change how you navigate life's challenges. When earthly circumstances feel overwhelming, remember that you serve a higher authority. When cultural pressures try to conform you to this world's values, remember that your allegiance is to heaven's standards. Your true home is not here - you're just passing through as an ambassador of God's kingdom. This doesn't make you less engaged with earthly responsibilities, but it gives you an eternal perspective that transforms how you approach everything.
Bible Verse
'But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.' - Philippians 3:20
Reflection Question
How would your daily decisions change if you truly lived with the awareness that your primary citizenship is in heaven?
Quote
"Christian, do you know who you are? You're part of God's new man. You're part of God's forever kingdom."
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me live as a true citizen of Your kingdom, representing Your values and priorities in everything I do. Keep my heart focused on my eternal home with You.
Your passport might say one thing, but your true citizenship is in heaven. As believers, we hold dual citizenship - we live on earth but belong to God's eternal kingdom. This isn't just a future reality; it's your present identity. You are a citizen of the most powerful kingdom that has ever existed, with rights and privileges that earthly governments could never provide. Unlike earthly citizenship that can be revoked or lost, your heavenly citizenship is permanent and secure. You have direct access to the King of kings, protection under His authority, and inheritance rights as His child. This perspective should radically change how you navigate life's challenges. When earthly circumstances feel overwhelming, remember that you serve a higher authority. When cultural pressures try to conform you to this world's values, remember that your allegiance is to heaven's standards. Your true home is not here - you're just passing through as an ambassador of God's kingdom. This doesn't make you less engaged with earthly responsibilities, but it gives you an eternal perspective that transforms how you approach everything.
Bible Verse
'But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.' - Philippians 3:20
Reflection Question
How would your daily decisions change if you truly lived with the awareness that your primary citizenship is in heaven?
Quote
"Christian, do you know who you are? You're part of God's new man. You're part of God's forever kingdom."
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me live as a true citizen of Your kingdom, representing Your values and priorities in everything I do. Keep my heart focused on my eternal home with You.
Day 4: Family Forever
Devotional
Have you ever felt like an outsider looking in? Maybe you've experienced rejection, abandonment, or the pain of not belonging. God sees that ache in your heart, and He has the perfect remedy - you are now part of His forever family. This isn't adoption into a dysfunctional family where love is conditional and acceptance is earned. This is adoption into the perfect family where the Father's love never fails and your place at the table is permanently secured. In God's family, there are no second-class citizens or unwanted stepchildren. Every believer has equal access to the Father through Christ. You can approach God's throne with the same confidence as the most mature believer because you share the same relationship - you are His beloved child. The barriers that once separated you from God and from other believers have been completely removed. You belong here. You are wanted here. You are loved here. When loneliness creeps in or rejection stings, remember this truth: you are a permanent member of God's forever family, and nothing can change that reality.
Bible Verse
'So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.' - Ephesians 2:19
Reflection Question
How does knowing you're a permanent member of God's family change the way you handle feelings of rejection or loneliness?
Quote
"You are members of God's family. You're part of God's forever family. You ever felt left out? You don't have to you now part of God's forever forever family."
Prayer
Father, thank You for adopting me into Your forever family. When I feel alone or rejected, remind me that I always belong with You and Your people.
Have you ever felt like an outsider looking in? Maybe you've experienced rejection, abandonment, or the pain of not belonging. God sees that ache in your heart, and He has the perfect remedy - you are now part of His forever family. This isn't adoption into a dysfunctional family where love is conditional and acceptance is earned. This is adoption into the perfect family where the Father's love never fails and your place at the table is permanently secured. In God's family, there are no second-class citizens or unwanted stepchildren. Every believer has equal access to the Father through Christ. You can approach God's throne with the same confidence as the most mature believer because you share the same relationship - you are His beloved child. The barriers that once separated you from God and from other believers have been completely removed. You belong here. You are wanted here. You are loved here. When loneliness creeps in or rejection stings, remember this truth: you are a permanent member of God's forever family, and nothing can change that reality.
Bible Verse
'So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.' - Ephesians 2:19
Reflection Question
How does knowing you're a permanent member of God's family change the way you handle feelings of rejection or loneliness?
Quote
"You are members of God's family. You're part of God's forever family. You ever felt left out? You don't have to you now part of God's forever forever family."
Prayer
Father, thank You for adopting me into Your forever family. When I feel alone or rejected, remind me that I always belong with You and Your people.
Day 5: Love That Changes the World
Devotional
The world is watching. They're looking for something real, something that transcends the divisions and hatred that plague humanity. When believers from different backgrounds, cultures, and social classes genuinely love each other, it creates a powerful testimony that cannot be ignored. This kind of love doesn't happen naturally - it's supernatural. It's the fruit of Christ's Spirit working through His people. When a wealthy businessman and a struggling single mother worship side by side as equals, the world takes notice. When people of different races embrace as family members, it challenges every stereotype. When former enemies become friends through Christ, it demonstrates God's transforming power. This is why unity in the Church is so crucial. It's not just about getting along - it's about displaying God's character to a broken world. Your love for fellow believers, especially those who are different from you, becomes a bridge that draws others to Christ. Remember where you came from - once separated from God and without hope. Let that memory fuel your compassion for others who are still searching for the love and acceptance they can only find in Christ.
Bible Verse
'By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.' - John 13:35
Reflection Question
How can you intentionally demonstrate Christ's love to believers who are different from you in ways that would catch the world's attention?
Quote
"It's when we love each other in spite of our ethnic language, background, geographic background, economic background, educational background, in spite of all those Differences, we come together and others see these people love each other."
Prayer
Lord, help me love other believers so genuinely and sacrificially that the world sees You through our unity. Use our love to draw others into Your family.
The world is watching. They're looking for something real, something that transcends the divisions and hatred that plague humanity. When believers from different backgrounds, cultures, and social classes genuinely love each other, it creates a powerful testimony that cannot be ignored. This kind of love doesn't happen naturally - it's supernatural. It's the fruit of Christ's Spirit working through His people. When a wealthy businessman and a struggling single mother worship side by side as equals, the world takes notice. When people of different races embrace as family members, it challenges every stereotype. When former enemies become friends through Christ, it demonstrates God's transforming power. This is why unity in the Church is so crucial. It's not just about getting along - it's about displaying God's character to a broken world. Your love for fellow believers, especially those who are different from you, becomes a bridge that draws others to Christ. Remember where you came from - once separated from God and without hope. Let that memory fuel your compassion for others who are still searching for the love and acceptance they can only find in Christ.
Bible Verse
'By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.' - John 13:35
Reflection Question
How can you intentionally demonstrate Christ's love to believers who are different from you in ways that would catch the world's attention?
Quote
"It's when we love each other in spite of our ethnic language, background, geographic background, economic background, educational background, in spite of all those Differences, we come together and others see these people love each other."
Prayer
Lord, help me love other believers so genuinely and sacrificially that the world sees You through our unity. Use our love to draw others into Your family.