Studies in Ephesians Studies in Ephesians (11)(11)

Christ, Our PeaceEphesians 2:11-18

Gentiles brought near Gentiles brought near ((11-1311-13)) Therefore remember

You once Gentiles in the flesh Despised by the Jews “Uncircumcision” Jews saw Gentiles as unclean Gentiles saw Jews as arrogant, elitist, etc.

Are such attitudes pleasing to God?

Gentiles brought near Gentiles brought near ((11-1311-13))Their former state:

Without ChristAliens from the commonwealth of Israel

Strangers from the covenant of promise

Having no hopeWithout God in the worldWhile such descriptions are real, they are no excuse for arrogance

Gentiles brought near Gentiles brought near ((11-1311-13))But now in Christ…

You who were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ

We ALL need the blood of Jesus

1 Peter 1:18-191 Peter 1:18-19 1 John 1:71 John 1:7 Acts 20:28Acts 20:28 Rev. 5:9-10Rev. 5:9-10

Christ our peace (Christ our peace (14-14-1818)) He Himself is our peace

He is our source of true peace - Joining us together - Giving us tranquility - Producing unity

John 14:27, 16:33John 14:27, 16:33 Colossians 3:15Colossians 3:15 Philippians 4:7Philippians 4:7

Christ our peace (Christ our peace (14-14-1818))How did He bring peace?

He has made both one – Galatians 3:27-28Galatians 3:27-28

He broke down the middle wall of separation- created His own special people – 1 Pet. 2:91 Pet. 2:9

He abolished in the flesh the enmity – the law of commandments It was temporal – Gal. 3:19-Gal. 3:19-20, 24, Heb. 10:1-4 (5-10)20, 24, Heb. 10:1-4 (5-10)

Colossians 2:14Colossians 2:14

Christ our peace (Christ our peace (14-14-1818))The result of His peace

So as to create in Himself one new man from the two

A NEW man (neither Jew or Gentile) – Christians!

We are reconciled to God in one body through the cross - Reconciled BOTH to one another and to God! Rom. 5:10, 2 Cor. 5:17-21Rom. 5:10, 2 Cor. 5:17-21

Christ our peace (Christ our peace (14-14-1818))

He came and preached peace

“to you who were afar off” (Gentiles)

His message is for ALL mankind! Mark 16:15-16, Acts 1:8Mark 16:15-16, Acts 1:8Romans 1:16, John 3:16Romans 1:16, John 3:16

Christ our peace (Christ our peace (14-14-1818))

“For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.” (1818)

Everyone has access to Him - bot you and me!

Paul’s conclusion (Paul’s conclusion (19-19-2222))

Therefore – we are fellow-citizens, built together.(More in our next lesson)

God’s grace has saved us and brought us together in Him

Does the world Does the world see Him in us see Him in us

(John 13:34-35)(John 13:34-35)