Breaking Down Barriers: Unity in Christ | Pastor Chris | 10am

 Breaking Down Barriers: Unity in Christ

Ephesians 3:1-13 (ESV)

1 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you

Gentiles— 2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was

given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have

written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of

Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has

now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6 This mystery is that

the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise

in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was

given me by the working of his power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the

saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of

Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for

ages in God, who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom

of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly

places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ

Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through

our faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which

is your glory.

Verses 1-3: Paul’s Imprisonment and Revelation

Verses 4-6: The Mystery of Christ (1)

Verses 7-9: Paul’s Ministry (2)

Verses 10-13: God’s Eternal Purpose (3)

Historical Context of 1st Century Ephesus

Ephesus: A major city in the Roman Empire, known for its diversity and the Temple of

Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Cultural and Social Barriers: Ephesus was a melting pot of cultures, religions, and

economic statuses, creating divisions among people.

Jews and Gentiles: The Jewish community often saw themselves as separate from

Gentiles, creating religious and social barriers.

The Mystery Revealed

• The mystery refers to God’s plan to include the Gentiles in His salvation through

Christ, breaking down the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians

2:14-16).

• This revelation signifies God’s inclusive plan and the universality of the gospel.

Paul Proclaiming Unity in Christ

• Paul’s ministry emphasizes that in Christ, all barriers are broken down, and all

believers are one body.

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• The church now a unified body of believers, irrespective of ethnic or cultural

backgrounds.

We are to Embrace Unity in Diversity

• Actively seek to break down barriers within the church community, whether

they are racial, cultural, socio-economic, or denominational.

• Emphasize common identity in Christ over differences.

Galatians 3:28 ESV

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is

no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Jesus prayed for this:

John 17:20-23 ESV

20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me

through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in

me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may

believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I

have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in

them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the

world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.

All for God’s Eternal Purpose and Glory

• The church is central to God’s plan to display His wisdom to the world and the

spiritual realm.

• Our unity and the breaking down of barriers within the church demonstrate God’s

manifold wisdom.

We are to proclaim the Inclusive Gospel

• Share the gospel with everyone, recognizing that it is meant for all people,

not just a select group.

Demonstrate God’s Wisdom Through Unity

John 13:35 (ESV)

"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

Ephesians 4:13 (ESV):

"Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to

mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”

Paul wrote this from prison… put there by the very people he preached to!

Be Encouraged by Paul’s Example…. Persevere

Orthodoxy to Orthopraxy | Pastor Chris Searcy | 10am

Orthodoxy to Orthopraxy

The primary issue of the Church of Ephesus

AD 60-62

Hebrews 2:13-14

13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the

blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and

has destroyed the barrier… the dividing wall of hostility, 

Revelation 2 AD 95-96

“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the

seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 I know

your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate

wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and

have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my

name, and have not grown weary.

4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider

how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I

will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. 6 But you have this in your

favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 Whoever has ears,

let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will

give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

orthodoxy: accepted theory, doctrine, or practice

orthopraxy: correct conduct

Things they did right:

1. Testing False Apostles

Revelation 2:2: "I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you

cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves

apostles and are not, and found them to be false."

Explanation: While this is a commendation, it also highlights an issue they faced with

false teachers and the need for vigilance against heresy. They were diligent in

identifying and rejecting false apostles, which was a significant challenge.

2. Enduring Hardships

Revelation 2:3: "I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake,

and you have not grown weary."

Explanation: They faced hardships and persecution for their faith, yet they persevered.

The challenge was to maintain their love and zeal amidst these trials.

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3. Dealing with Nicolaitan Practices

Revelation 2:6: "Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also

hate."

Explanation: The Nicolaitans were a heretical group whose practices were detestable.

The Ephesian church rightly rejected their works, but it also indicates the presence of

such harmful influences that they had to contend with.

Things they did wrong

1. Abandonment of First Love

Revelation 2:4: "But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had

at first."

Explanation: They lost their initial zeal and passion for Christ. Their love for Him and

for others had grown cold. They became mechanical in their practices.

Mechanical Worship: their worship became mechanical, lacking the heartfelt devotion

they initially had.

Internal Spiritual Decline: Despite their external deeds and perseverance, their

internal spiritual life was in decline

2. Need for Repentance

Revelation 2:5: "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the

works you did at first."

Explanation: The call to repentance indicates that their spiritual state had declined, and

they needed to return to their previous ways of living out their faith with fervor and

sincerity.

They maintained correct beliefs (orthodoxy) but struggled with living out those beliefs

in love and action (orthopraxy).

Here are ways that we together can allow our orthodoxy to become orthopraxy

Engage in Works Motivated by Love:

Ephesians 2:10: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good

works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in

them.”

Guard Against Spiritual Complacency and compromise:

Ephesians 5:14-16: "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will

shine on you. Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,

making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”

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Ephesians 5:3-4: "But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must

not even be named among you... Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor

crude joking."

Hold Fast to Doctrinal Purity:

Ephesians 4:14-15: "So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by

the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine... speaking the truth in

love."

Cultivate a Heart of Worship and Thanksgiving:

Ephesians 5:19-20: "Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual

songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks

always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus

Christ."

Ephesians 5:15-21 (ESV)

15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,

16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,

19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and

making melody to the Lord with your heart,

20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord

Jesus Christ,

21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Embracing Unity in Christ | Pastor Chris Searcy | July 7th

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Embracing Unity in Christ

One in Christ (Eph 2:11–22)

Summarize:

Understanding God's Call of Salvation (Trey answering the call)

The Blessing of being chosen

Living with purpose

The free gift of salvation (Kyle)

Gods grace (Tre)

The first three chapters focus on what Christians should believe, unfolding the glorious riches

of God’s grace in Christ. Dead sinners are made alive and gain eternal salvation “by grace... through

faith” (2:8). The last three chapters explain the implications of God’s grace for the church, for

individuals, and for families.

Paul wrote this letter while in prison, probably in Rome about A.D. 60.

Eph 2:4-5, 10

4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we

were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared

beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Today

Embracing Unity in Christ

Eph 2:12–22

12 (Gentiles) remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from

citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and

without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have

been brought near by the blood of Christ.

14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed

the barrier… the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its

commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out

of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God

through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached

peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him

we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 19 Consequently, you are no longer

foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his

household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus

himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and

rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together

to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

The cost of Unity:

Eph 2:12

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12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and

foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.

For Jews they had to perform:

Circumcision: One of the primary requirements for a male gentile to join the Jewish community was

circumcision. This was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham and his descendants

(Genesis 17:10-14).

Observance of the Law: 613 commandments (mitzvot) Gentiles were required to adhere to the

laws and commandments given to the Israelites. This included observing the Sabbath, dietary laws,

and other aspects of the Torah (Exodus 12:48-49; Leviticus 17:8-9).

Proselyte Status: Gentiles could become proselytes (converts) and fully integrate into the Israelite

community. There were different types of proselytes, such as the "proselyte of righteousness," who

fully accepted Jewish laws and customs, and the "proselyte of the gate," who observed certain basic

laws without fully converting.

Joining the Community through Marriage: Some gentiles became part of the Jewish community

through marriage. For example, Rahab and Ruth, who were originally non-Israelites, married into the

Israelite community and are significant figures in the biblical narrative (Joshua 6:25; Ruth 1:16-17).

Living Among the Israelites: Gentiles who lived among the Israelites and participated in their

community life were often considered part of the broader covenant community. They were expected

to follow certain laws and customs (Exodus 12:19; Leviticus 24:22).

Participating in Religious Festivals: Gentiles who wished to join the Jewish faith were allowed to

participate in certain religious festivals, such as Passover, provided they were circumcised and

observed the necessary rituals (Exodus 12:48).

The purchaser:

Eph 2:13-16

13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of

Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the

barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and

regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making

peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to

death their hostility. 

The enemy’s plan:

The enemy’s plan is to divide believers.

Matthew 13:44 (NIV):

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and

then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.”

Revelation 5:9-10 (ESV):

And they sang a new song, saying,

"Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you

ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have

made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth."

UNITY NOTES:

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1. Unity in Christ

Ephesians 4:4-6 (ESV):

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs

to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all

and through all and in all.

Galatians 3:28 (ESV):

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and

female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

2. Unity in Love

John 13:34-35 (ESV):

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you,

you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if

you have love for one another.

Colossians 3:14 (ESV):

And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

3. Unity in Purpose and Mission

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV):

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father

and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have

commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Acts 2:42-47 (ESV):

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the

breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders

and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together

and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings

and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the

temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad

and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord

added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

4. Unity in the Body of Christ

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV):

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body,

though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized

into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one

Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many.

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Romans 12:4-5 (ESV):

For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same

function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of

another.

5. Unity in the Spirit

Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV):I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a

manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and

gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity

of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

6. Unity in Humility and Service

Philippians 2:2-4 (ESV):Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same

love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit,

but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not

only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Practical Implications

1. Common Faith and Belief: Believers are united by their shared faith in Jesus

Christ and the core doctrines of Christianity.

2. Mutual Love and Support: Unity is expressed through genuine love, care, and

support for one another, reflecting the love of Christ.

3. Collective Worship and Fellowship: Regular gathering for worship, prayer,

teaching, and communion fosters unity.

4. Shared Mission and Purpose: Working together to fulfill the Great Commission

and to serve others in Jesus' name promotes unity.

5. Diverse yet Unified: Recognizing and valuing the diversity of gifts, backgrounds,

and roles within the body of Christ while maintaining a united front.

6. Peace and Reconciliation: Pursuing peace, resolving conflicts, and fostering

reconciliation within the community.