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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.
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