Embracing Our New Identity: Unity in Christ
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound transformation that occurs when we embrace our new identity in Christ. Reflecting on Ephesians 2, we delved into the past lives of the Gentile believers, who were once alienated and without hope, and how their situation mirrors our own before knowing Christ. Just as technological advancements have made our lives easier, the spiritual advancement through Christ has brought us from a place of separation to one of unity and peace.
Paul's letter to the Ephesians serves as a reminder of the stark contrast between life before and after Christ. The Gentiles were once socially and spiritually outcast, labeled as "uncircumcised" and excluded from the promises of God. However, through the blood of Christ, they were brought near, breaking down the barriers that once divided them from the Jewish believers. This reconciliation is not just a removal of hostility but a transformation into a new creation, a new humanity where divisions are erased, and unity is established.
This unity is not merely about coexisting but about forming genuine relationships, moving from hostility to friendship. The peace that Christ brings is both vertical, reconciling us with God, and horizontal, reconciling us with one another. As believers, we are called to actively love and engage with those who are different from us, breaking down any walls that may divide us. This is a call to live out the gospel of peace, to be intentional in our relationships, and to seek reconciliation with those around us.
As we reflect on our own lives, we are challenged to consider how we can actively love others and live a life shaped by the gospel. It's not enough to simply avoid hostility; we must pursue friendship and unity. Through prayer and intentional action, we can embody the peace and reconciliation that Christ has made possible, fostering a community that reflects the love and unity of God's family.
Key Takeaways:
- Reflecting on Our Past: Just as the Gentiles were reminded of their past separation from God, we too should reflect on our lives before Christ. This reflection helps us appreciate the transformation and hope we now have through Him. [32:06]
- Reconciliation Through Christ: The death of Christ has broken down the barriers that once divided us, creating a new humanity where peace and unity prevail. This reconciliation is not just about removing hostility but about forming genuine friendships. [38:17]
- Unity in Diversity: In Christ, there is no longer Jew or Gentile, but one new creation. This unity calls us to embrace diversity and actively love those who are different from us, breaking down any walls that may divide us. [46:40]
- Living the Gospel of Peace: Our lives should be shaped by the gospel of peace, moving beyond mere coexistence to actively engaging and loving others. This involves intentional actions and relationships that reflect the unity and love of God's family. [57:09]
- Prayer and Community: Prayer is a powerful tool for fostering unity and reconciliation. By praying with and for one another, we can strengthen our relationships and embody the peace that Christ has made possible. [01:03:03]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction of Guest Worship Leader
- [01:15] - Icebreaker Question: Technological Advancements
- [05:00] - Reflections on Past Technologies
- [10:00] - Transition to Ephesians 2
- [15:00] - The Gentiles' Past Separation
- [20:00] - Social and Spiritual Alienation
- [25:00] - The Power of Christ's Blood
- [30:00] - Breaking Down Barriers
- [35:00] - Creating One New Humanity
- [40:00] - Reconciliation and Unity
- [45:00] - Living Out the Gospel of Peace
- [50:00] - Moving from Hostility to Friendship
- [55:00] - Prayer and Community Engagement
- [01:00:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation to Small Groups
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 2:11-16
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Observation Questions:
1. What were the social and spiritual conditions of the Gentiles before knowing Christ, as described in Ephesians 2? [32:06]
2. How does Paul describe the transformation that occurs through the blood of Christ in Ephesians 2:13? [38:17]
3. What does the "dividing wall of hostility" refer to, and how was it abolished according to the sermon? [46:40]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of moving from hostility to friendship among believers? [57:09]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Gentiles' past separation from God mirrors our own lives before Christ? [32:06]
2. How does the sermon explain the significance of being brought near to God through the blood of Christ? What does this mean for our identity as believers? [38:17]
3. The sermon discusses the creation of "one new humanity" in Christ. How does this concept challenge traditional divisions and encourage unity among believers? [46:40]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of prayer in fostering unity and reconciliation within the church community? [01:03:03]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your life before knowing Christ. How does remembering your past help you appreciate your current relationship with God? [32:06]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of forming genuine friendships rather than merely coexisting. How can you intentionally pursue deeper relationships with those who are different from you this week? [57:09]
3. Consider any "walls" that might exist in your relationships with others. What steps can you take to break down these barriers and promote unity? [46:40]
4. How can you actively embody the gospel of peace in your daily interactions? Identify one specific action you can take to foster reconciliation in your community. [57:09]
5. The sermon highlights the power of prayer in building unity. How can you incorporate prayer into your efforts to reconcile with others? Is there someone specific you can pray with or for this week? [01:03:03]
6. Think about a relationship in your life that could benefit from moving from hostility to friendship. What practical steps can you take to initiate this transformation? [57:09]
7. How can you ensure that your actions and attitudes reflect the new identity you have in Christ, especially in diverse or challenging environments? [46:40]
Devotional
Day 1: Reflecting on Our Past Transformation
Reflecting on our past before knowing Christ helps us appreciate the profound transformation and hope we now have through Him. The Gentile believers, once alienated and without hope, serve as a mirror to our own lives before Christ. They were socially and spiritually outcast, labeled as "uncircumcised" and excluded from the promises of God. However, through Christ, they were brought near, breaking down the barriers that once divided them. This reflection is not about dwelling on past mistakes but recognizing the incredible journey of grace and redemption that has brought us to where we are today. [32:06]
Ephesians 2:12-13 (ESV): "Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ."
Reflection: Think about a specific moment in your past where you felt distant from God. How can you use that memory to deepen your gratitude for the transformation Christ has brought into your life today?
Day 2: Reconciliation Through Christ
The death of Christ has broken down the barriers that once divided us, creating a new humanity where peace and unity prevail. This reconciliation is not just about removing hostility but about forming genuine friendships. The Gentiles, once separated from the Jewish believers, were brought near through the blood of Christ, breaking down the walls of division. This transformation into a new creation calls us to actively engage in relationships that reflect the peace and unity Christ has made possible. [38:17]
Colossians 1:20-22 (ESV): "And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him."
Reflection: Identify a relationship in your life that needs reconciliation. What steps can you take today to begin breaking down the barriers and forming a genuine friendship?
Day 3: Unity in Diversity
In Christ, there is no longer Jew or Gentile, but one new creation. This unity calls us to embrace diversity and actively love those who are different from us, breaking down any walls that may divide us. The peace that Christ brings is both vertical, reconciling us with God, and horizontal, reconciling us with one another. As believers, we are called to actively love and engage with those who are different from us, fostering a community that reflects the love and unity of God's family. [46:40]
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."
Reflection: Consider someone in your community who is different from you in background or beliefs. How can you intentionally reach out to them this week to build a bridge of understanding and love?
Day 4: Living the Gospel of Peace
Our lives should be shaped by the gospel of peace, moving beyond mere coexistence to actively engaging and loving others. This involves intentional actions and relationships that reflect the unity and love of God's family. The call to live out the gospel of peace challenges us to pursue friendship and unity, breaking down any walls that may divide us. Through prayer and intentional action, we can embody the peace and reconciliation that Christ has made possible. [57:09]
Romans 12:18 (ESV): "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent interaction where you could have chosen peace over conflict. How can you apply the gospel of peace in your future interactions to foster unity and love?
Day 5: Prayer and Community
Prayer is a powerful tool for fostering unity and reconciliation. By praying with and for one another, we can strengthen our relationships and embody the peace that Christ has made possible. As a community, we are called to engage in prayerful actions that reflect the love and unity of God's family. This involves being intentional in our relationships and seeking reconciliation with those around us, fostering a community that embodies the peace and love of Christ. [01:03:03]
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: Think of someone in your community who you can pray for today. How can you make prayer a regular part of your relationship with them to strengthen your bond and promote unity?
Quotes
"Remember how it was before. He wants the Gentiles to fully understand their new identity in Christ. And so he reminds them to think about what it was like, what your situation was like before Christ. Remember how bad you had it before you placed your faith in Christ. He says, first of all, you were alienated by the Jewish people. You were socially outcast. He says, they called you the uncircumcised. They called themselves the circumcision, and they called you the uncircumcised." [00:33:42] (30 seconds)
"Most Gentiles knew nothing of Christ, of the Messiah, and had little interest in the Messiah. So they didn't even know that he was the Savior. They didn't even know that they needed saving, right? He says you were separate from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship in Israel, meaning you were excluded from the special blessings and protection, and provision that God provided Israel, right, his chosen people." [00:36:50] (23 seconds)
"You who once were far away from the one true God, far away from having any kind of hope, far away from any blessings and promises that God has made to his people. You were far away from that, but now, through the blood of Christ, you have been brought near. You Gentiles who used to be separated from Christ and excluded from the family of God and all that comes with it have now brought into God's family, are a part of God's family brought in, brought near into a relationship with God." [00:38:35] (25 seconds)
"For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing his flesh, the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace. He says Jesus is their peace. This is no law or commandment. Or tradition or good deed could bring peace between God and man or between Jew and Gentile." [00:39:42] (27 seconds)
"Reconciliation is hostility to friendship, to harmonious relationship, not hostility to intention. difference, right? Not hostility to being next to each other, but without any real relationship with one another, right? As part of this series that we're doing, The Deeply Formed Life, we're breaking down the barriers that divide us and seek reconciliation with one another, right?" [00:53:11] (21 seconds)
"Simply not hating someone is not the same as intentionally and actively loving others, right? It can be so easy to go through life and think, well, I'm not actively hating others, but we can very easily be indifferent toward others, right? We can be very comfortable with just tolerating others, with just kind of being in the same vicinity as others, but not really loving them, not going out of our way to getting to know them, to supporting them, to, you know, encouraging them, whatever it might be, the way we show love, right?" [00:55:31] (30 seconds)
"One of the ways that we can begin to seek unity with one another is by praying together. Right? And so we're going to spend some time this morning praying with one another and for one another. And so in the beginning, right, we're going to do the pray, the pray slide again. Yeah. So the first three, first four, the pause, reflect, repent, rejoice, it's going to be individual, on your own, right?" [00:55:32] (30 seconds)
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