From Alienation to Hope: The Power of Christ

 

Summary

In Ephesians 2:12, Paul reminds the Ephesian Christians of their past state without Christ, emphasizing the transformative power of God's grace. Before Christ, they were alienated from the Commonwealth of Israel, strangers to the covenants of promise, without hope, and without God in the world. This passage highlights the profound change brought about by God's intervention, which is not just a matter of overcoming sin but also bridging the divide between Jews and Gentiles. The distinction between Jew and Gentile was significant, instituted by God through circumcision, yet it was misunderstood by the Jews as merely an external sign. Paul clarifies that true circumcision is of the heart, a spiritual transformation that transcends physical distinctions.

The Old Testament, with its laws and covenants, was always pointing towards Christ. Everything God did for Israel was in preparation for the coming of the Messiah. The law served as a guide to lead people to Christ, not as an end in itself. The call of Abraham marked the beginning of a new nation, set apart by God, with whom He made covenants and promises. These promises were not just for Israel but were ultimately fulfilled in Christ, opening the way for Gentiles to be included in God's people.

Being without Christ means being outside the community of God's people, without the promises and hope that come from a relationship with Him. It is a state of alienation from God, leading to a life without hope and without God. This is the condition of those who do not know Christ, who are unaware of the promises and the hope that He offers. In contrast, those in Christ are part of God's people, recipients of His promises, and filled with hope and the presence of God.

Key Takeaways:

- The distinction between Jew and Gentile was significant but misunderstood. True circumcision is of the heart, a spiritual transformation that transcends physical distinctions. This understanding helps us appreciate the unity and inclusivity of the Christian faith, where all are one in Christ. [06:07]

- The Old Testament was always pointing towards Christ. The law and the covenants were not ends in themselves but guides to lead people to Christ. This perspective helps us see the continuity of God's plan and the fulfillment of His promises in Christ. [12:19]

- Being without Christ means being outside the community of God's people, without the promises and hope that come from a relationship with Him. This highlights the importance of being in Christ, where we find true belonging and hope. [21:36]

- Life without Christ is a life without hope. The world offers no lasting hope or solution to the human condition. In Christ, we find hope that transcends the temporal and points us to eternal realities. [30:36]

- Knowing God and being in fellowship with Him brings peace and joy, even in the midst of life's challenges. Without God, we are left to face life's difficulties alone, but in Christ, we have the assurance of His presence and help. [37:07]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Introduction to Ephesians 2:12
[01:05] - The Power of God's Grace
[02:27] - Overcoming Jewish and Gentile Divide
[04:22] - The True Meaning of Circumcision
[06:07] - Spiritual Transformation
[07:25] - The Old Testament's Role
[09:00] - Without Christ: A Life Apart
[11:08] - God's Plan Through History
[13:09] - The Call of Abraham
[15:21] - The Commonwealth of Israel
[17:08] - Realizing Our Need for Christ
[19:15] - In Christ vs. Outside Christ
[21:36] - Alienation from God
[30:36] - Life Without Hope
[37:07] - The Assurance of God's Presence
[42:43] - Invitation to Come to Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 2:12
- Romans 2:28-29
- Galatians 3:23-24

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Paul mean when he refers to the Ephesians as "aliens from the Commonwealth of Israel" and "strangers from the covenants of Promise"? How does this relate to their previous state without Christ? [09:35]

2. How does Paul describe the misunderstanding of circumcision by the Jews, and what is the true meaning of circumcision according to him? [06:07]

3. In what way does Paul explain the role of the Old Testament law and covenants in leading to Christ? [12:19]

4. What are the consequences of being "without Christ" as described by Paul in the sermon? [21:36]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the distinction between Jew and Gentile, as discussed by Paul, help us understand the inclusivity of the Christian faith today? [04:59]

2. What does it mean for the law to be a "schoolmaster" to bring us to Christ, and how does this perspective change our understanding of the Old Testament? [12:19]

3. How does the sermon describe the state of being "without hope" and "without God in the world"? What implications does this have for those who do not know Christ? [30:36]

4. How does the concept of spiritual circumcision, as opposed to physical circumcision, apply to the modern Christian experience? [06:38]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life before knowing Christ. How does understanding your past state enhance your appreciation for your current relationship with God? [16:54]

2. In what ways can you actively work to bridge divides within your community, similar to how Paul addressed the Jew and Gentile divide? [02:27]

3. How can you ensure that your understanding of the Old Testament is aligned with its purpose of pointing towards Christ? What steps can you take to deepen this understanding? [12:19]

4. Consider a time when you felt without hope. How did your faith in Christ provide you with hope and assurance during that period? [30:36]

5. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of belonging within the community of God's people? What practical steps can you take to engage more fully with your church community? [21:36]

6. Identify one area in your life where you feel spiritually "uncircumcised" or unchanged. What actions can you take to invite spiritual transformation in that area? [06:38]

7. How can you share the hope and promises of Christ with someone who is currently "without God in the world"? What specific actions can you take this week to reach out to them? [37:07]

Devotional

Day 1: Unity in Christ Transcends Physical Distinctions
The distinction between Jew and Gentile was significant in biblical times, often leading to division and misunderstanding. However, true circumcision, as Paul explains, is of the heart—a spiritual transformation that transcends physical distinctions. This understanding is crucial for appreciating the unity and inclusivity of the Christian faith, where all are one in Christ. The external sign of circumcision was never meant to be an end in itself but a symbol pointing to a deeper, internal change. In Christ, the barriers that once divided are broken down, and believers are united in a shared identity and purpose. This unity is a testament to the transformative power of God's grace, which calls us to look beyond outward appearances and embrace the spiritual reality of being one in Christ. [06:07]

Ephesians 2:14-16 (ESV): "For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility."

Reflection: Consider someone in your life who is different from you in background or beliefs. How can you actively seek unity and understanding with them in the spirit of Christ's love today?


Day 2: The Old Testament as a Guide to Christ
The Old Testament, with its laws and covenants, was always pointing towards Christ. It served as a guide to lead people to the Messiah, not as an end in itself. The call of Abraham marked the beginning of a new nation, set apart by God, with whom He made covenants and promises. These promises were not just for Israel but were ultimately fulfilled in Christ, opening the way for Gentiles to be included in God's people. Understanding this perspective helps us see the continuity of God's plan and the fulfillment of His promises in Christ. It reminds us that the entire narrative of Scripture is a unified story of redemption, culminating in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. [12:19]

Galatians 3:24-25 (ESV): "So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian."

Reflection: Reflect on a specific Old Testament story or law. How does it point you to Christ and deepen your understanding of God's redemptive plan?


Day 3: The Importance of Being in Christ
Being without Christ means being outside the community of God's people, without the promises and hope that come from a relationship with Him. This highlights the importance of being in Christ, where we find true belonging and hope. In Christ, we are part of God's people, recipients of His promises, and filled with hope and the presence of God. This transformation is not just about overcoming sin but about entering into a new community and identity. It is a call to live in the reality of God's promises and to experience the hope that comes from knowing Him. [21:36]

Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

Reflection: Think about your current community. How can you actively contribute to making it a place where others can experience the hope and belonging found in Christ?


Day 4: Hope in Christ Transcends the Temporal
Life without Christ is a life without hope. The world offers no lasting hope or solution to the human condition. In Christ, we find hope that transcends the temporal and points us to eternal realities. This hope is not based on circumstances but on the unchanging nature of God and His promises. It is a hope that sustains us through life's challenges and gives us a perspective that looks beyond the present to the eternal. In Christ, we are assured of a future that is secure and filled with promise. [30:36]

1 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you."

Reflection: Identify an area of your life where you feel hopeless. How can you invite Christ into that area to experience His hope and perspective today?


Day 5: The Assurance of God's Presence
Knowing God and being in fellowship with Him brings peace and joy, even in the midst of life's challenges. Without God, we are left to face life's difficulties alone, but in Christ, we have the assurance of His presence and help. This assurance is a source of comfort and strength, enabling us to navigate the complexities of life with confidence and peace. In Christ, we are never alone; His presence is a constant reality that transforms our experience of life's challenges. It is an invitation to trust in His faithfulness and to rest in the knowledge that He is with us always. [37:07]

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Reflection: In what specific situation do you need to be reminded of God's presence today? How can you intentionally seek His peace and guidance in that situation?

Quotes


The distinction between Jew and Gentile was a very real one we mustn't minimize it we mustn't detract from it we mustn't make light of it after all it was God himself who introduced the sign of circumcision it was God who commanded Abraham to circumcise himself and his children and that this should be done in perpetuity therefore we must underestimate that it is God's distinction Jews gentiles. [00:04:55]

The Apostle Paul as you know deals with this question in many of his Epistles uh he puts it for instance in a particularly clear manner in his epistle to the Romans in the second chapter in verses 28 and 29 where he puts it like this he says he is not a Jew which is one outwardly neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh but he is a Jew which is one inwardly and circumcision is that of the heart in the spirit not in the letter whose praise is not of men but of God. [00:06:09]

Everything that God did to and for the Jews under the old dispensation was done with an eye to Christ everything in the Old Testament looks forward to Christ we must never look at any of these things in and of themselves everything that God did to those Jews those Israelites he did in preparation for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. [00:11:36]

The law was a school Master to bring us to Christ it was never meant to be anything in of itself that's where the Jews went WR they thought the law was something in and of itself and that they were saved because they got the law and others hadn't got the law no no says Paul the law is our school Master our pedagogue to bring us to Christ. [00:12:25]

The one thing that matters in this life and in this world is to be related to God in Christ there is nothing more terrible that can be said about anybody than this without Christ living apart from Christ you see when the Apostle looks for a term in which he can show these people the distance they wear away and the utter hopelessness of their position this is the term he chooses without Christ living apart from Christ in no living relationship to Christ. [00:18:35]

The trouble with everybody who is not rejoicing in Christ this morning is that they've never realized what they were in sin it's no use talking about only being positive you must start with your negative if you don't realize what you were before God took hold of you you'll never praise him as you ought so Paul goes into it in great detail. [00:17:02]

Without Christ there is no hope in this life in this world none at all is that an exaggeration well I ask you to consider the statements of the profoundest thinkers the world has ever known and you'll find that they're invariably pessimists the greatest works of Shakespeare are his tragedies every religion apart from the Christian faith is profoundly pessimistic. [00:30:36]

There is no hope in this life and in this World apart from Christ vanity of vanities all his vanity can be written over it all not only is there no hope that things will be better but man there is no hope that man himself will get better he's no better than he was under the Old Testament dispensation he's still committing the same sins he's still guilty of the same folies. [00:33:38]

There is no hope in this world it's not getting better look at your papers look at the facts man's not improving and there's nothing but death the cloudcap tower the gorgeous palaces the great Globe itself everything it's going to dissolve and if there is no hope in this life in this world there is certainly no hope Beyond it for the men who's outside Christ. [00:35:06]

They don't know God and they're not in fellowship with God therefore they are without all the help and all the peace and all the joy that comes through the knowledge of God and faith in God their world is collapsing everything is going wrong they're left alone and they in their utter isolation they have nothing they don't know God God there are other people in the same position Christians have troubles in this life accidents take place things go wrong. [00:37:07]

The Christian in circumstances may be identical with the other men yes but there's this difference the other men is without God the Christian has God and knows God but this other men I say is without God oh how different he is from the psalmist isn't he because the psalmist you remember said this when my father and mother forsake me then the Lord shall take me up. [00:37:47]

The Lord is my light and my salvation what shall I fear the lord is the strength of my life of whom shall I be afraid with God not without God but listen to him putting it again in one amazing statement from the end end of the Earth will I cry unto thee when my heart is overwhelmed lead me to the rock that is higher than I there he is almost drowning in the ocean with enemies and everything against me he cries unto God lead me to the rock that is higher than I and there I shall be safe. [00:39:06]

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Transcript
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