Unity in Christ: Embracing Our New Identity

 

Summary

In Ephesians 2:15, Paul speaks of Christ's work in creating "one new man" from two, making peace. This profound truth reveals the transformative power of the Gospel, which unites Jews and Gentiles into a single body, the Church. This unity is not a mere coalition or compromise but a new creation, a new humanity in Christ. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that this unity is achieved through the power of God, the same power that raised Christ from the dead. It is not by human effort or negotiation but by the divine act of creation that peace is made.

The essence of this peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of love and unity. True peace, according to Scripture, involves a deep, inward transformation that leads to genuine love and oneness among believers. This peace is made possible because Christ has abolished the law of commandments in ordinances, removing the barriers that once divided Jews and Gentiles. In Christ, these distinctions are rendered irrelevant, and a new creation emerges.

The Church, therefore, is not a collection of individuals or a coalition of different groups but a new body, a new humanity, created in Christ. This new creation transcends all previous distinctions, whether of nationality, race, or social status. In Christ, there is no Jew or Gentile, no division based on past identities or achievements. Instead, all believers are united in a new identity as members of the body of Christ.

This understanding of the Church as a new creation has profound implications for how we view ourselves and others. We must cease to think of ourselves and others in terms of our old identities and instead embrace our new identity in Christ. This means letting go of past divisions and embracing the unity and peace that Christ has made possible. It is only by living out this new reality that we can experience true peace and unity in the Church.

Key Takeaways:

- The Power of New Creation: The Church is a new creation in Christ, not a mere coalition of different groups. This new creation transcends all previous distinctions, uniting believers in a new identity as members of the body of Christ. This profound transformation is only possible through the power of God. [13:17]

- True Peace in Christ: True peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of love and unity. In Christ, believers are called to embrace a deep, inward transformation that leads to genuine love and oneness. This peace is made possible because Christ has abolished the barriers that once divided us. [09:10]

- Unity Beyond Distinctions: In Christ, there is no Jew or Gentile, no division based on past identities or achievements. All believers are united in a new identity as members of the body of Christ. This unity transcends all previous distinctions, whether of nationality, race, or social status. [32:34]

- Living Out Our New Identity: We must cease to think of ourselves and others in terms of our old identities and instead embrace our new identity in Christ. This means letting go of past divisions and embracing the unity and peace that Christ has made possible. [33:34]

- The Church as a New Humanity: The Church is not a collection of individuals but a new humanity in Christ. This new creation is a profound transformation that unites believers in a new identity, transcending all previous distinctions and divisions. [21:27]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction to Ephesians 2:15
- [00:31] - Context of Unity in Christ
- [01:11] - The Power of God in Unity
- [02:05] - The Subtle Argument of Paul
- [03:10] - Enlightenment by the Holy Spirit
- [04:09] - Christ as Our Peace
- [05:23] - Reconciliation of Men
- [06:11] - Abolishing the Law of Commandments
- [07:13] - True Peace Defined
- [09:26] - Peace as Inward Unity
- [10:22] - The Church as a New Creation
- [13:17] - The Profound Doctrine of the Church
- [21:27] - The Church as a New Humanity
- [32:34] - Unity Beyond Distinctions
- [33:34] - Living Out Our New Identity

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 2:15

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Paul mean by "one new man" in Ephesians 2:15, and how does this relate to the unity between Jews and Gentiles? [00:09]

2. How does the sermon describe the role of Christ in making peace between Jews and Gentiles? [04:09]

3. According to the sermon, what barriers did Christ abolish to create peace, and how was this achieved? [06:11]

4. What is the significance of the Church being described as a "new creation" in the sermon? [13:17]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of "new creation" in Christ challenge traditional views of identity and belonging within the Church? [13:17]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that true peace involves more than just the absence of conflict? [09:10]

3. How does the sermon explain the importance of letting go of past identities to embrace a new identity in Christ? [33:34]

4. What implications does the unity of believers in Christ have for how we view social, racial, or national distinctions? [32:34]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there any past identities or divisions you need to let go of to fully embrace your new identity in Christ? How can you begin this process? [33:34]

2. Think of a situation in your church or community where there is division. How can you actively work towards creating peace and unity in that context? [09:10]

3. How can you personally contribute to the Church being a "new creation" that transcends all previous distinctions? What specific actions can you take this week? [13:17]

4. Consider your interactions with others: Are there ways you might be unintentionally maintaining old divisions? How can you change your perspective to see others as part of the new humanity in Christ? [32:34]

5. Identify a relationship in your life where there is tension or conflict. How can you apply the principles of true peace and unity from the sermon to improve that relationship? [09:10]

6. How can you encourage others in your church to embrace their new identity in Christ and let go of past divisions? What role can you play in fostering a culture of unity? [33:34]

7. Reflect on your understanding of peace: How does the sermon challenge or affirm your current view of what it means to live in peace with others? What changes might you need to make in your life to align with this understanding? [09:10]

Devotional

Day 1: The Church as a New Creation
The Church is not merely a gathering of diverse groups but a profound new creation in Christ. This transformation transcends all previous distinctions, uniting believers in a new identity as members of the body of Christ. This unity is not achieved through human effort but through the power of God, the same power that raised Christ from the dead. It is a divine act of creation that brings about this new humanity, where all believers are united beyond their past identities or achievements. This new creation is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, which calls us to embrace our new identity in Christ and live out this profound truth in our daily lives. [13:17]

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: What old identity or past achievement are you holding onto that prevents you from fully embracing your new identity in Christ today?


Day 2: True Peace in Christ
True peace in Christ is not simply the absence of conflict but the presence of love and unity among believers. This peace is made possible because Christ has abolished the barriers that once divided us, such as the law of commandments in ordinances. In Christ, these distinctions are rendered irrelevant, allowing for a deep, inward transformation that leads to genuine love and oneness. This peace is a gift from God, calling us to embrace a life of unity and love, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel in our relationships with others. [09:10]

Colossians 3:14-15 (ESV): "And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."

Reflection: Is there a relationship in your life where you need to let go of past grievances to allow Christ's peace and love to transform it today?


Day 3: Unity Beyond Distinctions
In Christ, there is no Jew or Gentile, no division based on past identities or achievements. All believers are united in a new identity as members of the body of Christ. This unity transcends all previous distinctions, whether of nationality, race, or social status. The Church is a new humanity, where believers are called to live out this unity in their daily lives, letting go of past divisions and embracing the peace that Christ has made possible. This profound truth challenges us to view ourselves and others through the lens of our new identity in Christ, fostering a community of love and acceptance. [32:34]

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: How can you actively break down barriers of division in your community to foster unity and acceptance today?


Day 4: Living Out Our New Identity
We are called to cease thinking of ourselves and others in terms of our old identities and instead embrace our new identity in Christ. This means letting go of past divisions and embracing the unity and peace that Christ has made possible. By living out this new reality, we can experience true peace and unity in the Church. This transformation requires a conscious effort to view ourselves and others through the lens of our new identity, allowing the love and peace of Christ to guide our interactions and relationships. [33:34]

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to live out your new identity in Christ, especially in your interactions with others?


Day 5: The Church as a New Humanity
The Church is not a collection of individuals but a new humanity in Christ. This new creation is a profound transformation that unites believers in a new identity, transcending all previous distinctions and divisions. As members of this new humanity, we are called to live out this truth in our daily lives, fostering a community of love, acceptance, and unity. This understanding of the Church challenges us to view ourselves and others through the lens of our new identity in Christ, embracing the peace and unity that He has made possible. [21:27]

Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV): "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord."

Reflection: How can you contribute to building a community that reflects the new humanity in Christ within your church or local community today?

Quotes


In Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ for he is our peace who ha made both one and has broken down the middle wall of partition between us having abolished in his flesh the enmity even the law of Commandments contained in ordinances. [00:35:04]

The Apostle tells us that the Lord Jesus Christ makes peace between men and men and between men and God. He is the peace in every respect peace between men and God, peace between men and men. Now the Apostle puts them in that order he puts men and men first and then he goes on in verse 16. [04:30:28]

Peace according to the scripture does not merely mean the sensation of hostility neither does peace merely mean the prevention of actual hostility but as the word peace is used currently today I think it'll be obvious to all that that is what they mean by peace peace is regarded as just a state in which you're not actually fighting. [07:21:44]

God is Not content merely with the absence of outward and aggressive enmity and the manifestation of that enmity God when he makes peace does something inward does something vital God is Not content merely that men shouldn't be at one another's throats God's idea of peace is that men should embrace one another another and love one another. [08:49:39]

The church is something absolutely new that has been brought into being something that wasn't there before it is comparable to the very beginning when God created the heavens and the Earth there was nothing there before God created creation means bringing into being something that was previously not there non-existent it is making something out of nothing. [13:15:36]

The church must not be conceived of as a kind of Coalition of a number of parties no it's the abolition of the old and and the creation of something entirely new or let me try another illustration it's occurred to me that the point which needs to be Illustrated here is Illustrated very perfectly by the difference between the United States of America and uh the United Kingdom. [14:39:12]

The church is formed in Christ for to create in himself of Twain one new men so making peace the church is formed in him it results as the result of her relationship to him we've already seen something of this in the first chapter at the end of the first chapter we've already seen it hinted at and suggested in the first 10 verses of this second chapter. [18:25:56]

The church then he says as the result of this is a new man for to creating himself of Twain one new man now he's not thinking of the new men in the sense that he talks elsewhere about the new and the old men in the individual Christian the one new man here the one body is the church consisting of these various parts all as a representation of the body of Christ. [20:45:28]

In Jesus Christ and as the result of his perfect work something absolutely new has come into being what is it it's a new Humanity you can think of the church therefore not only as a body but as a humanity and of course the comparison and the contrast which at once suggests itself to us is this formerly we were all in Adam we were all one in Adam. [21:27:52]

The old is entirely done away with that follows of necessity from all we've been saying the Jew has been done away with as much as the Gentile has been done away with in Christ if you believe in this new creation well then you must realize that the other has been entirely done away with put aside that leads me to a second principle which is this and here again is the most comforting and concering thing. [26:07:84]

We must cease to think of ourselves in the old way and in the old terms in every respect let me repeat that the essence of Faith the essence of practicing Christianity is to cease to think of ourselves in the old terms and in the old way in every single respect what am I thinking of as Christians as members of the church we must cease to think of one another in terms of nationality. [33:21:48]

Let the Peace of Christ rule in your hearts to the which also ye are called in one body do you know what he means by that phrase Let the Peace of Christ rule in your hearts it means this Let the Peace of Christ act as arbitrator Let the Peace of Christ act as umpire amongst you you all of you with your rival positions and differences say Let the Peace of Christ decide this. [45:20:88]

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Transcript
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