11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands– 12 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. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 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, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. —Ephesians 2:11-18

Our faith has a

I. The former alienation – “Remember” 2:11-12

11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands– 12 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. —Ephesians 2:11-12

• A. Described 2:11
  
  1. Fleshly distinction
  2. Spiritual reality
• B. Detailed 2:12
  
  1. Separated from Christ
  2. Excluded from Israel
  3. Ignorant of the path to God’s blessings
  4. No future with God
  5. No relationship with God

It is not that there is a lack of

II. The present unification – “Peace” 2:13-17

13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 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, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. —Ephesians 2:13-17

• A. Means of Peace 2:13
  
  1. Brought near by Christ’s blood
  2. Made peace through His person
• B. Method of Peace 2:14-17
  
  1. Spiritual heritage distinctions broken down 2:14
  2. The ceremonial law abolished 2:15
  3. One new body (the Church) created 2:16-17

The world continues to

III. The mutual association – “Access” 2:18

18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. —Ephesians 2:18

• A. The basis – “through Him”
• B. The method – trinitarian formula
• C. The result – mutual access

When we understand the

Small Group Questions

1. What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.

2. What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?

3. After the last few weeks of studying the Gospel, how would you explain the Gospel to your unsaved neighbor or family member?

4. How does our identity in Christ address so many of the divisions that plague our world today? What are some ways we can share this hope amid the pain?

5. Church is messy, but if what Paul is saying is true, we can walk confidently into the mess. Share with one another what you are doing to be faithful to this calling or how God may be leading you to do so?