Introduction
In Chapter 2, Paul went back to the basics of how God saved us from slavery to sin and death, and raised us up to a status beyond what anyone could have imagined - not just merely forgiven but becoming part of His family. And this is even more significant as far as Gentiles are concerned, which is the emphasis of Paul in this letter. We were once excluded from the Messianic promises (or so thought the Jewish religious leaders), but now being made one and equal. In Christ, there are neither Jews or Gentiles, nor male or female - we were all in sin, and saved only by grace.
Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-3
"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, ... carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind." (v1, 3)
Observation:
The bible teaches that all mankind were born "dead in sin." In this default state we only have one nature to follow, which is the nature of the flesh. Paul himself admits that in the past, he too was slaved to passion of the flesh, even though he was a devoted Jewish religious leader.
The bible teaches that all mankind were born "dead in sin." In this default state we only have one nature to follow, which is the nature of the flesh. Paul himself admits that in the past, he too was slaved to passion of the flesh, even though he was a devoted Jewish religious leader.
The nature of the flesh had fallen under the rule of Satan. Unlike what we may think, Satan does not necessarily try to make men do the most evil of things, as that would make evil too obvious. Rather, Satan just need to simply encourage men to do what is "natural" and to follow where their passions and desires lead them. As long as it feels good, then no harm doing it. Men, by their own corrupted thinking will accept greater and greater evil in society as being "normal" over time.
Application:
As Christians we are contrasted as the children of light, and we follow the Holy Spirit, and the Prince of Peace. We are given a new nature that enables us to respond to God and do what God desires.
As Christians we are contrasted as the children of light, and we follow the Holy Spirit, and the Prince of Peace. We are given a new nature that enables us to respond to God and do what God desires.
However, Satan's strategy can be so subtle and deceiving that even Christians can be drawn into it without realizing it. We still have the old nature that we may instinctively follow. But God has given us the written, unchanging Word that must be our anchor. The Word cannot govern every minor aspect of our lives, but whatever is written must first be read, understood and obeyed. Then at the same time the Spirit will help us transform our thinking and attitudes for every moment of our lives.
Understanding and obeying the Word is like shifting the car into the right gear, and the Holy Spirit guidance helps you with the gas paddle (speed) and the steering (direction.) If you are not even in the right gear, there is nothing much the Spirit can do to guide you with your life.
Scripture: Ephesians 2:4-7
"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ" (v4)
Observation:
In this passage, three attributes of God were mentioned: mercy, love, and kindness. These are part of His divine nature, and from this nature grace is manifested in His desire to save us.
He saved us at 3 levels - he made us alive when Christ died for our sins. He raised us up in the power of Christ's resurrection and by this to regenerate us with a new godly nature. Lastly, he seated us together with Christ so that we share a measure of His power and authority as we studied earlier.
Application:
One tour guide told me as we looked at the tallest pagoda in Vietnam: "all religions are the same, and people believe in heaven to have hope and to motivate themselves to be better." I responded, "well, except for Christianity because we can't get to heaven by being better. We can only get to heaven by being forgiven." He was surprised with this new information. Then I told him, "I can see that you are already a good person. You just need Jesus in order to be forgiven."
This passage reminds us of the kind of God that we worship. Different religions may describe their gods differently, but ours is merciful, kind and loving, leading to forgiveness and grace.
Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-10
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.."
Observation:
We are not saved by good works, but saved for good works. For even our righteous acts are like filthy rags to God (Isaiah 64:6). Those who believe in good works for salvation has their faith on their own righteousness. Our faith is on the righteous sacrifice of Christ, given to us as a gift by grace (GK. charis - meaning favour or good will).
Application:
What should be our right response when we realize that even our very best cannot earn us a place in heaven? Perhaps it should remind us to be patient with the failures and imperfection of our brothers and sisters in Christ, for if God has shown them (and to us) grace and forgiveness, who are we to judge them? To do so is to say that our standard is even higher than God's. And to pre-believers, we should spread the great news of hope, no matter how sinful their lives are. And for ourselves, remember that grace was given so we can be good workmen for God - how can you serve God today?
Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-13
"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." (v12,13)
Observation:
Paul listed ten "insults" or condemnation of the state of our unsaved past, at least from the perspective of the Abrahamic covenant. We were Gentiles, in the flesh, the "uncircumcised" , alienated from Israel, etc.. Israel looked down on Gentiles as people with no hope in God's promised kingdom, nor even the access to their promised messiah. We were not the "chosen" people, and "far off" from God.
These condemnations and exclusions were removed by Christ when He established a new, inclusive, covenant by first fulfilling the old covenant with his blood. "Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant..." (Hebrews 9:15)
Application:
Christ has made us alive from being dead, and brought us near from being far off. The contrast emphasises the personal, loving God who did not just merely "forgive and forget" but seeks intimacy with us. Given such undeserved grace and love, shall we be drawn to Him and in turn practice the same towards others.
Scripture: Ephesians 2:14-18
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." (v14-16)
Observation:
Paul elaborates how Christ had removed the division between Israel (those near - GK. eggy) the gentiles (those far off.)
It must be noted that the intention was not to integrate gentiles into Israel, but to bring both into a new covenant - a "new man." Both had no access to God - one were encumbered with laws and ordinances that cannot make them perfect, while the other had no covenant at all.
By fulfilling the requirements of the law for sin sacrifice, Christ brought peace between the two peoples and also peace between all mankind with God. It is up to individuals to accept that peace that have been preached to them.
Application:
In the past, a gentile who believed in the God of Israel and wants to worship Him in the temple can become a proselyte - or converted to Judaism. Rabbis uses the term "to make nigh" (GK. eggy) in reference to proselytising. A proselyte has to be circumcised and follow all ordinances of Moses' law.
However even a born Jew is unable to enter the Holy of Holies. With the new covenant in Christ, we both have access directly to God through the Holy Spirit. We are not just "near" God but is in His presence. Remember that whatever we do and wherever we are, Gods presence is always with us.
Scripture : Ephesians 2:19-22
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. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
Observation:
Notice how Paul made a progression of our status from being initially "dead" to God, but were made alive, saved, reconciled to peace with God, and made citizens. Not only ordinary citizens but members of the family, and lastly even where God Himself dwells in the form of the Holy Spirit. This refers to the church which is a living temple built out of believers.
Why did Paul went at length to explain to the Ephesians how God has raised them up from being dead to an unimaginable status as the dwelling place of God? What's Paul's main point?
Perhaps there was some sense of inferiority among the Gentiles as compared to Jewish Christians, or they had been viewed as such. There may even be lingering guilt, realising their idolatry and immoral past. So Paul made it clear to them (and to any Jewish Christians who may read this letter) that:
1. Everyone is saved by Grace, not by works or religion.
2. Gentiles, who once were not part of God's elect are now included in the new covenant.
3. Both people are now one, built into a holy temple, and that there should be unity.
Paul continued to write about the "mystery" of Gentile inclusion and the unity of the church in subsequent chapters.
Application:
If we as gentiles have been given such grace, then one thing we must learn is not to discriminate against anyone by their race, by their past or even by their present spiritual practices. If God has accepted them, then we have no right to be biased against them.
Prayer for Ephesians 2
Father, we thank you that you have rescued us from the cradle of death and given us a new life in Christ. You did this not because we deserve it, but because of undeserved grace which is free to us and is priceless to You, for it cost You your holy Son. The blood of Christ has blotted out our sins and defeated eternal death. You raised us up together with our resurrected Lord and seated us together with Him. You have made us into one body and one temple - a dwelling place for the Holy God from what once was the filthiest creatures. We bless You, thank You and worship You for your great love and mercy lavished on us. Amen.
Observation:
Paul listed ten "insults" or condemnation of the state of our unsaved past, at least from the perspective of the Abrahamic covenant. We were Gentiles, in the flesh, the "uncircumcised" , alienated from Israel, etc.. Israel looked down on Gentiles as people with no hope in God's promised kingdom, nor even the access to their promised messiah. We were not the "chosen" people, and "far off" from God.
These condemnations and exclusions were removed by Christ when He established a new, inclusive, covenant by first fulfilling the old covenant with his blood. "Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant..." (Hebrews 9:15)
Application:
Christ has made us alive from being dead, and brought us near from being far off. The contrast emphasises the personal, loving God who did not just merely "forgive and forget" but seeks intimacy with us. Given such undeserved grace and love, shall we be drawn to Him and in turn practice the same towards others.
Scripture: Ephesians 2:14-18
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." (v14-16)
Observation:
Paul elaborates how Christ had removed the division between Israel (those near - GK. eggy) the gentiles (those far off.)
It must be noted that the intention was not to integrate gentiles into Israel, but to bring both into a new covenant - a "new man." Both had no access to God - one were encumbered with laws and ordinances that cannot make them perfect, while the other had no covenant at all.
By fulfilling the requirements of the law for sin sacrifice, Christ brought peace between the two peoples and also peace between all mankind with God. It is up to individuals to accept that peace that have been preached to them.
Application:
In the past, a gentile who believed in the God of Israel and wants to worship Him in the temple can become a proselyte - or converted to Judaism. Rabbis uses the term "to make nigh" (GK. eggy) in reference to proselytising. A proselyte has to be circumcised and follow all ordinances of Moses' law.
However even a born Jew is unable to enter the Holy of Holies. With the new covenant in Christ, we both have access directly to God through the Holy Spirit. We are not just "near" God but is in His presence. Remember that whatever we do and wherever we are, Gods presence is always with us.
Scripture : Ephesians 2:19-22
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. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
Observation:
Notice how Paul made a progression of our status from being initially "dead" to God, but were made alive, saved, reconciled to peace with God, and made citizens. Not only ordinary citizens but members of the family, and lastly even where God Himself dwells in the form of the Holy Spirit. This refers to the church which is a living temple built out of believers.
Why did Paul went at length to explain to the Ephesians how God has raised them up from being dead to an unimaginable status as the dwelling place of God? What's Paul's main point?
Perhaps there was some sense of inferiority among the Gentiles as compared to Jewish Christians, or they had been viewed as such. There may even be lingering guilt, realising their idolatry and immoral past. So Paul made it clear to them (and to any Jewish Christians who may read this letter) that:
1. Everyone is saved by Grace, not by works or religion.
2. Gentiles, who once were not part of God's elect are now included in the new covenant.
3. Both people are now one, built into a holy temple, and that there should be unity.
Paul continued to write about the "mystery" of Gentile inclusion and the unity of the church in subsequent chapters.
Application:
If we as gentiles have been given such grace, then one thing we must learn is not to discriminate against anyone by their race, by their past or even by their present spiritual practices. If God has accepted them, then we have no right to be biased against them.
Prayer for Ephesians 2
Father, we thank you that you have rescued us from the cradle of death and given us a new life in Christ. You did this not because we deserve it, but because of undeserved grace which is free to us and is priceless to You, for it cost You your holy Son. The blood of Christ has blotted out our sins and defeated eternal death. You raised us up together with our resurrected Lord and seated us together with Him. You have made us into one body and one temple - a dwelling place for the Holy God from what once was the filthiest creatures. We bless You, thank You and worship You for your great love and mercy lavished on us. Amen.
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