From Foreigners to Family

Ephesians 2:11-22

From foreigners to family members, like us the Ephesian church members found unity and equality in Christ. Gentile believers, who were once alienated from Israel and from God, are now joined to both by the blood of Christ, who has removed the wall of separation represented by the law and has joined Jewish and Gentile believers together into “one body” — the Ephesian Church— and “one new man” —Christian Identity as opposed to ethnic identity— with direct access to God (Eph. 2:11-18). Gentiles, once strangers, can now be “fellow citizens” and members of the “household of God;” that is fellow citizens of Heaven with all true believers, and living stones in His holy Temple. To top it all off Christ is the Chief Cornerstone (Eph. 2:19-22; see 1 Peter 2:4-5).

Jesus “abolished” ended or made void the law by his death (Eph. 2:15) by fulfilling it (see Matt 5:17). He fulfilled it when he died on the cross for our sins, thus bringing the law to an end (see Rom 10:4).   — Portions from Wilmington’s Bible Handbook by Harold Wilmington

As a result of the shed blood of Jesus Christ, we are reconciled and set into the Temple of God (Eph. 2:11-22). In the first half of this chapter, Paul has been telling us what God has done for sinners in general; now he discusses Jews and Gentiles in particular. God had made no messianic covenants with the Gentiles, but God had promised the Jews a kingdom. What is the status of Jews and Gentiles in God’s program today?

A. What the Gentiles Were (Eph. 2:11-12).

Historically, God made a distinction between Jews and Gentiles racially (1 Cor. 10:32), but not individually (Rom 10:11-13). This helped to preserve the nation of Israel. This is the former corporate condition of Gentiles apart from Christ. Christ brought fallen humanity out of alienation into a state of peace and unity with God.

      — The Gentiles were without Christ; that is, they had no promise of a Messiah.

      — They were not a part of the nation of Israel; in fact, the OT laws put a great gulf between Jews and Gentiles.

      — Instead of being "the people of God," the Gentiles were “aliens.”

      — They were strangers, without hope and without the true God in the world. Contrast this sad plight with the privileged position of Israel described in Rom 9:4-5.

      — Verse 13 sums up the Gentiles' condition in two words: "far off." While the problem of sinners in general (vv. 1-10) was spiritual death, the problem of the Gentiles in particular was spiritual distance from God and His blessings. Note in the Gospels that whenever Christ helped a Gentile, He did it at a distance (Matt 8:5-13; 15:22-28). Obviously, there is nothing we can do in and of ourselves to change this condition and state of affairs. God must act as our only means of hope.

B. What God Did (Eph. 2:13-17).

"But now" in v. 13 parallels "But God" in v. 4. When Christ died on the cross, He broke down every barrier that stood between Jews and Gentiles. In the Jewish temple, there was a wall that separated the "Court of the Gentiles" from the rest of the structure; and on this wall was a sign giving warning that any Gentile who passed beyond it would be killed. Jesus Christ tore down that wall!

      — He tore down the physical wall, for in Christ all are made one (v. 15, and see Gal 3:28-29).

      — He tore down the spiritual wall and brought the "far off" Gentiles near (v. 13).

      — He tore down the legal wall, for He fulfilled the Law in Himself and ended the reign of the Mosaic Law that separated Jews and Gentiles vv. 14-15).

Christ not only made peace between sinners and God (Rom 5:1), but He also made peace between Jews and Gentiles. He took sinful Jews and sinful Gentiles and through His cross made a "new man"-the church at Ephesus. Reconciliation is not a gradual process by which people become more acceptable to God over time. No, it is a decisive act, much like a legal verdict, in which believers are delivered from estrangement to harmony and fellowship with the Lord.

      — Keep in mind that the mystery of the church was revealed through Paul (as we shall see in chapter 3), and that it took some time for the Jewish Christians to understand God’s new program. For centuries, God had kept Jews and Gentiles separated, and the Jews had taught that the only way a Gentile could be brought near to God was by becoming a Jew. Now the truth was revealed that the cross of Christ condemns both Jews and Gentiles as sinners, but also reconciles to God in one body those that believe on Jesus.

C. What the Gentiles and Jews are Now (Eph. 2:18-22).

      — Both have access to the Father in the Spirit. Under the Jewish economy, only the high priest could go into the presence of God, and that only once a year. But in the new creation, every believer has the privilege of coming into the holy of holies (Heb. 10:19-25).

      — Both Jews and Gentiles now belong to “the household of God,” and the Jew can no longer claim greater privileges. It is through faith in His blood that Jews and Gentiles are justified.

      — Paul closes by picturing the church at Ephesus as a temple. This would be a fitting image not only for the Jews, who revered their holy temple at Jerusalem, but also for the Ephesians, who had the great temple of Diana in their city (Acts 19:21-41). Each believer is a living stone set into the temple (1 Peter 2:4-8). The apostles and prophets (NT prophets, 4:11)–symbols of the Word— are part of the foundation; they laid the foundation since they were the first to proclaim the message of Christ Who is the foundation of the local church (1 Cor. 3:11) and the “Chief Cornerstone” of the whole building.

      — The local churches today are living, growing temples; when this age is completed, Christ will return and take the temples to glory.

      — God dwelt in the Jewish tabernacle (Ex. 40:34), in Solomon’s temple (2 Chron. 7:1), in the temple of Christ’s body (John 1:14 and 2:18-22), and today in the individual believer (1 Cor. 6:19-20) and the local church (Eph. 2:21-22). What a privilege to be the very habitation of God through the Spirit! — (Excerpts from The Bible Exposition Commentary)

Perhaps more could be learned from these important activities of God and other like passages of Scripture to bring about unity and harmony among believers in modern NT churches. Ethnic division is a real issue in our world and in our country. Even in the churches ethnic division is very real. I know of churches with almost identical doctrinal statements, but they cannot get along or see eye to eye because they differ politically. One group may be relatively conservative politically and the other may have a few progressive leanings on just a few matters, and yet they find more to disagree on than they share in common. Again both groups say they believe the same truths, use the same denominational identity, use the same Bible, sing many of the same songs in their worship services, and subscribe to the same theological and philosophical positions. 

It appears their respective political positions are more important to each group than what they share in Jesus Christ. It appears they value the temporal far more than the eternal. It appears they cherish homogeneous congregations and fellowships far more than God’s family members who may be a little different than others. It appears they wish to hang on to anything that maintains the distinctions and divisions even though we believe the same fundamental truths. If I were guessing I would say much of this mutual inflexibility is rooted in fear and ignorance. People simply don’t talk constructively about these matters. They simply bark out their positions unwilling to hear the other person’s perspective. Everyone seems to be convinced their position is right. Each group can identify numerous passages in the Bible to support their position. There is little willingness to grow in perspective…too see things through the other person’s point of view. I know this to be true, because I have observed it for years. This is a painful reflection for me…. 

While I am not ecumenical, no not by any stretch of the imagination, it would be great to see churches of like faith and practice more ethnically diverse where the opportunities present themselves. Many more churches could become far more cosmopolitan if they really trusted God to build His churches. God has brought the world to live in the very shadow of our steeples, why not reach them with the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Why not strengthen our churches for cross culture evangelism? Why not demonstrate from Scripture how multicultural early NT churches were? Christ died to reconcile fallen humanity to God and God’s people into one family, God’s temple, and one citizenship. Who are we to stand in the way of that?   

The Mystical Sphere of God's Power

1THESS. 1:1-4

Subject: A Strong Church 

Theme: The Church of the Thessalonians is a positive example because of its leadership, members, teaching, service, and God’s work among them. The Thessalonians provide us with a wonderful model to imitate.

Introduction:  

No doubt you have heard some preacher say, “If you ever find the perfect church, please don’t join it. If you do, it won’t be perfect anymore!”

Since local churches are made up of human beings, saved by God’s grace, no church is perfect. But some churches are closer to the New Testament ideal than others. The church at Thessalonica was in that category. At least three times in this letter, Paul gave thanks for the church and the way it responded to his ministry (1 Thes. 1:2; 2:13; 3:9). Not every pastor can be that thankful.

What characteristics of this church made it so ideal and such a joy to Paul’s heart? –Wiersbe, Warren W.: The Bible Exposition Commentary

Today I wish to explore with you the incredible idea that we are laborers together with God (1Cor. 3:1-15) in the ministry of our local church family! It is this vital relationship, association, and spiritual orientation that fundamentally define why a church exists! It also provides the necessary resources and latitude for us to execute the Lord’s business in the world. So again we pose the question, do we belong to a model church or do we need to be remodeled?

Message:

I.  A Strong Church Has Faithful Ministers.  Vs. 1& 2

1Thes 1:1, Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus…  

Now that we have explored the vital importance of the ministers being faithful to God and trustful of God, we need to take a look at the congregation they all served. Paul addresses them in a most specific manner.

II. A Strong Church Exists in the Sphere of God’s Power. Vs. 1

1Thes 1:1… unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul describes this church as belonging not only to an earthly sphere and location, but a dynamic and spiritual address as well. Just as we gain some sense of our identities, rights, privileges, and opportunities from the physical place we belong to, the same can be said for the spiritual place as well. The question could be asked, “Does our church exists for the community in which it abides or for God?” Another question is who decides? Other questions could be entertained as well like, is it appropriate for a ministry to be relevant to God first and not its community first? Is this association with the Father and the Lord Jesus through my church significant? How does our fellowship with God relate to our purpose as a church? These are good questions, and the following thoughts at least begin to address them from 1 Thessalonians 1:1-4.

Note the Place of this Church

1Thes 1:1… unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ

This local church resides in the city of Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-9). A church should be understood as an assembly of baptized believers called out by God from the mass of humanity to a life of separation to Him and His purpose. This reality means churches have a definite relationship with God and this relationship is primary. While a church obviously has a physical location, this location does not define its purpose or design. It may flavor the culture and feel of the congregation when they meet for worship and service, but it does not define the reason the church exists.

Nevertheless it is important to recognize that each church has a primary people to address its ministry to. Each city or county will have its own unique story comprised of different ethnic compositions, social dynamics, racial tensions, historical moorings, political leanings, cultural values, and economic challenges. These components make a city what it is and govern its future for good or bad. All of these elements influence the way people view each other, the do’s and don’t of the region, and the available opportunities that may be capitalized upon.  The fact that this church was located in Thessalonica presented several social, political, and economic challenges or opportunities. The addition of a Christ-centered church should introduce the city to genuine spiritual realities that would transform the culture.

It is also noteworthy that they are addressed collectively as one assembly in the city of Thessalonica and not as individuals. God’s plan is for a church to function in harmony and unity of purpose. I think it is also significant that early believers identified with the local assembly. You see, belief in Christ always led to joining a fellowship of believers, the church body of Christ in their respective locations (see Acts 2:42–47; 1 Cor. 12:27). These individuals had a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, but they were summoned to live and serve in community with other genuine believers. In an age where church membership is being de-emphasized, God evidently still values and commends it to us all. Finding a good church is challenging, but far from impossible. To reject all churches and go-it-alone is foreign to Bible mandates and teachings. Humble yourself and submit to God’s prescription; get yourself and your family into a church that preaches Jesus Christ as the Savior and Lord, the Scriptures as the final authority in matters of faith and practice, and the Great Commission as Christ’s mission for each assembly.

To be sure, the primary purpose of any authentic church body is to take the gospel to the lost world, disciple the converts, and reproduce itself (1Thess 1:8; Matt 16:18; 28:19-20). Dr. Wiersbe says it well stating, “The church is not a social club; it is a spiritual organism, an organization composed of people whom God has “called out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).” Where is your membership as a real Christian? Have you answered God’s call to belong to one of His assemblies in your city or county? I understand that not everything claiming to be a church is actually a church. I encourage you to discern the real churches and join one out of obedience to God’s design for Christians and churches.

Secondly, the location of this church is in “God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ.” This is obviously a spiritual realm or sphere of operations, but it is profound in the extreme. Churches function and operate from this spiritual realm to impact the natural realm we live in. We are actually executing the will of heaven on earth as empowered and authorized agents and agencies of Jehovah God! This “Sphere of Power” provides relationship, identity, power, authority, provisions, and other spiritual resources. This kingdom reality frees us to practice kingdom principles and gives us the grace to refuse worldly values and ideals. In fact this spiritual orientation is what gives shape and substance to a church's vision and mission. It is not the local city or culture, but the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

Furthermore, the local assembly is grounded in and exists in the sphere and power of the Father and the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Believers and church members are viewed as close to God and under His authority as the church executes its God-given mission in the world. Again our Lord Jesus graciously affords us redemption, relationship, identity, and belonging. Then our heavenly Father wonderfully provides security, love, strength, purpose, meaning, and all spiritual resources required to achieve His will. What a blessed reality!  Beloved, recognizing this shows us who is actually sustaining the life of a true NT Church. Certainly God can sustain His authentic churches wherever they are today. Perhaps a review of God’s boundless power would be helpful to boosting our confidence and dependence upon Him. Notice the power, strength and provisions of our Great God in Nehemiah 9:7-25. 

One more observation is of note in this section. The Lord Jesus Christ is as much God as the Father. Clearly Paul was emphasizing this and also preached this in Thessalonica (Acts 17:3). God the Son is also “Lord;” He is the Sovereign who is to be obeyed. We can please Him by rightly aligning ourselves with a good New Testament church and in concert with that assembly execute the great commission. By doing so we answer our Lord’s desire when He prayed to the Father asking,

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one… (John 17:21–23).

Any genuine church member who is in Christ Jesus is also in God the Father through the new birth experience. Yes, salvation is a prerequisite to church membership. I personally believe a convert becomes a member of a church through water baptism by immersion. Others can be transferred to a church by baptism or a statement of faith. Belonging, spiritual identity and relationship are important to God and they should be to us. God summons us to fellowship and association with Himself and His churches. Recall the words of the Apostle John in1 John 1:3,

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

Each genuine church abides in the same awesome God today. This is comfort for us as we do the work of the ministry! We are laborers together with God. We belong to God and God belongs to us and we no longer belong to the world. Our lives are filled with direction, meaning, purpose, and power as we align ourselves to God's plan. This mystical sphere of power is where we belong; this association shapes the parameters of all else concerning us and our church.

Note the Peculiarity of this Church

1Thes 1:1… unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ

This Church is distinguished from any heathen ‘assembly.’ The fact that it is “IN God” distinguishes this assembly from all other assemblies in the city or region. The passage highlights the distinction between those in the church and others in the city. God’s people are His unique treasure. I know this sounds a bit boastful, but it is actually a biblically and theologically sound idea—a truth.

Perhaps this points to our incredible potential “IN God” or the collective potential of an obedient church “IN” “Jesus Christ.” Among the many implications to be considered is this idea that direction, authority, purpose, power, and resources come from this sphere of power! We cannot achieve anything of significance to God if we rely solely or primarily on naturalistic methods and strategies devoid of the authority and power of God. Yes, it is true that much can be accomplished that men will applaud and celebrate, but still I must ask, what are God’s interests? Sometimes our allegiance to God is diluted or skewed by a sense of obligation to our city or county or certain individuals therein. Before we know it the church is doing things and spending resources on endeavors that have nothing to do with God’s designs for His churches. Increasingly the mission of the Lord’s churches is forgotten and finally forsaken. Yes, some churches will have unique opportunities to serve a community because where they are and the significant challenges in that area. Yes, this will be different for each genuine church, but the core ministry never changes. Beloved, relevance to God comes first and then relevance to the community outside the church. This is not strange talk to anyone who knows the churches belongs to Christ first and foremost. He is the actual Head and Director of each assembly. We exist for the praise of the glory of His grace (Eph. 1:6, 12, 14).

We should remain a distinguished people of God; we are more useful to God as a distinct people instead of a compromising people. We are not of this world’s crowd; we are God’s crowd! Our purpose is to glorify God--to show forth the praises of Him! Beloved, recall the words of the Apostle Peter in 1 Pet 2:9-12,

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10, Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 11, Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12, Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

A church’s activities, vision, and mission are not settled in the city or culture in which the church exists. These elements come from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ in whom we live and move and have our being. The motives and goals that we take aim at come from the God who has already established our agenda. Some of our methods and strategies will change with the times and vary within the culture, but all should be sanctioned by God. It is God’s values and directives that shape our mission and vision and not those values of the community. If what we do is relevant to God, then prayerfully the culture and community will see its value eventually. What can I say…we are a peculiar people; we are God’s treasured people and we live to show forth “the praise of Him who hath called us out of darkness” and into His marvelous light! Doing this and focusing on this fills life with meaning and purpose, and though our activities are mundane at times, they still transcend the temporary to impact the eternal.

It is true we need to be students of the city or county we are attempting to reach with the gospel, but the culture does not shape our values, vision, or mission. People do need a sense that those who seek to serve them actually understand who they are. People have a fundamental need to feel valued, appreciated, and respected, but how much does God deserve the same. Once again recall the evangelistic strategy of the Apostle Paul saying,

For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. (1Cor. 9:19-23, KJV)

Clearly he made any necessary social and cultural adjustments to accommodate the neutral amoral elements or cultural idiosyncrasies of a given people group. In no way did he sanction, dismiss or condone sin or superstitions. To each people group Paul came across as someone who respected their social nuances, customs, courtesies, and history. Paul understood what was merely an amoral matter and what was actually a moral concern. This is very healthy evangelistic agility and a demonstration of godly love. Paul’s approach is also pure respect for a people and who they are.

Needless cultural offenses can limit the impact of the gospel and a church. It is true the gospel is offensive enough already without adding pointless disrespect. Paul understood this. Yes, we are to be well informed about the culture in which we work, but this knowledge does not influence our core purpose as a church. This understanding enables and empowers us to handle an ethnic group or a foreign people with the correct form of respect and dignity. I served in a foreign country for more than 20 years as a member of our military and as a missionary. I get what Paul is referring to! Every foreign missionary or state ambassador gets the incredible importance of this. What we fail to realize is that a country as multicultural as the United States of America will have many such considerations. One key is seeking to understand another people group or culture. Engaging in honest dialog with an aim to understand first and then to be understood second is paramount. Respecting people because they are human beings who bear the image of God is fundamental. Treating folks the way we want them to treat us is our Lord's council and strategy. Communicating empathically can help us overcome the ethnic and racial tensions to achieve mutual understanding. Beloved, God gives believers the wherewithal to overcome these types of challenges as we move the gospel of Jesus Christ to the regions beyond.