Sermons from 2025 (Page 2)
The Identity, Foundation, and Purpose of The Church
In Ephesians 2:19-22 we see Paul drawing vital conclusions about who we are as the Church. We are citizens of heaven and members of God’s family. In essence, we are the people of God. This is our fundamental identity, not other groups from which we find a sense of identity and belonging. As God’s people, we are built upon the foundation of His Word. And ultimately, the Christ revealed in it. The Church built upon this foundation can’t be shaken. This is important to remember as we live in a post-Christian world that is increasingly hostile to Christianity. Lastly, the Church is the dwelling place of God. We have the privilege of a holy God dwelling with us as His people. This should change how we view ourselves and each other as members of the Church.
Reconciled to God and One Another
In Ephesians 2:11-18 we learn of our previous separation from God, His people, and His covenant promises. However, God has done something marvelous in Christ. He has united those who were near (Jews) and those were far off (Gentiles) to Himself in Christ Jesus. As a result of the cross, Christians now have peace with God and peace with all those who are united to Him by faith. God has created one new unified humanity which is the Church. The unity we have as the body of Christ breaks down any walls and barriers that we commonly find in society. In Christ’s Church people of all different kinds now no longer have separation but instead a shared access to God. This is extremely important to remember as we live in a world that is extremely disunified. There is one answer to that disunity and it is the reconciliation with God and one another that is available through Christ Jesus.
Remember God’s Grace
In Ephesians 2:1-10 we find three helpful things to remember as Christians: our prior state, our salvation by God’s grace, and the good works God has recreated us to walk in. Apart from faith in Christ all mankind finds themselves in a grotesque state. Because of sin they are hopeless and helpless. This is the state we as Christian’s all once found ourselves in. This should cause us to walk in humility because there is only one reason we no longer find ourselves in that state. And that is God’s grace. While we were dead in our trespasses and sins God made us alive together with Christ. He saved us from our prior state along with the wrath we deserved and gave us new life through faith in Christ. This is a gift and should cause us to praise God as we remember His kindness towards us. We should also remember that He has re-created us to walk in the newness of life that He has planned for us. We do this not out of a desire to earn salvation, but because we already have salvation through faith in Christ.
Do You Know What You Have?
As we continue to study the Book of Ephesians, Paul reports on his prayers for the church at Ephesus. He desires that the recipients of his letter would have a precise and personal (“epignosis”) understanding of God Himself. Paul also records several truths that he wants his readers to KNOW. We should always be reminded of what we have in Christ Jesus.
Spiritual Blessings: Inheritance in Christ
In Christ we have become God’s special possession. We exist for Him and His glory. We have become this because God in His sovereignty has predestined us to this end. As a result of knowing the God who controls all things and what He has done for us through the Cross we can trust Him. The more we know of His character and love for us the more we will enjoy him. The more we enjoy Him the more His name will be praised. This is the chief end of man, and this is why he has made us His. To enjoy Him and glorify Him. As a result of being God’s special possession, we have an inheritance to look forward to. He has given us His Spirit as a guarantee of this. Yet, we will ultimately obtain this when He completes his redemption of us and we inherit heaven. There we will fully enjoy God for all of eternity.
Spiritual Blessings: Redemption in Christ
God’s eternal purpose has always been to accomplish redemption. Before the foundation of the world, God the Father planned this. And at the cross, Christ accomplished it. Those who are united to Christ by faith presently have this redemption. This consists of freedom from the guilt of sin and freedom from sin’s mastery. We once were enslaved to sin but have been redeemed through Christ’s blood. This was previously a mystery. But at the cross, it has been revealed. What happened there was the focal point of all history where God sums up all things in Christ. Christians are to praise their Triune God for accomplishing this redemption and walk in light of it.
The Reality That Awaits Those Who Persevere
God’s Word gives us a picture of the New Heaven and New Earth. This is where God will dwell with His people for all of eternity. There the effects of the fall will be done away and the world will be renewed. We can trust this is to come because God who is sovereign over all of history promises it. This is promised to those who persevere and should motivate us to do so.
- 1
- 2