Ephesians 2:14-19

The Power of God’s Grace to the Gentiles, Part 2.

Where you have been helps you appreciate where you are now are. Last week we saw that Gentiles who are now believers were once “far away” from God. However, now we have been brought close in Jesus Christ. Understanding this past reality will help solidify our understanding of our current position and appreciation for it. Today we will see the results of Jesus’ blood bringing us near, which is that God’s grace gives us a new identity (Ephesians 2:14-22).

Grace Results in Peace (verses 14-18)

Peace between believing Gentile and Jew (verses 14-15)

God made both groups (the Jews and the Gentiles) into one group and broke down the wall of hostility. This dividing wall was illustrated by the divisions of the temple that only allowed Gentiles to go into the outer court. They were separated from areas closer to God’s presence, where Jews could go. The teaching and interpretation of the Law created in the Jews hostility towards the Gentiles. But because of the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, this dividing wall was broken down.

Peace we have with God (verses 16-18)

We have been reconciled in one body to God. We are no longer strangers or aliens, but instead, we are being built together, Jew and Gentile, as one body in God. We are a part of God’s household. Jesus gave us the Gospel – the good news that brings peace – and this peace produces access to the Father.

Grace Results in a New Relationship (verses 19-22)

Our relationship with God stated (verse 19)

The access we now have brings about a whole new relationship. We are no longer strangers and aliens. We are longer excluded; we are part of a new group together in Jesus Christ.

Our relationship with God pictured: the Church (verses 20-22)

If grace is the summit of a mountain, who we are in God is the foundation. All believers are now part of the Church. The Church has a foundation (verse 20): Jesus is the foundation, the Cornerstone, while the apostles and prophets were built upon Him. The Church has a formation (verse 21) as we are being fitted together. The Church has a function (verse 22), since we are fitted to be a dwelling of God.

God is working through the church. You may doubt that you fit, but God is fitting you into His Church.

Application Points

• Here at Grace Church of Mentor or at any church, you may look around and feel like you don’t fit. You may think everyone has their lives together, but once you start talking to them, you will see that everyone has struggles, and we all are working on trusting God. You may not feel like you fit at Grace Church of Mentor or in the Church at all, but you do in Christ. Jesus has saved you and is building you up.
• It is good for a church to ask corporately, “Is this church a fitting dwelling place of God?” We want this to be a place where God is honored. How do we know this is a fitting place for the God of Heaven? We are to look at the Cornerstone (Jesus) and see if we are measuring ourselves, our actions, and our ministries by His standards.

Tools for Further Study

Cross References to Explore:

• Colossians 3
• Ephesians 4
• Ephesians 1:13
• Ephesians 2:5-6 — made alive together
• Hebrews 11 — “all those by faith”
• Acts 1 — What is an apostle?
• Ephesians 3:4-5 — apostles and prophets
• 1 Corinthians 3:10-11 — Jesus Christ is the foundation.
• 1 Peter 2:4-6 — Christ is the Cornerstone.
• Isaiah 28 — the chief Cornerstone