Ephesians 2:11-13

Ephesians 2:11-13

Therefore, remember that you formerly Gentiles in the flesh – the ones who are being called uncircumcision by the ones who are being called circumcision in the flesh made by human hands – were for that time apart from Christ, having been estranged from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise while not having hope and without God in the world.  But now in Christ Jesus you all you all who are formerly far away became near in the blood of Christ.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul gives us a really neat contrast to the Ephesians here in these verses.  Paul reminds them that they are called Gentiles.  But then he also reminds them that the people who have given them the title of Gentile are speaking about circumcision, which is a human action.  Human beings circumcise one another.  What really matters is not the human distinctions that we have imposed upon one another whether it be Jewish or Christian (circumcised, Gentile, member, confirmed, non-member, etc).  What matters is what God does to us.  What matters is what Christ does within us through His Holy Spirit.  The titles we give ourselves are nowhere near as important as the status God bestows upon us.

What titles do you cling to that are bestowed by human hands?  Which of those titles are positive?  Which of those titles are negative?  Why is it more important to let go of the manmade titles and focus on the ones bestowed by God?

Second Thought:

Paul also connects two interesting concepts in the middle of these verses.  “Not having hope” equals “without God in the world.”  In so many ways this makes sense. 

• I know I’m a sinner and will make mistakes of my own creation.  Without God, who can redeem my mistakes? 
• I know that one day death will come.  Who can destroy the barrier of death if I do not have God? 
• I know that this world is not genuinely concerned with my needs.  Who will care about me unconditionally without God? 

Many people say that they cannot imagine submitting to God and all of His rules and regulations.  For me, I cannot imagine going through life without Him.

How closely do you tie the concepts of hope and God?  Do you think you can truly have hope without also having God?

Third Thought:

Once more Paul gives us a reminder of what is important: the blood of Christ Jesus.  The grace and mercy that God bestows upon us through the blood of Christ Jesus is what matters.  We can do all the human things we want to one another (circumcision, church membership, giving titles like elder or pastor or deacon, etc).  But the one thing that counts is the blood of Christ.  Our sins are washed away by that blood.  Our nature is changed from sinner to saint by that atoning blood.  How does that old hymn go?  “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus; What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”

What does the blood of Jesus mean to you?  How important is the blood of Jesus in your thoughts?  Does your life live out that value of importance?

Passage for Tomorrow: Ephesians 2:14-18