Young People's Group

Being a Part of the Household of God

by Mitchell Tan
January 09, 2020

APPRECIATING DEEPLY OUR SPIRITUAL STATUS

The apostle Paul sought to help the Ephesians to appreciate their new spiritual status in Christ. There was a point of time when they were strangers from the covenants of promise and foreigners from the commonwealth of Israel (Ephesians 2:12). They were once far away from God but when they had faith in Christ, things changed significantly.

“Now therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God …”
Ephesians 2:19

In Christ, the Ephesians were now part of the family of God. This was their new spiritual status.

1. BEING FELLOW CITIZENS OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD

They had now citizenship in the spiritual kingdom of God. There was a new sense of affinity and loyalty in being part of God’s kingdom with Christ as King.

2. BEING FELLOW SAINTS

When the Ephesians were saved, they were also declared as saints (Holy ones). They were now fellow saints with God’s people. This is indeed a great privilege.

3. BEING FELLOW MEMBERS OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF GOD

The Ephesians were also now members of the Lord’s household. They were part of the family of God. There was a strong sense of belonging to Him and with each other. This is what the Church is. This is something that we who believe in Christ should deeply appreciate.

BUILT ON THE SOLID FOUNDATION OF CHRIST AND THE WORD

“… Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone”
Ephesians 2:19

The Church has been built on the foundation of the word of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. The Church can have such closeness because of this strong foundation.

1. THE APOSTLES AND PROPHETS

The apostles were special servants of God who preached the word and wrote with authority from the Lord. Their example and teachings would form the New Testament. The prophets also preached powerful messages from the Lord and took time to write them down. Their lives and teachings would form the Old Testament. Together with Christ, they are the foundation of what the Church is built on.

2. JESUS CHRIST AS THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE

The chief cornerstone is the special selected stone that will guide how the foundation would be laid and how the building would be built. Christ, His teachings and His example aligns everything with reference to the Church. The words of the apostles and the prophets are aligned to Him. Christ is the cornerstone and He is alive and aligning everything (1 Peter 2:6). Today, the Lord Jesus and His word continue to be the foundation for life and ministry within the Church.

PERSONAL APPLICATION

Our hearts today should be filled with gratitude that we have this privilege of being part of Bethany. She is part of the household of God. Let’s deeply appreciate what it means to be fellow citizens of the kingdom of God and members of the household of God. Let’s seek to be part of Bethany that is built on the foundation of Christ and the word of God. Let’s be Christ-centred in all that we do in life and ministry.

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