Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. The theme for July-August Pulpit Series – “Biblical Ecclesiology”

a. To find a deeper understanding of the doctrine of the Church

b. To grow in our appreciation of our church, Bethany

c. To respond meaningfully to being a part of Bethany!

2. Key lessons on the doctrine of the Church so far

a. It is a prophecy found in the Scriptures   (Psalm 118:22, Isaiah 28:16)

b. It is promised by the Lord Jesus, the Builder of the Church.  (Matthew 16:18)

c. It is blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ   (Ephesians 1:3)

3. Today’s focus – the significance of being a church

a. As individuals, what does it mean to be part of the church?

b. A wonderful text to help us understand this – Ephesians 2:19-22

CONTEXT OF EPHESIANS 2:19-22

1. Ephesians 2 – Paul’s reflection on what Christ has done for us

a. Ephesians 2:1-10 – Our salvation in Christ

b. Ephesians 2:11-22 – Our unity in Christ

2. Ephesians 2:19-22 provides a vision on what we are meant to be collectively as a church!

THE CONTRAST TO OUR PAST

19 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

1. What we were before we came to faith in Christ

a. Strangers

b. Foreigners

2. A further elaboration on being strangers and foreigners

a. We were without Christ   (Ephesians 2:12)

b. We were not a part of God’s people.  (Ephesians 2:12)

c. We had no part in His promises  (Ephesians 2:12)

d. We had no hope and were without God in the world  (Ephesians 2:12)

OUR CONNECTION IN CHRIST

19 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

1. But now in Christ, we are

a. Fellow citizens with the saints

b. Family members of the household of God

2. The significance of being citizens and family in God’s kingdom and family

a. We have sense of belonging to each other

b. We have equal rights and privileges as each other

c. We also have responsibilities towards each other!

OUR COLLECTIVE PURPOSE AS A CHURCH

20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Ephesians 2:20-22

1. The concept of the temple of God

a. A physical place that is set apart for the worship of God

b. A place where God’s presence dwells   (2 Chronicles 7:1)

c. It is rightly called “the house of the LORD”   (2 Chronicles 7:2)

2. We are now being fitted together to become a holy temple in the Lord

a. Focus here is not on the physical, but spiritual

b. We are fitted together as a people set apart for God

c. Christ is building us together to become a “place” where God’s presence resides

d. God will dwell in us through His Spirit given to us!

CONCLUSION

1. Let us find a fresh appreciation of what it means to be a church

a. We are no longer strangers and foreigners

b. We are now citizens in God’s kingdom and members in God’s family

c. Collectively, we are meant to be a dwelling place of God!

2. Let us respond appropriately

a. To forge deeper bonds with each other

i. As fellow citizens

ii. As family

b. To find our place in Bethany

i. To serve together

ii. To support each other

3. If we do our part, Christ will do His part

a. To fit us together as God’s holy temple

b. To build us together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit