The Bride is Blessed with Peace

1. Read: Ephesians 2:11-22

2. About the Text:

1) Ephesians 2:14 says that Christ is our peace.

a. Paul means Christians who are in Christ.

b. Those outside of Christ do not have the blessing of peace and all it entails.

2) This peace manifested itself by resolving the greatest conflict of Paul’s time.

a. The biggest conflict of Paul’s age was the conflict between Jews and Gentiles.

b. Gentiles were outside of God’s covenant with the Jews.

c. The work of Jesus Christ brought them back.

3) Christ’s work of peace is for us today too.

3. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.

1. Christ brings peace to men by being the standard of forgiveness for all.

2. “For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:28).

3. For this New Covenant to take place, the Law of Moses had to be abrogated.

4. “And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross” (Col.2:13-14

5. With the Law out of the way, everyone has access to Christ’s forgiveness.

6. If I accept Christ’s forgiveness for me, then I must accept it for you too.

7. “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14-15).

8. Read Matthew 18:21-35

9. The blood of Christ as the standard brings peace with one another.

1. Peace with God is through the cross.

2. “and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:20).

3. Without the cross, God is our enemy due to sin.

4. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18).

5. “And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled” (Colossians 1:21).

6. When we accept the cross, we accept the peace God offers us with Him.

7. “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).

8. On the cross, Christ paid the price for our sins with His blood.

9. “Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Pet.1:18-19).

10. On the merit of Jesus Christ, God forgives us of our sins when we accept His offer.

11. We accept the offer by being baptized into Christ.

12. “Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).

13. We have access to the Father. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

1. Who are we in Christ?

1) Fellow citizens.

2) Saints.

3) Members of the Household of God.

4) This is how we regard ourselves as Christians.

5) We have a new identity in Christ.

6) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

7) This identity brings lasting peace.

2. We are part of a greater organization than just self.

1) Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets.

2) Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone.

3) The church/bride are God’s holy temple in the Lord Jesus Christ.

4) Being part of something greater than ourselves brings peace.

5) “Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus” (1 Peter 5:14).

3. We are the dwelling place of God through the Spirit.

1) God lives within the heart of every Christians.

2) “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19).

3) Having the personal assurance of God’s presence brings peace.

4. “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5).

5. “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

1. The Bride is Blessed with Peace

1) Peace with One Another

2) Peace with God

3) Peace with Self

2. Invitation