Hope & Peace
Sermon Recording
Sermon Outline
Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Faith, Hope & Love
Ephesians 2:11-22 (ESV)
11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
Sermon Outline
Jesus preaches brings hope because it is the announcement of peace (v17).
1. Lacking Peace
v12 “having no hope and without God”
separated, alienated, strangers (v12, 19), far off (v13), hostility (v14, 16)
2. Restoring Peace
v14 “he is our peace”
v13 “but now in Christ Jesus you… have been brought near by the blood…”
v16 “reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross”
3. Living Peace
v16 “killing the hostility”
v18 “through him… access in one Spirit to the Father”
v19 “you are fellow citizens… members of the household…”, “a dwelling place for God” (v21)
Questions for Reflection
How often do you feel peaceful? What are some factors that lead to experiences or seasons of peacefulness?
What words would you use to describe your feelings when you are not feeling peaceful? What kinds of things are present when you are not at peace?
What are some connections between peace and hope? How do they work together?
Christian hope is hope in God, grounded in who God is and what God has said. What are some ways our lack of peace flows from points of disconnection from God?
How does lack of connection with God foster division between people? What causes division between people (think of examples)? What patterns of thought do you recognize in yourself that cause you to turn against others or keep you from building deeper connections with people?
How does Jesus dying on a cross bring peace? What Biblical teachings help you interpret this event (the crucifixion) to show you how God establishes and offers peace in this way?
Jesus preaches peace – how do we receive it? What do we do?
In what ways do you feel like you don’t belong in church or among Christians? How are you different? When do you feel disconnected, or like you don't belong (more broadly – church or otherwise)?
What does it look like to follow Christ in those times where you feel like you don’t belong? What do you need to know, remember, or believe? What do you need to do?
Where is God sending you to bring peace? Are there any situations where you are seeing or experiencing hostility, and how can you glorify God in them? How will God help you?
Prayer of Confession
God of grace and peace, forgive us for having participated in the things that divide, distort and destroy. We have not resisted accusation, manipulation, cynicism, revenge or being provoked. Instead we have given in and are guilty of accusing, manipulating, being vengeful and cynical, and provoking others. We have let ourselves be divided and we have caused division. Forgive us the harm we have done, forgive us for failing to trust you and hold to your word. We confess our hostility and implore you to forgive us and grant us your peace. Jesus is our peace. May we experience and participate in your reconciling work. Amen.