As Paul continues to encourage his readers to understand more fully the beauty and the inclusiveness of their position in Christ, he uses the images of citizenship and family in verse 19. In our country currently there are intense debates on the situation that exists with people who are in our land illegally - they are not citizens. Should they have the same rights and privileges that citizens enjoy? How far should our government go to help and support people here illegally? The debates are important, serious and intense. The problems are huge, costly and far-reaching. And I pray for the wisdom of those in authority to handle the difficult questions. But at its core ... this is an "inclusion" question. Move into the spiritual realm and you will better understand what Paul is saying. He is telling the Gentiles (you and me) that we can have citizenship ... we can be "legal"! So the arguments about inclusion and privilege and rights can be laid to rest. The rights and freedoms of this country belong to her citizens. We must never loose sight of the fact that along with privilege comes responsibilities. So it is with the Kingdom of God. Paul tells us that we are no longer strangers, illegals ... because of the blood of Christ, because of the cross ... we are citizens of the Kingdom of God. Amazing!
But don't stop there. He then uses the picture of family. That picture is even more intimate. We are of "God's household." Again there are freedoms and rights and privileges that come with being a part of a family. There is a name to wear. And there are responsibilities to carry. The concept of being adopted into God's family is used often in scripture. (examples: Romans 8:15; 2 Corinthians 6:18; Galatians 4: 5-6) We have already looked at some of what Ephesians says to us about inheritance. That language makes sense in the concept of family. God is my Father ... you are my brothers and sisters in the Lord ... Jesus is my brother ... I am a co-heir with Him. A very privileged position indeed! Let us not follow the human tendency to begin to act as if ... or to even think as if ... that position makes us better than anyone. Remember - it is by grace alone!
The final picture Paul uses in this discussion is that of a temple. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 3:16 that we are the temple of God. Indeed - each of us that is indwelt by the Spirit of God is a temple. However, we are also part of a greater temple, Christ's church, and every Christian is a living stone built into that temple. Look again at the language in verses 20 - 22. Paul speaks of this temple "having been built" (the past), "being fitted together" (the present), and "growing into" (the future). As a part of the body of Christ, we are allowed to participate in the greatest work of God - showing Christ to the world around us.
You are the temple ................................. and You are a part of the temple.
Ubi Christus, ibi ecclesia
Where Christ is ... there is the Church.
Congratulations on walking through the first 2 chapters of Ephesians.
For our review ...
Remember ...
Chapter 1 - Possessions in Christ
Chapter 2 - Position in Christ
Spend some time in prayer over these most remarkable truths ...
I found this quote in a slightly different context, but if we substitute the word Jews for disciples, it seems to apply here, as well:
ReplyDelete"You can divide the world into two groups of people: those who believe you can divide the world into two group of people, and those who don’t. The disciples belonged to the first group. Jesus belongs to the second."