Putting On The New Man of Community

Ephesians 2:14

Personal Background

• Speaker's upbringing in various countries due to father's job
• Desire to be a Boy Scout and the challenges faced in Madagascar
• Experience with the Lone Scout program

Community vs. Individualism

• The essence of the Boy Scout program and its emphasis on community
• Comparison with the concept of a lone Christian, which is nonsensical to the Bible
• Scripture references supporting the need for community among believers
  • 1 John 4:20
  • Matthew 5:23-24
  • 1 Peter 3:7

Unity in Christ

• Ephesians 2:14 – Christ as our peace who unites us
• The problem of hostility between Jewish and Gentile Christians in Ephesus
• Paul's solution: Unity through the cross of Christ, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility

The New Humanity

• Ephesians 2:11-22: Creation of one new humanity out of previously hostile groups
• Emphasis on communal peace and unity rather than individual uniqueness
• The communal nature of the new humanity in Christ
• Ephesians 4:17-32: Practical application of living in unity and peace

Practical Steps to Unity

• Speak the truth to each other (Ephesians 4:25)
• Deal with anger appropriately (Ephesians 4:26-27)
• Be responsible and generous (Ephesians 4:28)
• Use words that build up and edify (Ephesians 4:29-30)
• Get rid of bitterness, rage, and malice; practice kindness, compassion, and forgiveness (Ephesians 4:31-32)

Final Admonition

• Emphasis on unity and peace within the body of Christ
• Forgive each other as Christ forgave us
• Live in continuity with the unity created by Christ

Closing Prayer

• Prayer for unity and peace among believers, emphasizing communal relationships over individualism

*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.