Hostility is heating up in our world whether in politics, racial segregation, immigration solutions, or even in church! This one thing is able to break hostility and build harmony.

Notes And Next Steps

Ephesians 2:11-22 + Part 3 of the series “Masterpiece in Progress: Ephesians"

There’s a right answer to the pursuit of harmony over hostility, but there are many more wrong answers.

The background of the book of Ephesians.

“Jesus, the Messiah, is eternally and tirelessly bringing everything and everyone together.”

We’re broken in our relationships with others because we’re broken in our relationship with God.

Jesus died “to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit” (Ephesians 2:16-18).

“God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord” (Ephesians 2:19-21).

SPIRITUAL NEXT STEPS

1. 1. Reflect on the hostility or harmony in your relationships. Again whom do you become most hostile? How does this message help you break through that sin problem and build up harmony?
   2. Reconciliation, peace and access. Ephesians 2 promises all three to those who believe. Which is most helpful for you this week? Why?
   3. Write in your journal or post on social media this week about the pathway from hostility to harmony going first through God. Explain using verses of Ephesians 2.
   4. Say this prayer throughout the week: Dear God, at the cross of Jesus you broke my hostility toward others. I am forgiven. Help me to begin there, building more harmony with others in my life. Amen.