We are no longer strangers
Ephesians 2:19-22(AMP) So then you are no longer strangers and aliens [outsiders without rights of citizenship], but you are fellow citizens with the saints (God’s people), and are [members] of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the [chief] Cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together, and it continues [to increase] growing into a holy temple in the Lord [a sanctuary dedicated, set apart, and sacred to the presence of the Lord]. In Him [and in fellowship with one another] you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
This passage emphasises the unity and belonging of Believers in the household of God. It conveys several important concepts for us as Christians:
- We are no longer strangers: In Christ, Believers are no longer outsiders or foreigners to God’s Kingdom. We are welcomed into the family of God, given the rights and privileges of citizens.
- We are fellow members: As members of God’s household, we share a common identity and purpose with all other Believers.
Hebrews 12:22-23(NIV) But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,
- We are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets: Our faith is built upon the teachings and testimonies of the apostles and prophets of old, who were instrumental in laying the groundwork for the Christian faith.
- Christ Jesus as the Cornerstone: Jesus Christ is the central and most important part of the foundation on which the faith of Believers is built. He is the chief Cornerstone that holds everything together and gives stability and coherence to the entire structure.
1 Peter 2:6(NIV) For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”
- Joined together and growing: We are individually and collectively, joined together in Christ. We are part of a living and growing spiritual structure, the Church, which continually increases and develops under the guidance and influence of the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 4:15-16(NIV) Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
- We are a holy temple in the Lord: We are described as a holy temple dedicated to the presence of the Lord. We are set apart and sacred, a dwelling place where God’s Spirit resides in our midst.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17(NIV) Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.
So, how do we apply this daily in our lives?
Remind yourself daily that you are no longer a stranger or outsider, but a beloved child of God.
Actively participate in your local church. Deepen your understanding of the teachings of the apostles and prophets by studying and meditating on the Word of God.
Centre your life around Jesus Christ. Seek to align your thoughts, attitudes, and actions with His example. Regularly spend time in prayer and communion with Him, seeking His guidance and strength.
Strive for personal growth and spiritual maturity. Cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in your life, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Be intentional about building relationships based on love, forgiveness, and humility. Recognise that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Seek to honour God with your thoughts, words, and actions.
Pursue righteousness and resist sin, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to transform you.
Set aside regular time for worship and prayer, both individually and corporately.
Cultivate an attitude toward God’s presence in your life. Seek His guidance and direction in all aspects of your life. Allow the transformational work of God in your life, to shine forth as a testimony to others. Share your faith with others through both your words and actions.
Lastly, demonstrate the love, grace, and truth of Christ to those around you.