Teaching summary
In this powerful message, Pastor Leonard Rola teaches on Ephesians 2:11-22, emphasizing the new identity believers have in Christ as a new species and new creation. He explains how both Jews and Gentiles are united in one body through the cross, breaking down every wall of division and making all believers equally part of God's family. The message stresses the futility of human effort in attaining righteousness and underscores faith in Jesus Christ as the only means of reconciliation and peace with God. Pastor Leonard also cross-references supporting scriptures from Romans, Corinthians, and Galatians to affirm Paul's consistent message across his letters.
Bible verses referenced
Ephesians 2:11-22- "Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands. That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us. Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace. And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby. And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God. And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone.
In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord. In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit."
2 Corinthians 5:16- "Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more."
Galatians 3:23-29- "But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith has come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction: The General Letter to All Believers
- The Heart of the Ministry: Truth, Not Opinion
- The New Humanity in Ephesians 2:11-22
- Supporting Truth from Romans 3:9-26
- New Creation in 2 Corinthians 5:16
- Confirming the Message in Galatians 3:23-29
- Closing Encouragement
Introduction: The General Letter to All Believers
Pastor Leonard begins the lesson by reminding us that the letter to the Ephesians is a general letter, not originally addressed to a specific church or location. He clarifies that while other epistles such as Romans, Galatians, and Corinthians were addressed to specific groups, Ephesians was intended to be circulated among all believers. Pastor Leonard emphasizes the significance of this, noting that this means the letter is directly relevant to us today. He says this letter could have been sent to the believers in Fishkill, New York, or believers anywhere in the world, highlighting its universal application.
He also expresses his deep gratitude to the congregation for their support, love, and financial gifts, which have blessed the ministry immensely. Pastor Leonard underscores that this Bible study is his and Pastor Lori’s way of giving back to the congregation by sharing the Word of God, ensuring that what they teach is rooted in truth, not their opinion.
The Heart of the Ministry: Truth, Not Opinion
Pastor Leonard stresses the importance of teaching the Word of God without injecting personal opinions. He mentions how, in the past, he lived under man's opinions, but now he endeavors to deliver only the truth. He illustrates his study process, explaining how he starts with the King James Version, compares it with other translations, and utilizes concordances and Greek and Hebrew dictionaries. His goal is to understand what the Holy Spirit intended to convey. He warns against teachers who begin with an opinion and then look for scriptures to support it. Instead, he encourages believers to start with the scriptures themselves, allowing the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus referred to in John 16:13, to lead them into all truth. "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth…"
Pastor Leonard also reminds the congregation that they are to study for themselves so that the truth becomes their own, not just something they heard from him or Pastor Lori.
The New Humanity in Ephesians 2:11-22
Pastor Leonard transitions into the main teaching by focusing on Ephesians 2:11-22, reading from the Passion Translation while consistently referring to the King James Version for accuracy and grounding. He reads Ephesians 2:11-22 in full (as above), highlighting that Paul reminds the Gentiles they were once outsiders, without the covenants, laws, and hope. However, now in Christ, they have been brought near by the blood of Jesus.
Pastor Leonard elaborates on Ephesians 2:14– "For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;" He explains that Jesus is our peace, breaking down every barrier between Jew and Gentile, and by His death, He has created one new humanity.
He draws parallels to Acts 10, where Peter receives a vision showing that what God has cleansed is no longer to be called unclean, illustrating that all barriers have been removed in Christ. Pastor Leonard emphasizes that this reconciliation is not through politics or societal systems but solely through Ephesians 2:16:
"And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby." He teaches that the answer to all division, hatred, and discrimination is found at the cross, where Jesus made all believers one.
Supporting Truth from Romans 3:9-26
He shows how Romans 3:23 supports Ephesians 2, declaring. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." And that righteousness is a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Pastor Leonard highlights that the law exposes sin, but now righteousness is available independently of the law, affirming Romans 3:21-22. "But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference." He makes it clear that all humanity is in the same boat—sinners in need of a Savior—and through Christ, all are justified freely by His grace.
New Creation in 2 Corinthians 5:16
Pastor Leonard reads 2 Corinthians 5:16- "Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more." He explains that no believer should judge others by their outward appearance anymore, whether Jew, Gentile, male, or female, but rather see them through the lens of the new creation. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things have passed away; behold, all things are become new."
Confirming the Message in Galatians 3:23-29
Pastor Leonard completes the teaching by reading Galatians 3:23-29, which declares in Galatians 3:28- "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." He emphasizes that through faith in Jesus Christ, all believers are God's children, clothed with Christ’s life, and heirs of the promise to Abraham.
Closing Encouragement
Pastor Leonard concludes the Bible study by encouraging believers to go back over the scriptures on their own, verifying the consistency across Paul’s writings. He stresses that righteousness and unity are found only through faith in Jesus Christ, not in any system of works or personal efforts. He expresses his love and appreciation to the congregation and reminds them that they are deeply loved by God and by both himself and Pastor Lori. He invites them to tune in for Thursday’s morning session and Pastor Lori’s powerful Friday message.
We hope this article has blessed you. Share this teaching with friends and family who need to know the peace, unity, and righteousness we have in Christ. You are loved!