The Strength Of The House We Live In
Ephesians 2:19-22
To introduce this text, let me bring to our attention two commonly recognized
dangers: (1) being a stranger in a foreign land, and (2) being in a building
that is falling down.
While preaching in the Philippines in 1981, for an hour or so in Brookspoint on
the island of Palawan, I was separated from the group. I had traveled to the
country with John McCort, and we were accompanied by a collection of native
preachers, guides and helpers. I was waiting for a jeep to be repaired and the
group went somewhere with the promise they would return for me in a few minutes.
It was almost an hour. There was no immediate threat or danger. But I was alone
in a strange place. I was a stranger and foreigner and felt the full impact of
that alienation. The American Embassy in Manila -- upon our arrival -- warned
us: "You are not citizens of this country and do not have the rights and
privileges the natives enjoy. Be careful!" To be in a place you are not familiar
with and where you enjoy no guarantee of any protection is unsettling, to say
the least. It is commonly recognized as a danger (especially in view of current
terrorism) to be a visitor in a place where you hold no citizenship.
People are also dreadfully aware of occupying a building that is falling down!
We all remember watching the Twin Towers in New York coming down. Those
buildings were occupied by real people, and we saw video footage of some jumping
to their death. I was in Houston on that day and my wife was in one of the tall
buildings in the downtown area. I was uneasy until they evacuated that building,
which they did within minutes after the attack. These are two common fears --
being stranded in a foreign country, and occupying a building that is falling
down.
Christians who remain in the house of God are not troubled by either fear. This
text established that great truth.
"Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and
foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of
God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus
Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being
fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are
being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit," (Eph.
2:19-22).
When Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus, he addressed Gentiles who were now
Christians. He wanted them to remember their previous condition, to provoke
gratitude to God who brought them near "by the blood of Christ." In that context
he said: "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow
citizens with the saints and members of the household of God," (Eph. 2:19).
The words "now" and "no longer" bring attention to their new, changed status as
"members of the household of God." Because of the blood of Christ, their active
faith in obedience to the gospel changed their status. That change is described:
"now . . . no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the
saints and members of the household of God." What a cause for joy, gratitude and
continued obedience! They were now citizens in the Kingdom, and identified with
others who enjoyed the same relationship with God. If you are a member of the
household of God, this statement should renew your gratefulness to God and your
daily devotion to Him.
"It is as if they who had dwelt in the waste and howling wilderness, scattered
defenseless and in melancholy isolation, had been transplanted, not only into
Palestine, but had been appointed to domiciles on Mount Zion, and were located
in the metropolis, not to admire its architecture, or gaze upon its battlements,
or envy the tribes who had come up to worship in the city which is compact
together; but to claim its municipal immunities, experience its protection, obey
its laws, live and love in its happy society, and hold communion with its
glorious Founder and Guardian." (Eadie, quoted in Pulpit Commentary, Eph. 2:21).
The stability of the building depends upon the foundation. Verse 20 affirms the
house of God to be "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus
Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone." Not only can we rejoice that we
have been accepted as a member of God's house, we can know that the structure is
well built and will stand. The household of God was built on, and stands today
on the truth of Jesus Christ (who He is, and what He did). "For no other
foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ," (1
Cor. 3:11).
The household of God is well built, unlike the nations and institutions of men.
"The whole building" is "fitted together," and "grows into a holy temple in the
Lord," (Eph. 2:21). There is no reason for any member of the household of God to
fear the collapse of the structure! It is true, individual members may walk out.
We must guard against any attitudes or actions that would lead us out of God's
house. But there is no justification to fear that the "building" will be
destroyed, or that God will misplace us (see 2 Tim. 2:19). Structural integrity
is assured by the builder. As a Christian, you are not just a guest or
occasional visitor - but a permanent member of the family, in a house upheld by
divine power!
And in this place; as a member of this house, we are "being built together for a
dwelling place of God in the Spirit." God has made it possible for us to enter
this building and dwell in Him! Verse 22 is about fellowship with God.
The impact of this passage for Christians is, this is the strength of the house
we live in! Whatever may happen to us on earth, as long as we stay in the
household of God, we are secure.
"But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly
Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and
church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all,
to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new
covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of
Abel." (Heb. 11:22-24).
By Warren E. Berkley
From Expository Files 9.6; June 2002
