Ephesians 2:11-12

“Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (that done in the body by the hands of men) - remember that at that time you were separated from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world.”

We were once Gentiles, outside of God’s people. We were called uncircumcised by those who called themselves “ the circumcision.”

Those of us who were born outside of the Jewish tribal system were outside of God’s covenant people. The world was divided into two camps - the people of Israel and the Gentiles

Israel had been established by God to be a light to the nations ( literally to the Gentiles). This action was intended to show the world what a whole nation surrendered to God’s purposes could look like. Of course they failed in this, so much so that God allowed them to be conquered by multiple enemies, including lastly Rome.

Rather than being an open, inclusive, witnessing community, the Jewish people, at times, could be very exclusive. They would not mix with the Gentiles for fear of being made unclean.

They established a claim for their exclusivity calling themselves “ the circumcision”. They focused on a sign of the covenant rather than the covenant itself in order to feel better about themselves.

In doing this, they ignored their prophets who had spoken of the circumcision of the heart which was far more important. God wanted to change them from the inside and not just on the outside.

Human beings have an infinite capacity for looking at outward appearances, trusting in external rituals and behaviour. God looks at the heart, and it is the affections and thoughts He changes first, not just the outward signs.

We Gentiles were once far off from God. We were separated from Christ. There was a chasm that separated us because we were born as foreigners. We were outside the nation of Israel. Relationship with God could only be attained by birth in the faith community. We were born outside the people of God.

We were foreigners to the covenants of Promise. God promised wonderful things for His people Israel. but we were left out. How could we ever hope to experience God’s favour? How could we aspire to eternal life?

We were without hope because there was no way for us on the outside of grace to get inside. Yes there were ways to become a convert to J Judaism, but many did not know. They lived lives of quiet desperation.

We were far from God - “without God”. Unable to reach the one true God, the Gentiles invented their own lesser gods. Unable to see him, they bowed down to idols made by human hands.

In the joy of fellowshipping with God, it is easy to forget who we once were. We become complacent, even self-righteous and prone to judgmentalism.

We are in God because of God’s grace; He did it all for us. The cross was God’s idea. The desire to see all men and women saved was born from God’s love.

This was not our own doing - we just happen to have been smart enough to put out our hand to receive the gift of salvation.

It is like riding a train. I did not build the tracks or the train. I do not know how to drive the train or how the signals work. How the train is powered is a mystery. But I know that if I get on to that train it will take me to the place I need to get to.

Jesus Christ is like the train. I don't know how it works, but I know his death liberated me from sin and raised me to a new life in Him. It all comes as a gift from God to all who receive it.

Key points in this verse

• We, the Gentiles, were called the uncircumcised.

• It is common for people to devise names that make us feel superior.

• Christians have no reason to be self-righteous

• We were once without hope and without God, but He brought us into His kingdom.