The apostle Paul is a systematic writer. His first point flows into his second point, his second point flows into his third, and so on. His epistles have a linear progression from beginning to end. We won’t fully understand his third point until we’ve studied his second and first. He lays a foundation, then builds upon it.Ephesians 2:11, 12, the focus of today’s study, is another brick in the foundation of this letter. Paul has several practical lessons for us, but it’s imperative that he frames those lessons with a combination of theology and history. In today’s passage, his emphasis will be history more than theology.Some of us would prefer to skip the fundamental theology and contextual history of the Bible. We want its practical teachings. We want to know how Scripture applies to us. The Life Application Study Bible is a bestseller for a reason. The thing is, though, we can’t understand the Bible’s practical teachings until we first comprehend the history and doctrines underpinning its practical exhortations.In the case of Ephesians, we have to be patient with Paul. We have to give him time to explain how salvation works. Then, we have to let him address the long-standing tension between the Jews and Gentiles whom God later joined together in the church. Once we learn these things, then we can better grasp the lessons to follow on humility, peace, subjection, and the various topics in the latter half of Paul’s letter.I provide this brief introduction because we have reached a place in Ephesians that may seem irrelevant to you, but it’s not. Its direct relevance may come only later, but the following passage is a vital brick in the foundation of the practical lessons to come.I recommend an open Bible, pen, and paper. If nothing else, listen closely because what you’ll hear is one more piece of Paul’s unfolding sermon.Let’s go now to Ephesians 2:11, 12.[I’m sorry, but this sermon’s transcript isn’t available.]I’ll return next week with the next installment in our study of Ephesians.Meanwhile, I’m still accepting donations for the second season of the podcast. As of now, you have graciously contributed about thirty percent of the total goal, and I am grateful.To be clear, you are not paying me to produce Sunday Manuscripts. You are helping me upgrade my recording equipment so, first of all, the audio will sound better. Second, you’ll save me a lot of time when I begin recording the second season.You can make a donation through my website at JeremySarber.com. You’ll see the donate link on the homepage as well as a progress bar.Thanks again. Have a great week. Get on the email list at jeremysarber.substack.com