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| Temple Priest In Nepal |
(Ephesians 2:1-5) “1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”
Relate:
Nobody likes to talk about death. Just this week, I had the honor and privilege to speak at my uncle Emilio’s rosary and funeral. It is good for us to be reminded that this world is not the final destination for us who have put our faith in Christ because we have been made alive with Christ. Sadly, for some who have not given their lives to Christ, this is the best it gets.
As your read the comments below allow them to take root and speak to your heart as you prepare yourself to get all you can from this weekends message. Enjoy!
(vv. 1-2) Immediately after his prayer in chapter 1, Paul reminds the Ephesians of the reality of personal sin. Like them, we must never forget our past, the condition from which Jesus saved us. Those memories are the best fuel for our gratitude to Christ for all He has done for us.
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| Hindu goddess of blood |
(v. 3) The fact that all people, without exception commit sin, proves that without Christ we have a sinful nature. We are lost in sin and cannot save ourselves. Does this mean only Christians do good? of course not - many people do good to others. On a relative scale, many are moral, kind, and law abiding. Comparing these people criminals we would say that they are very good people indeed. But on God’s absolute scale, no one is good enough to earn salvation (“you were dead in your transgressions and sins.” 2:1) Only through being united with Christ’s perfect life can we become good in God’s sight. “Objects of wrath” refers to those who are to receive God’s wrath because of their rejection of Christ.
(v. 4-5) In these precious verses Paul wrote about our old sinful nature (2:2-3). Here Paul emphasizes that we do not need to live any longer under sin’s power. The penalty of sin and its power over us was miraculously destroyed by Christ on the cross. Through faith in Christ we stand acquitted, or not guilty before God: see (Romans 3:21-22). God does not take us out of the world or make us robots - we will still feel like sinning, and sometimes we were dead in sin and were slaves to our sinful nature. But now we are alive with Christ (see also Galatians 2:20)
Reflect:
- How would you respond if you came upon a wreck and encountered someone needing emergency medical attention?
- What’s the difference between transgressions and sins? (v. 1)
- How would you explain the usage of the word “world” in v. 2?
- Read vv. 2 & 3. Now write down the sources that cause us to fall into sin. Why do you think the things you listed cause this? Which one of the ones you noted give you the most trouble?
- What does the bible say is the punishment for sin? Why?
- Explain in your own words, God’s love and God’s mercy. (v. 4)
- How did God’s grace and mercy make us alive with Christ?
- How would you in your own words define God’s grace? (v. 5)
- What does “... made us alive with Christ ...” mean to you?
Respond:
- If God has blessed us with His love, mercy and grace how does our life reflect gratitude for it?
- Do you ever act like a spoiled child only requesting and taking of God’s goodness?
- What needs to change?
Request:
Take a moment and thank God for His love, mercy and grace in your life. Then ask Him to forgive you for any sin He has revealed to you. Lastly ask Him to give you the ability to live as someone who was made alive with Christ.
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