Ephesians 2
Life In Jesus

Ephesians 2:1-3 - As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 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. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following the its desires and thoughts.

1- “You were dead in your transgressions and sins.”
Not just non-existent. We existed in a reality that was death.
It is an existence:
Without hope,
Without truth,
Without an ability to produce good, righteous fruit in your life.

2- The Doctrine of Sin Nature
It is the understanding that every person born into this world is spiritually dead and spiritual life must be given by the Holy Spirit of God. There is no other source of Spiritual Life other than JESUS.

Come to Terms with the Fact That Dead is Dead

Romans 8:2
Through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of Life set me free from the law of sin
and death.

Unless we move into life with Jesus, and begin operating through the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Life, we are still under the law of sin and death.

The Good News Is Mercy Has Stepped In!
Ephesians 2:3-5 - Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. BUT because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved.

God could have acted in wrath, BUT sent Jesus instead!
James 2:13 - Mercy triumphs over judgement!

When we are afraid that we are still identified by our old nature, we hide. Hiding is a natural
response to fear.

Even in weakness we do not hide and give sin nature power, we run to the light, expose the darkness and remain free.

Discussion Questions

1- Read Ephesians 2:1-3. How would you describe being spiritually dead in your own words?

2- What are some ways that you used to try to find spiritual life or the fruit of the Holy Spirit’s life (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness or self-control).

3- How successful were you in your attempts?

4- Read Ephesians 2:3-5. Have you ever struggled with the thought that God is mad at you or pursuing you with judgement?

5- If so, how has this passage helped you see God’s attitude toward you in a different way?

6- How can the truth of God’s love and mercy help you to bring your weaknesses and faults into the light instead of trying to hide them for fear of punishment?