Ephesians 2:1-7
Introduction:
1. This “in Christ” statement describes a profound change of spiritual state.
2. In this lesson, we will examine this remarkable transformation to deepen our appreciation of God’s goodness, our dependence, and our responsibilities.
Discussion:
I. Dead In Sin (vv. 1-3)
A. All who walk in sin are spiritually dead (Romans 6:23; 7:10; Luke 15:24, 32).
B. Notice the guiding principles of their former manner of life.
1. In worldliness (John 7:7; 8:23; 2 Timothy 4:10; James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17)
2. Following Satan’s lead (John 8:44; 12:31; 14:30; 1 John 5:19)
3. Sons of disobedience pursuing fleshly lusts (Romans 8:7-8; Galatians 5:19-21)
C. This godless disposition made them children of wrath (vs. 3).
II. Made Alive With Christ (vv. 4-7)
A. But God: His rich mercy flowing from His great love for fallen humanity prompted salvation’s gracious plan.
B. That grace is further enlivened by the fact that He did so despite our godless disposition (vs. 5; cf. Romans 5:6-11).
C. Conversion to Christ resurrects the dead soul (Romans 6:3-7; Colossians 2:12-13).
D. What a display of the exceeding riches of His grace (vs. 7).
III. Seated Together In Christ (vs. 6)
A. Paul speaks of the “heavenly places” five times in this letter indicating the realities in the spiritual realm (1:3, 20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12).
B. In this text, it shows the remarkable ascension for those in Christ.
1. When God raised Christ from the dead, He seated Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places (1:20; Acts 2:33).
2. In some similar sense, when He raised us from our spiritual death, He seated us together in the heavenly places with Him.
C. Such is the essence of our heavenly citizenship (Philippians 3:20).
Conclusion:
1. Obviously, this reality has a more complete fulfillment in the end (1 John 3:1-2).
2. Nonetheless, we live our lives in His company in a very real way.
3. What could the prince of the power of the air offer that would keep us from laying hold of our place in the heavenly realms with our gracious Lord?