Ephesians 2:1-3
Pastor Christian Adjemian
The apostle begins with death in sin because it is only when we have an accurate understanding of our state apart from Christ that we can appreciate the greatness of his work to save us from that state of misery.
I. We were among the walking dead when God made us alive together with
Christ.
A. The state of our existence was spiritual death.
B. Spiritual death is the consequence of sin, Gen 2:17; Gen 5:5.
C. Spiritual death is the alienation of man in a state of sin from
the God who created him.
1. Hiding from God, Gen 3:9-10
2. Not a passive state
3. Fear and shame
4. Persecution and oppression from the devil, Psalm 143:3
5. No melodies of thanksgiving for the Lord, Psalm 115:17
6. A complete absence of all the blessings which are found in Eph
II. Walking in death means to be of the world, slaves to the devil, and
completely given over to self’s desires.
A. We shared in the world’s ways, verse 2; the unblessed (Ps 1) dead
in sin.
B. We were slaves to the devil, the prince of darkness (Eph 6:12).
III. The walking dead are made alive together with Christ.
A. The work of Christ removes sin and its curse (Matthew 11:5; John
5:21; Rev 1:18).
B. If we are made alive together with Christ we enjoy eternal life
C. If you are not a Christian, hear the word of Christ and live!
(John 5:25; John 10:27; Eph 1:21).
D. We who are made alive together with Christ must consider
carefully our attitude toward sin.
1. When we condemn the sin in others (Ps 130:1-4)
2. When we correct sin in others. (Matt 7:1-5; Gal 6:1).
3. When we think we are not too sinful (James 1:23-25)