8/11/14- Ephesians 2

1As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in 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. 3All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh^a and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.  (Ephesians 2)

Thoughts: This passage tells us that on our own, we are dead to God- and God is dead to us.  Sin kills our spiritual life, blocking us from the presence of the Holy God.  Dead people do not reach up or reach out. Dead people have no power or life in them.  The way we are saved is that the Holy Spirit regenerates us- wakes us up to God- opens our blind eyes to Him.  Before the Spirit woke us up to God, we were following the ways of the world- "eat-drink-and be merry"- living for the now only.  Paul was saying we follow the evil one- who is at work in those who disobedient.  There is a spiritual element in rebelliousness against God. We deserve the punishment of God for our sins, but instead God loves us anyway- sending Jesus to make us alive to Him. 

Prayer: Thank you for your mercy, Lord.  Thank you for making me alive to you.