Intro: In our passage for today, the Apostle Paul restates that all humanity begins life spiritually dead—governed by the devil—because of sin and disobedience to God. Therefore, a turning toward God in obedience for salvation—by grace through faith in Christ—is necessary. That is why the devil is busy trying to lure people to serve him through the pleasures of the flesh. The flesh is hostile to God (Ro 8:7). A person either chooses salvation in Christ [the One who takes humanity from death into life] or by default will serve the devil—“the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God” (Eph 2:2).
To be spared the judgment of God, we must connect to Christ and be united to his sinless life. In Christ, sin no longer has power over the believer. We can live with a new nature—a righteous One. But, let’s be real about the fact that as long as we live in these bodies of flesh we will feel like sinning; yet, to serve Christ we must deny the flesh that power. The Living Christ is the only One who can help us overcome our sinful nature. Aren’t you grateful for Jesus? Have a blessed weekend!
Ephesians 2:1-7 NLT Made Alive with Christ
1 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.
4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the work of your grace and kindness by making every believer alive with Christ. May we wholeheartedly serve you today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.