Read verses 1-3. Also read 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.
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Ephesians 2:1-3 makes it clear that apart from Jesus every person is a child of wrath, walking in sin and following the devil.
- Does this sound extreme to you? Of course it sounds extreme, those are God's rules. It is an absolute and I think we are afraid of having absolutes in our culture. Though it seems extreme when read, there is comfort in knowing that I am no longer a child of wrath, but a child of God. If there is no delineation between the two I think it would wash out the "value" or meaning of salvation.
- Does this change how you think about unbelievers – or believers? I am often puzzled by the differences, or lack thereof, between believers and non-believers. How a "good" person can be a non-believer, and how a miserable cuss can claim to be a believer. When you consider we all have the same origins I guess it makes a little more sense.
- Why or why not? Only in that I can point to scripture to show that I am just as sinful as my neighbor who mows his lawn or washes his car on the sabbath.
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Verse 1 says “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked”. Notice the past tense. So be prepared to share the following things with our group:
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When was the specific time when you first believed in Jesus? (And...do you think there needs to be a specific time in every believer’s life?) As a member of the CRC I made profession of faith in May of 1995. So that is my first public sharing of my beliefs... however it must have been before that that I believed. I don't feel that I need a specific time in my life because I've grown up in the church and in Christian schools and with a God-fearing family. Furthermore I've never worked more than a few weeks in a non God-fearing business. As a result I don't believe I've had that "moment" where it just clicked or a life event made me change my ways. I have plenty of growing, learning and relationship building to do in my faith, I'm just not sure I tie it nicely around a specific time or event.
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How is your life different now that you believe in Jesus? I'd like to think I'm a good person and that I can discern good vs. evil and live my life in an honoring and glorifying way. However, sometimes I wonder if I don't discern the difference while making poor choices in the moment. I think I need to do a better job of actively living a life that honors and glorifies God.
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