Off the Shelf Sunday School--Ephesians

The Human Condition (2:1-3)

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in 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. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following (it’s) desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.

1.????In Chapter 1, Paul describes the blessings that are bestowed upon believers in Christ. In Chapter 2, he describes their condition before they were born spiritually through faith in Jesus.?Paul says that everyone begins life in a sinful condition which is described as being dead or separated from God. Humans have a selfish and rebellious nature that is inherited from Adam and Eve. (Gen 2:17; Mt 8:22; 1 Cor 15:22).

2.????People without Jesus are living but dead inside. They do not know God and their thoughts are focused on seeking the pleasures and things of life. They may have a belief in God but they can not know him unless God reveals himself through a spiritual birth. (Jn 1:12-13; 3:3-5; 14:6). Paul says that unbelievers are not sick but dead! They do not need resuscitation. They need resurrection. The only difference between one unbeliever and another is the state of decay and depravity.

3.????What are the ways of the world that Paul says unbelievers follow?

4.????Who is the ruler of the kingdom of the air? How does this ruler influence the thinking and actions of humans? (Jn 8:44; 1 Jn 5:18-19; 2 Cor 4:4)

5.????What are some cravings of the flesh that occupy our thoughts and influence us to sinful actions?

6.????Paul says that unbelievers are objects of God’s wrath. Without the forgiveness offered through faith in Jesus, humans are doomed to suffer punishment for their sins. It is a fearful thing to suffer God’s angry judgment. (Heb 10:28-31)?