Neighborhood

Study Guide
Ephesians 2:1-5
Introduction The pronouns shift dramatically in Ephesians chapter 2. In Ephesians 1, we hear almost exclusively about Gods work nd and what God has done. Now, in chapter 2, the pronouns become 2 person plural. Paul begins talking about us- finally! Unfortunately this is not good news. To talk about us in our own condition is to talk about death and disobedience. Luckily, Paul changes the topic back very quickly But God. In these two words - But God (Ephesians 2:4) we find the heart of the gospel that God acts over and above our actions to redeem us, to rescue us, to make things right. But God tells us that there is a different force at work in the universe with the power and the intention to do what we could not. In fact, you could say that the whole story of the Bible is summarized in these two words: Nothing existed but God created Adam and Eve disobeyed but God relented People made their own gods but God made a people for Himself Gods people were slaves but God rescued them Gods people rejected Him but God forgave and restored them. The same is true for my life as well: I rejected Him but God accepts me I walk away but God follows hard after I lose my temper but God shows tenderness I give up but God refuses to I was destined for death... but God gave me life. Lets look at the text where we find this transformative phrase.

Ephesians 2:1-5
2:1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christby grace you have been saved.

Questions
1. Paul describes us as once dead in our trespasses and sins. Why does Paul use the term dead, rather than sick, broken or struggling? Do you think dead is a fair description of the human condition without God? 2. What are the implications of spiritual death? 3. Which of these phrases is most compelling to in describing our spiritual death? How does it help you to understand this idea of spiritual death? a. Following the course of the world: going blindly along with whatever the world suggests, admires or adores. b. Following the prince of the power of the air: passively and spiritually led into disobedience by the ruler of nothingness and vanity which is what the power of air probably means. There is a spiritual power that governs the realm of air who has no genuine power to save us probably referring to Satan. Satan is a liar and leads people to build their lives on a lie. c. Living in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and mind: unable to control or resist desires that we have. Flesh here does not simply mean our bodily desires, but all actions, mental and physical which are unspiritual. d. Children of wrath: under the judgment of an angry God, doomed to destruction.

Questions
4. 5. 6. 7.

Comparing Apples and Apples One of the great issues people have at this point is the way that Paul marks a radical distinction between Christians who are spiritually alive and others who are spiritually dead. This hardly seems fair when we see the admixture of Christians and non-Christians around us. More often than not, Christians and non-Christians are largely equivalent morally, and it is no surprise to us when we meet a non-Christian who is simply wonderful. How dare Paul The best image I can think of when we think about spiritual death is plucking an apple from a tree. An apple hanging on a tree and an apple sitting in a bowl look, smell and taste exactly the same. But the apple on the tree is growing because it is still connected to the source of life. It is alive. The apple on the bowl, on the other hand, is in the process of decaying. Although it still tastes good because it holds the life that grew it, the apple is now dead and dying. In time, it will be utterly rotten. The issue is not the state of the apple, but the state of the connection to life. In the same way, two people may look very similar on the surface. There is no discernible moral or mental difference. The great difference is their eternal destiny. One is connected to life and a future. The other is disconnected from that power and facing destruction. The only hope for anyone is getting reconnected to the tree. The bad news can only be counteracted by a greater good news this is where the good news of But God comes in.

In verses 4 and 5, what do we learn about Gods character, Gods intention towards us, and Gods action? Go over question 3 again. If these are the marks of spiritual death, what are implications of spiritual life? If the distinction between spiritual life and spiritual death is not moral superiority, what is it? Do you feel spiritually alive?

Practical Question
8. A Friend of yours has recently become a Christian. She says to you one day; its so strange. Ever since I became a Christian, I dont feel like I am becoming a better person. I actually sometimes feel more sinful and broken. Why is that? I thought becoming a Christian meant it would be easier to be good! How would you encourage your friend? 9. You have been invited to make a presentation along with a couple of other folks to a group of inner city high school kids. Their school is beset by violence, poverty, and low expectations. You are talking with your partners about how to encourage the kids. One of your partners suggests the following: We just need to keep it positive. People need to know that they have the power within them to do great things. These kids need to be told that everything is possible, and they need to stay positive! Another partner disagrees: My problem with that is it doesnt take their problems seriously. They face hard things every day. We need to tell these kids that they have to be tougher than their circumstances. That if they work hard, they cant get out of their situation and be on track for college, a great job, and a good income. They need to know that if they try, they can do it.