What is the meaning of Ephesians 2:3? All of us also lived among them at one time Paul’s “all of us” sweeps in every believer—Jew and Gentile alike—reminding us that no one is born spiritually neutral. Before Christ we fully belonged to “them,” the world system opposed to God (1 John 2:15-17). Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” and 1 Peter 4:3 notes that we once “spent enough time… carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles.” • This shared past eliminates pride; salvation is entirely by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). • It also fosters compassion for unbelievers—we used to stand where they now stand (Titus 3:3-5). Fulfilling the cravings of our flesh “Cravings” pictures strong, driving impulses springing from our fallen nature. Instead of resisting, we “fulfilled” them, actively pursuing what felt good in the moment. Galatians 5:19-21 lists the works of the flesh—sexual immorality, impurity, idolatry, hatred, drunkenness, and more—then adds, “those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Common ways those cravings show up: • Pleasure without boundaries (Romans 13:13-14). • Possessions without contentment (1 Timothy 6:9-10). • Power without servant-heartedness (James 4:1-3). Left unchecked, the flesh always drags a person farther from God (Romans 8:7-8). Indulging its desires and thoughts Sin is not only about outward behavior; the mind joins in. Jesus said, “anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). Evil schemes begin in the thought life (Mark 7:21-23). Colossians 1:21 reminds believers, “you were alienated from God and were hostile in your minds.” • Thoughts shape actions; repeated indulgence forms habits. • God’s answer is renewal: “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath “By nature” points to what we are from birth (Psalm 51:5). Because Adam’s sin spread to all humanity (Romans 5:12), we entered the world already under God’s righteous judgment. John 3:36 warns, “whoever rejects the Son will not see life. Instead, the wrath of God remains on him.” • Wrath is not a loss of God’s control but His settled, holy opposition to sin (Romans 1:18). • Only Christ’s atoning death satisfies that wrath, making peace for all who believe (Romans 5:9). summary Ephesians 2:3 paints the bleak but honest portrait of our pre-conversion condition: universally enslaved to worldly culture, driven by sinful appetites, corrupted in mind, and condemned under God’s wrath. Recognizing this backdrop magnifies the beauty of verses 4-5—“But God… made us alive with Christ.” We were helpless; He acted. We deserved judgment; He gave mercy. Remembering where we came from fuels gratitude, humility, and a passion to share the gospel that rescued us. |
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