From Death to Life: The Power of God's Grace

Preliminary:

Invite to Ephesians 2.

Thanks

Series Introduction:

For the past several months Ephesians 2 has been going over and over in my mind and heart so for the next four Sunday mornings in September I have felt the Lord impress Ephesians 2 on my heart and I want to share some great truths from the pen of the Apostle Paul.

Welcome to our new sermon series, "Alive in Christ: Exploring Ephesians 2."

This powerful chapter of Scripture takes us on a transformative journey from death to life, highlighting the immeasurable grace of God and the new identity we have in Christ.

I am titling this little series: Alive in Christ: Exploring Ephesians 2.

By the Holy Spirit’s help I want to cover these four ideas:

From Death to Life: The Power of God’s Grace

Saved By Grace: The Gift We Could Never Earn

One in Christ: Breaking Down the Walls of Division

Built Together: God’s Dwelling Place on Earth

We'll dive deep into the heart of the Gospel,

discovering how God, in His rich mercy, intervenes in our brokenness to bring us life.

We'll see that we are saved not by our own efforts but by grace alone—a gift so profound that it unites us as one body in Christ.

Together, we’ll explore what it means to be built into a spiritual household where God Himself dwells among us.

Whether you're seeking renewal in your faith or a deeper understanding of God’s incredible love, It is my prayer and desire that this series will challenge and encourage you to embrace the fullness of life that is ours in Christ.

Let’s read our text Ephesians 2:1-7

Ephesians 2:1–7 KJV 1900

1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

From Death to Life: The Power of God's Grace

Hook:

"Have you ever felt worn out, discarded, or like you’ve lost the luster you once had? Maybe life has left you feeling like an old, tattered toy—forgotten and unimportant.

There is a touching and moving children’s story that tells this story -

Margery Williams wrote a beautiful story I’d like to share with you today. It’s called The Velveteen Rabbit.

It’s a story of a stuffed rabbit, who longed to be real. Over time, as this rabbit was loved by a child, it became old and shabby.

Imagine, if you will, a stuffed rabbit—a toy that was once bright and new but is now worn out, its fur rubbed off, its shape misshapen from years of being held close by a child.

But something miraculous happened—the very love that made the rabbit worn also made it real.

This beloved story from The Velveteen Rabbit gives us a beautiful picture of what happens to us when we encounter the love and grace of God.

We were once like that old toy—worn out, lifeless, and without hope.

Ephesians 2:1-7 describes it this way: 'As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins... But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.'

Just as the rabbit was 'made real' through the love of the child, we are brought from death to life through the overwhelming grace and love of God.

Our transformation isn’t because of anything we’ve done—like that rabbit, we didn’t make ourselves real—but it’s the result of God’s mercy and grace, which gives us new life in Christ."

Transition to Scripture:"Today, we’ll delve into Ephesians 2:1-7 and explore how God’s love transforms us from death to life, from something old and broken to something truly alive and real in Christ. Let’s discover together the depth of grace that makes us new creations, giving us a life that we never imagined possible."

The first thing I want us to note:

1. The Reality of Spiritual Death (Eph 2:1-3)

Paul begins with a serious past tense accusation: “You were dead in your trespasses and sins”

Have you ever considered the reality of spiritual death?

Have you ever given it serious thought?

Have you ever contemplated if you were spiritually dead or alive?

Ephesians 2:1-3 Classic passage of the picture of a sinner

To trespass is to cross a line Biblically

Paul is telling the Church at Ephesus that in the past they were in that condition. They were spiritually dead.

What if you woke up one morning to find that you had been declared dead—even though your heart was still beating, your lungs were still taking in air, and your thoughts were still swirling around in your head?

Believe it or not, this happens. And, in most cases, this is caused by a simple clerical error at the Social Security Administration (SSA). In 2011, an audit estimated that about a thousand people per month were declared legally dead, though an SSA employee later said that the number is likely closer to 500 per month.

Donald Miller a resident of Ohio, a fifty something year old, a husband, father of two children, with a rather substantial amount of debt lost his job.

At the end of his rope and not knowing what to do, Donald Miller taking a cowardly way out just simply walked away.

That day in 1986 no doubt is forever etched in the minds of that family

He left Robin the wife and mother with two children, no source of income and thousands of dollars of unpaid child support.

It wasn’t just abandoning the family - it was like a total disappearance. Robin the wife and mother could find nothing as to his whereabouts.

For eight years they waited, there was no word, no evidence of his existence, no proof of life, no body, nothing. It was silence.

Mrs. Miller found an attorney James Hammer and they filed the proper papers and Donald Miller was declared legally dead allowing Robin to collect the Social Security benefits.

Declaring people dead is not strange - There is a law if a person has been missing for a period of time most say at least 7 years that person can be presumed dead. I know of people personally who have had to file a presumption of death case.

But that person has never resurfaced.

In 2005 Donald Miller showed up at his parents house and was told that he had been declared dead.

He attempted to change the death declaration but found out a legal statute in Ohio prevents changes to death rulings once three years have passed.

Judge Allan Davis, Hancock County Probate Court made the statement, “In over 40 years, I’ve never come across a case like this.”

He called it a “strange, strange situation”

He went on to say, “We’ve got the obvious here. A man sitting in the courtroom, he appears to be in good health,”

But due to the legal statute Judge David handed down the ruling that Donald Miller would have to remain dead.

Judge David ended with, “I don’t know where that leave you, but you’re still deceased as far as the law is concerned.”

He was still breathing, heat beating, blood circulating, thinking person sitting in the courtroom that day, but by law Donald Miller is deceased.

This is why we get confused about the word “spiritual death”

It is not a cessation of existence - you don’t stop existing

But spiritual death is a multifaceted reality that profoundly impacts humanity’s relationship with God and the world.

I want us to notice five characteristics of the “Dead in Trespasses and Sins” in Eph. 2:1-3.

Spiritual Death (2:1): This is the foundational characteristic, signifying not physical death, but a state of separation from God.

Source states, "Spiritual death is a total separation or alienation from God, and the spiritually dead are the enemies of God."

Being separated from God is not merely a future consequence of sin, but a present reality for those who are “dead in trespasses and sins.”

They exist in a state of alienation from the “life of God”

Cut off from the source of true vitality and purpose.

spiritual death is seen as a profound disconnect from God, resulting in powerlessness and bondage to sin.

We see this vividly depicted in some biblical parallels

In Ezekiel 37 we find the image of the “valley of dry bones” The lifeless bones represent a people disconnected from God’s Spirit. They are desolate, dead, unable to do anything. Their bones are bleached and nothing there,

IN Luke 15 Jesus shares the parable of the Prodigal Son. We see the separation from the father by the younger’s son self-imposed exile. While absent from the Father, even while still physically alive he is pronounced dead - a picture of the broken relationship.

In the fall of man - man became separated from God This

This separation brings about A deprivation of the Spirit

A deprivation of the Spirit produces death

This deprivation of the Spirit brings death by spiritual implosion so to speak. Luther described as being incurvatus in se, curved in on oneself.

Some scriptures that teach this great truth:

Romans 5:12 “12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:”

Isaiah 1:5-6 “5 Why should ye be stricken any more? Ye will revolt more and more: The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. 6 From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; But wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: They have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.”

Jer 17:9 “9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”

Ps 51:5 “5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; And in sin did my mother conceive me.”

Romans 3:23 “23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”

If this spiritual death is not remedied before physical death - it is eternal death.

But it’s not just a spiritual death - When we are spiritually dead we are...

Objects of God's Wrath (2:3): As a consequence of living in opposition to God, those trapped in the old life of sin are subject to His righteous anger.

Paul says in Eph. 2:3 that “by nature we are the children of wrath”

It is our default position

It is a status inherited, not earned

It is a predisposition to sin from Adam

This predisposition is against God and destined because of the Holiness of God to face wrath

We are not condmned because we are born - but we are naturally born depraved and sinful

Romans 3:23 KJV 1900

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

The classic text on inherited depravity Ps 51:5

Psalm 51:5 KJV 1900

5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; And in sin did my mother conceive me.

Being the children of wrath - refers to God’s holy and just response to sin.

It is not an emotional outburst - but his as one put it, “Unfailing and unceasing antagonism to sin,” it is a fundamental aspect of God’s character.

Apart from Christ we are in a dire situation - we are living under the wrath of God

So we have

Spiritual Death

Objects of God’s Wrath

The next three are examples of the enslaving characteristics. They are influences that hold humanity captive in spiritual death.

Conformity to the World's Ways (2:2): “the course of this world”

When we are spiritually dead - we will follow the ways of the world

Those ensnared in the old life of sin are characterized by their conformity to the patterns and values of "this world," a realm opposed to God.

This included embracing a mindset that prioritizes self-centered desires over God's will.

this "world" signifies a "society organized and functioning independent of God," emphasizing a practical humanism that rejects God's authority.

Subjugation to Satanic Influence (2:2): Ephesians 2:2 identifies Satan as "the prince of the power of the air,"

This verse describes the satanic influence as not merely a matter of being influenced by the world’s ways (which are influenced by Satan) but of being directly under the dominion of Satan himself.

This verse shows that Satan is not a passive figurehead, but an active and powerful ruler who exerts significant control over those under his dominion.

He works by Temptation and Deception - Paul in another place calls him “the god of this world”

Alluring humanity with worldly pleasures, power and possession - his purpose is to draw away from God.

You can be sure of one thing - if you are doing things or involved in things that are drawing you away from God you are being lead by Satanic influences.

He deceives people through false ideologies, philosophies, and worldviews that blind them to the truth of the Gospel.

The very idea that peace can be achieved by humanistic efforts is such a laughable fallacy if it weren’t so serious and seriously pursued.

Satan also works by Exploiting the Flesh

His access to the hearts of men gives him the ability to inflame the passions and lusts

He works through the “cravings of the flesh”

He exploits humanity’s natural inclination towards sin to further his agenda.

You can take the last 60 years of America’s obsession with sex -

Pornography is so easily accessible and presented and normal and natural and acceptable -

But Jesus said to look and lust is the same as committing adultery

Now I get there is a difference between being tempted and lusting

If we are falling prey to this sin we are being exploited by the works of flesh by the direct influence of satan

Satan’s work is often subtle and often unrecognized control - Paul says those who are dead in trespasses and sins are under this satanic control.

Enslavement to Fleshly Desires (2:3):

Ephesians 2:3 “3 ... fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind;”

The "flesh" in this context goes beyond mere physicality,

It carries a deeper, more sinister connotation.

The “flesh” in this context represents the fallen human nature, inherently inclined and predisposed towards sin and in opposition to God.

We are given a vivid picture of the compelling and controlling nature of the “desires of the flesh and the mind”

Cravings of the flesh

Self-centered impulses

A broader idea of the “flesh” is the being the principle of self-gratification that stands in opposition to God’s will.

These “fleshly desires” operated in a two-fold manner:

Through the fleshly lusts or desires, or cravings associated with sensuality and excess

And also through the “fleshly mind” Characterized by pride, envy, and other vices.

The control is comprehensive

Its not limited to specific actions but extends to the entirety of a person’s being

Thoughts, desires, actions

When sinful desires dominate one’s mind - it will inevitably lead to corresponding actions

Even our mental and intellectual faculties are entangled in this web of sin when we are dead in trespasses and sins.

In the parable of the prodigal son the younger son’s choices are illustrated by external actions. The elder son’s are internal attitudes - his bitterness and resentment stem from a heart captive to the flesh.

I am so thankful that this isn’t the way it has to be. I hope I have attempted to paint sin just as dark and stark as I possible can.

But I want you to notice Eph. 2:1-3 are past tense realities

It was a reality - but now they have a new reality -

We have seen the reality of spiritual death - secondly I want us to notice...

2. God’s Intervention (Eph. 2:4-5)

Ephesians 2:4–5 KJV 1900

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

God’s intervention is first noted in that HE IS - Rich in Mercy: God's Character as the Basis for Salvation

Rich in mercy is a profound description of God's nature and the foundation of salvation.

This phrase goes beyond a mere acknowledgment of God's compassion; it reveals an overflowing abundance of mercy that defines His very being and motivates His actions toward humanity.

Here's a deeper look at how the sources explain "rich in mercy":

1. Abundant and Overflowing:

God's mercy is not limited or stingy but exists in overflowing abundance, readily available to all who call upon Him.

Source connects the phrase "rich in mercy" to the Greek word "plousios," often used to describe immense wealth or resources. This emphasizes that God possesses an inexhaustible supply of mercy, freely bestowed upon those who are undeserving.

Source describes God's mercy as "plenteous," drawing a parallel to the boundless compassion He displayed toward the "dry bones" in Ezekiel's vision. This imagery conveys the idea that God's mercy is sufficient to breathe life even into the most hopeless situations.

Source reinforces this idea, stating that God's mercies are “rich in extent, in number, in respect of constancy, in variety, in value." This multifaceted portrayal underscores the inexhaustible nature of His compassion, extending to every aspect of human need.

2. Unmerited and Undeserved:

God's mercy is not earned or deserved but freely given, even to those who are hostile and rebellious toward Him.

Mercy is tied in the Old Testament to passages like

Exodus 34:6 “6 And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,”

Deuteronomy 7:7–9 “7 The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: 8 But because the Lord loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the Lord brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. 9 Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;”

3. Motivated by Love:

Rich in mercy emphasizes that God's abundant mercy is rooted in His profound love for humanity, a love that precedes and surpasses any human response.

Source states that "for his own sake God showers love upon man." This suggests that God's mercy is not a reluctant obligation but a joyful outpouring of His affectionate nature.

Source links "rich in mercy" directly to "the abundant love with which he loved us." God's love is both "abundant in measure" and "abundant in profundity," reflecting His unwavering commitment to His creation.

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, vast, unmeasured, boundless, free! Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me! Underneath me, all around me, is the current of Thy love Leading onward, leading homeward to Thy glorious rest above!

We used to sing Deep and Wide Deep and wide

How deep the Father’s love for us, How vast beyond all measure, That He should give His only Son To make a wretch His treasure.

It is this lavish mercy, that makes salvation possible and offers hope for transformation.

That brings life to those who are dead in trespasses and sins

Then look at verse 5: Ephesians 2:5 “5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)”

This chapter begins with what some scholars call a “broken” sentence.

There is no subject and no verb.

Now I am not a grammar expert - but something is broken here. Something seems to be missing.

This is not a mistake or linguistic quirk. It is a deliberate literary tool by the Apostle Paul

It is called an anacoluthon {ana-ca-luth-on}

you could compare it to starting a story but pausing midway, leaving the audience in suspense.

Brother Baber was a master at this although I don’t think it was always intentional - he would start one story that would lead to another and then he might or might not ever get back to his first story to finish it.

This literary tool mirrors how Paul begins with the dire state of humanity but delays the resolution, heightening the impact of God’s intervention when it finally comes.

in Ephesians 2:5 “5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)”

A transition from that helpless, hopeless, spiritually dead condition to life in Christ by the love and mercy of God.

C. S. Lewis in Mere Christianity illustrates how God’s work in our lives often goes beyond our initial expectations.

We often think God’s work in us is just about making us a bit better, fixing a few flaws, or helping us become a slightly improved version of ourselves. - like making a modest improvement to a house.

Lewis argues, however that God’s intentions are far greater.

God’s plan is to transform us completely,

to make us holy and like Christ, which is much more radical and comprehensive than what we might initially expect.

Lewis uses the metaphor of a house to show that while we may expect minor renovations,

God is actually working on a complete overhaul.

He’s not just fixing up a few rooms;

He’s expanding and transforming the house into a palace, a dwelling fit for Himself.

Lewis puts it this way, "Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house... You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace,"

The reality may have been spiritual death, but now we have a new reality of God’s intervention - this intervention exchanges that death for life

3. New Life in Christ (v. 6-7)

Ephesians 2:6–7 KJV 1900

6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

- Raised with Christ and seated in the heavenly realms.

Not a future hope but a present reality

Raised up means a completed action with ongoing results

This raising up also talks about a believers deliverance from spiritual enemies

We share in Christ’s victory and triumph

Heavenly realm is the spiritual realm where Christ reigns

believers are not merely forgiven but are now seated with Christ in a position of ultimate victory and honor.

Those in Christ are living embodiments of God's grace, destined to display His immeasurable riches for all eternity.

Raised up means resurrected - When we are saved - we are born again

Donald Miller finally had to go to the Social Security office and apply for a new Social Security number and become reborn if you will

This morning you may be setting here physically - but if you are spiritually dead - That doesn’t have to be the end of the story

The riches of God’s mercy and grace are active right here right now

It is simple to experience this raised up life

Acknowledge your sin - and state confess agree with God about your condition

Receive God’s richness in mercy and grace