Ephesians.3

Former Manner of Life

From Death to Life: A Transformational Journey

Bible Passage: Ephesians 2:1–3

Summary: In Ephesians 2:1-3, Paul describes the spiritual state of the believer before encountering Christ, emphasizing the reality of being dead in sins and the influence of the world, the flesh, and the devil.

1. Diagnosis of Spiritual Death

Ephesians 2:1 “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,”

The gospel is about life.

Spiritual Death and Separation from God (2:1)

Believers were once dead in trespasses and sins (Eph 2:1–3); not merely weakened or sick, but spiritually lifeless, severed from the source of authentic existence. This death represents the need for grace, to respond to God and to generate spiritual life through faith. Paul establishes here the desperate condition from which redemption must come. John 3:18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

What is Spiritual Death?

Paul here is illustrating the spiritual death that pervaded our lives before Christ. Death is separation from God, we were not merely weak or flawed but were spiritually lifeless, unable to attain righteousness on our own. Reflecting on the past sets a stark backdrop for the beauty of transformation that Christ offers. By acknowledging this former state, we can appreciate the depth of salvation and live in gratitude for Christ’s redemptive power.

What is Spiritual Life?

This is the great promise of the gospel. It is the very thing that Jesus informs us we are to believe. He is the Life (Jn 14:6). He is the Resurrection and the life John 11:25–26 “25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”” The key to Marthas confession was that she not only believed Jesus was the Messiah, but that His offer was life eternal. (Jn 5:24). When we are saved our names are written in the “Lambs Book of Life”.

2. Dominion of Dark Forces

Ephesians 2:2a “in which you once walked according to the course of this world”

Conformity to Worldly Systems (2:2a)

The former manner of life involved walking according to the course of this world (Eph 2:1–3)—adopting the value systems, priorities, and trajectories that characterize human society apart from God’s reign. Believers once moved in lockstep with cultural currents that systematically oppose divine purposes.

“World” in Greek is κόσμος kosmos - this reflects the orderly nature of a system. The word cosmetics comes from this reflecting the orderly fashion that makeup is applied as opposed to chaos. It appears approximately 186 times in the New Testament and denotes a vast world system, distinct from other words translated “world” that refer simply to the earth or an age.

Etymologically, kosmos means “order” or “system”; the opposite of chaos. It represents an arrangement determined by a master mind. However, in New Testament theology, this orderly arrangement operates under satanic authority. Christ designated Satan as “the prince of this world”, establishing his rulership over the system.

The satanic cosmos encompasses far more than mere physical territory. It is a vast order that Satan has promoted, conforming to his ideals, aims, and methods, and includes government, conflict, armaments, jealousies, education, culture, religions of morality, and pride. This includes governments ruled by force and motivated by greed, though believers must live under these systems and pray for them. The satanic system establishes educational standards and ideals that resist revelation, as “the world by wisdom knew not God,” yet believers must sustain relations within worldly education.

Critically, the word kosmos always carries moral value, embodying worldliness that leaves God out and is anti-God in character. Many believers remain unaware of the enmity the world system sustains toward God and His people. As a theological term, kosmos portrays human society as a system warped by sin, operating on principles not of God, lying entirely under Satan’s power, and constituting the kingdom from which Christ delivers believers (Col 1:13).

Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

The Bible uses this same word as “age” in Gal 1:4; Tit 2:12

3. Driven by Desires

Ephesians 2:2b “according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,”

Demonic Influence and Rebellion (2:2b)

This worldly path operated according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience. In direct opposition to the sons of disobedience are the sons of God walking the narrow path according to life, adopted, …

The Dark Prince

Satan’s princes of Persia and Greece Da 10:13, 20 fought God’s messenger angel (Gabriel) and the archangel Michael in spiritual warfare.

Other verses that intimate the dark spiritual hierarchy

Mat 12:29; Luke 10:18; Acts 26:18; 2 Cor 4:4. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ep 6:12).

The former life involved subjection to satanic authority, with believers functioning as instruments of rebellion against God’s kingdom through their disobedience. Today we are citizens of a new kingdom, whose King has conquered this realm.

Prince of the power of the air

1 John 5:19 “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.”

Satan’s designation as “prince of the power of the air” identifies the atmospheric heavens as his present abode; he inhabits the air or atmosphere surrounding earth, though he is limited to one place at a time. This title carries multiple implications about his operational domain and influence. It also declares the limitations of his power by the Prince of heaven, the greater power.

It describes Satan’s capacity to exert influence throughout the visible world and human society. The Satanic organization maintains its headquarters in the atmospheric heaven; the spaces above cities and around our world (seemingly everywhere, but not; and some places more than others - think Sodom, Gomorra and other modern cities).

Satan’s authority over the forces of the air becomes evident historically; when granted permission, he can wield atmospheric powers, as demonstrated when lightning consumed Job’s flocks and wind destroyed his house. This suggests his dominion extends to natural phenomena, not merely spiritual or psychological influence.

Critically, Satan possesses the greatest freedom to operate where human will aligns most readily with disobedience to God. God has granted Satan domain specifically over unbelievers, while believers are no longer under Satan’s rule; unbelievers, by default, remain caught in the devil’s snare, lying in the power of the evil one and in bondage to Satan. The title “prince of the power of the air” thus encompasses both Satan’s cosmic positioning and his concentrated influence over those who resist God’s authority. As Dylan sang, “you’re gonna serve someone”.

4. Defining Our New Identity

Ephesians 2:3 “among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.”

Enslaved Desires and Destined for Judgment (2:3)

Believers once conducted themselves in the lusts of their flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath. The old existence centered on gratifying impulses while standing under divine judgment; not merely guilty of individual sins but positioned by nature as objects of God’s righteous anger.

Paul includes himself in the title “children of wrath”. It is the natural condition we find ourselves in John 3:18, 36. Without salvation the wrath of God abides on us.

“Sons of disobedience” either remain “children of wrath” or are saved by grace through faith to become adopted sons of God. We are either spiritually dead and separated from the life of God, or made alive and brought nigh (Ps 145:18).

One of my favorite themes as a sailor is the lighthouse (I have a collection). Christ is the beacon bringing us out of darkness. He guides us to safe harbor and illuminates the dangers and rocks which could shipwreck us.

There is a great contrast between the previous life and the new creation in Christ. We have a hope guiding our path. We are drawn to the Light (Jn 1:5). Jesus is the Light of the world John 8:12; 9:5; 11:9

5. Directing Our New Path

Ephesians 2:1–3 “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.”

A Summary and Application

Our testimony for Christ is about someone who was blind and now sees. The important is that we now see Jesus. Once we are saved from the blindness of darkness we behold Him. We need to embrace the power and life found in Christ. This new identity isn't just freedom from sin; it’s empowerment for purpose and mission. We share a testimony of transformation, it offers hope to those still bound by spiritual death.

The most important thing about the persons we were is not how bad we were, but it is that God loved us too much to leave us there. We share the wonderful Person of Jesus, who saved us.