Dead But Alive

Paul described the human condition in 2:1–3. He explained how people were “dead in transgressions and sins” (2:1), cut off from the life of God and controlled by their own selfish desires (2:3). Beyond this they were ensnared by the power of Satan (2:2). As a result men and women apart from Christ are without life, without freedom, and without hope.

Difference Between Trespass and Sin

Holman Bible Handbook Redeemed by Grace (2:1–10)

Chapter two continues Paul’s thoughts about God’s eternal purposes in Christ. In 2:1–10 Paul discussed how sinful people who deserve nothing but God’s wrath can be redeemed by His grace.

Objects of Wrath

Tell story about being objects of wrath

Alive Because of God

God’s Love

John 3:16 NASB95

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

John 3:16

Illustrate this point By His grace He has granted new life to believers (). The basis for the new life is God’s great love and mercy. Believers have been united with Christ in His resurrected life. Formerly people apart from Christ were dead, enslaved, and objects of wrath. In Christ believers are now alive, enthroned, and objects of grace.

Ephesians 2:4–6 NASB95

But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

David S. Dockery et al., Holman Bible Handbook (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 1992), 714.

God’s Actions

God’s Purpose

His purpose is to show us the richness of His Grace

Application

Question 1 Who were you before you became a Christian?

Question 2 What were the biggest changes you noticed in your life after you became a Christian?

Related Media

Related Sermons