Made Alive by Him

Ephesians 2:1–18 NKJV

1 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. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. 11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands—12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

Ephesians 2

continuing in the sense of the receding chapter -

Discussing the greatness of His Power

His Omnipotence and Omniscience

His Power is manifested in raising Jesus from the dead

Now illustrated in the salvation of His people

Resurrected from the deadness of sin (being condemned Already)

You He Made Alive

One of the most powerful and accurate word pictures of what it means to be saved

He describes in such detail the status the we have attained through our salvation:

God’s predetermination of His Plan

The status of “adoption” into His family, seated with Christ, ....

And Now he explains the practical consequence of this salvation, as well as describing our state before our salvation

You have been “made alive” or “Made to live”

Jesus said “the thief comes to kill steal and destroy, but I have come that you may have life...

the life that really is life

life to the fullest

Who were dead in trespasses and sins

To comprehend what is meant by “made alive” we need to understand what is meant by “dead” here.

Obviously he does not mean physically dead here, in fact it is apparent that the sinners in the world are very much alive

Rather it is being “spiritually dead” to which he is referring.

This was not just a figure of speech (like in the story of prodigal son)

Rather it is a factual statement of the spiritual condition outside of Christ

You are a Spirit - you live in a body

if your spirit is “dead” then you are dead

Here is very explicit proof of depravity - very strongest of language

They were “dead” in relation to God, in relations to righteousness, in relation to heaven, and salvation

This does not mean that they had no physical, temporal life. Doesn’t mean they didn’t breath, or walk around etc. or that they had no mental or intellectual abilities.

In relation to “real spiritual life” they were dead to that life. They were “condemned already” they had the judgement of death already

Consider the dead

a dead person cannot relate to the world around them

they don’t hear when you speak

they don’t act when you instruct.

They hear not, feel not, smell not, see not anything.

All kinds of things can be going on around them, yet they cannot react to any.

They can’t perceive the warmth of the sun on their skin, or the sound a melody soothing their being.

These things can be around them but they are not affected. (the touch of a loved ones gets no response at a funeral.

And so it is with the sinner in regard to the spiritual, eternal world.

He sees no beauty in worship

He is not moved by the call to prayer

Does not hear the call of God (though He calls, all the day long)

Not affected by the love of our savoir who died for him

No more concern for these things that a dead man has for the world around him.

This is, in truth, the condition of the sinful world

there is indeed physical life, energy, motion and activity - plans, building and inventions

But in regard to God, and heaven, and eternity, it is dead.

The sinner feels no attraction here.

No human power can interest him to act for God, to worship, to be saved

any more than human power can awake a corpse

The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is needed to convert a sinner to salvation

and both of these demonstrate the awesome omnipotence of Almighty God

If only more Christians understood this reality

James 5:21

James 5:20 NKJV

20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.

This salvation is accomplished through the omnipotent intervention of God, through faith

salvation is a miracle, just like the resurrection

If you are preaching and people aren’t getting saved, pray more, believe more (having studied, and prepared)

In Trespasses and Sins

Paul didn’t leave it a mystery as to how they were considered “dead” or for what reason/

He made it clear that they were dead becasue of trespasses and sins

Think of trespasses as going out of bounds, and sins as more of willful intent

In both cases the rules are broken,, they game is lost, the penalty applied

There is not enough talk about this in the modern church

It is unpopular to talk about sin, and even more unpopular to suggest that it actually has consequence

Yet the bible is filled with clear teaching and examples that it does

James - Sin brings death. Isaiah - God does not hear becasue of Sin (59)

There simply can’t be much stronger language than what Paul uses here

“You were dead becasue of trespasses and sins”

In which you once walked

Although they were Christians now, they were made alive - they used to walk in this sin

Once walked - in other words, this was their ordinary course

It wasn’t just a single slip that disqualified them, rather, their way of trespass and sin was “normal”

According to the Course of This World

They were living in conformity with the customs and practices of the world at large

They were not particularly “bad” people

In fact, they were generally law abiding citizens.

It is understood that “criminals” are those that live outside of the course of the world at large

Yet, these who were “dead in trespass” were living “according to the course of this world

Again, there is simply not enough talk about this.

You can go to work every day and pay your taxes, and still be “dead” in trespass and sin

Enemies of the cross of Christ

Separated by your sin

Being a nice person is not enough - you must be born again

If you fit in with the rest of the world you are probably on your way to hell

The wide and narrow gates ()

According to The Prince of The Power of The Air

Again, Paul uses powerful, forceful language here

There is a Spirit behind this behavior

There is a devil and Paul here claims that he is influencing the course of the world, and sinners

There is a demonic influence over much our media, movies, music, and entertainment

If you get your theology from TV, from Musicians, or from the News, you are going to be wrong

This same spirit that works in the “sons of disobedience”

The implication is that there are “spirits” - living beings with a mind, will, emotions, (but not a body)

Occupying the same space that we are in - the air

Exerting, or attempting to exert influence on people

This may make some people uncomforatable

Telling someone that they are being influenced by the devil can start a fight

Some people can get downright angry over that - and in denial

Yet this is exactly what Jesus taught

To Peter He said “Get behind me satan”

Mentioned that the devil had entered Judas

Pater mentioned the devil had entered Ananias and Sapphira

Paul called Elymas a “child of the devil”

When they were subject to these spirits, they were “dead”

they were dead in relation to God’s Spirit, in relation to the life that really is life

Among Whom We All Once Conducted Ourselves

Say “He’s talking to you”

Paul began this by saying “You He made alive” in reference to the Ephesian believers

Having clearly described their former state, and its consequence, he now includes himself, and us

“We all once conducted ourselves”

You were not always saved (no matter how sweet you may think you are)

A Good many Christians think that, even though they were not always saved, they still were not rally bad

We all have our part in this “deadness

We were all once under the influence of the “prince of the power of the air”

We all were subject to the same spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience

We all were enemies of God, and under the condemnation of death

You may say “no hold on Pastor. That doesn’t apply to me. I’ve always believed in God”

James said the devil believes in God, and he trembles

Here is what Jesus said to some of the Jews who believed in Him (but were not yet converted)

John 8:44 NKJV

44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.

John 8:32–44 NKJV

32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” 33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” 34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. 37 “I know that you are Abraham’s descendants, but you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. 38 I speak what I have seen with My Father, and you do what you have seen with your father.” 39 They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham. 40 But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. 41 You do the deeds of your father.” Then they said to Him, “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father—God.” 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. 43 Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.

John 8:32–50 NKJV

32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” 33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” 34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. 37 “I know that you are Abraham’s descendants, but you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. 38 I speak what I have seen with My Father, and you do what you have seen with your father.” 39 They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham. 40 But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. 41 You do the deeds of your father.” Then they said to Him, “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father—God.” 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. 43 Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. 46 Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? 47 He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.” 48 Then the Jews answered and said to Him, “Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?” 49 Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. 50 And I do not seek My own glory; there is One who seeks and judges.

John 8:32–58 NKJV

32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” 33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” 34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. 37 “I know that you are Abraham’s descendants, but you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. 38 I speak what I have seen with My Father, and you do what you have seen with your father.” 39 They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham. 40 But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. 41 You do the deeds of your father.” Then they said to Him, “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father—God.” 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. 43 Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. 46 Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? 47 He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.” 48 Then the Jews answered and said to Him, “Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?” 49 Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. 50 And I do not seek My own glory; there is One who seeks and judges. 51 Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.” 52 Then the Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon! Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word he shall never taste death.’ 53 Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Who do You make Yourself out to be?” 54 Jesus answered, “If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is your God. 55 Yet you have not known Him, but I know Him. And if I say, ‘I do not know Him,’ I shall be a liar like you; but I do know Him and keep His word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” 57 Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” 58 Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”

Of course He didn’t say this to be mean to them

Rather, He wanted them to be saved

to come out from the power of the devil and live

He told them that they could know the truth and be made free

eph2.

Ephesians 2:3–5 NKJV

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. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

Although we all have been in this state

in the lusts of the flesh

The bible says that we were “by nature” the children of wrath, just like others

We all need to be careful not to become “high minded”

Having been made alive, we need to remember where we cam from

By our very nature, we were children of wrath

Just like others - you ain’t no better than them (as mother said “if not for the grace of God, there go I)

But God!!!

Because of His Great love

not by anything I have done, or promised to do

Even when we were dead in trespasses

even when we were already in this state that we have been discussing

And before we did anything to change it - God loved us

(Example of rebellious, arguing kid, and one who is repentant)(R- and J)

Ephesians 2:8–9 NKJV

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

E

One of the most profound explanations of our salvation is found here

The message here is so simple it is hard for many to understand - it does not compute

We want there to be something more - something whereby we can feel a sense of accomplishment, or achivement

Some virtue in me that explains why I should be chosen for this salvation

(“becasue of His great love”)

So many religious people simply cannot accept this without adding something to it

if people are saved so easily won’t they keep on sinning?

In fact, people who are truly saved become “dead to sin” in the same way that they were once dead to righteousness

While sin may be an outward indication that one has not been saved, not sinning does not make a person not a sinner any more than not barking makes dog become a cat.

By Grace you have been saved

By God’s unmerited favor toward us, we have received this salvation

We can reject it, but we cannot earn it

It is offered to us through His grace, becasue of His love

We receive it through our faith.

It is a gift, not a wage

We receive this gift, by faith

faith: Believing something enough to act like you believe it

Faith does result in repentance

Having been “made alive” we are His Workmanship

We are now created in Christ Jesus unto good works!

Of course we should walk in them

Of Course people who have received Him, do live like it!

You are His Workmanship - Made alive in Him.