#1388. We were dead in sin (17/11/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. 

Those who fully rejoice in God’s grace, remember their condition without it!

To watch this devotional, please select the link below

As we begin chapter 2 of Ephesians, he shifts from the overflowing praise of chapter 1 to reminding them of their condition before they knew Jesus. If they are to fully enjoy and appreciate the grace of God, they must first understand and keep remembering their condition without it.

1. ‘As for you…’

Paul begins this section (a single sentence that runs from 2:1-10) by drawing attention to their dire spiritual condition prior to their spiral resurrection that has been given to us in Christ (See 1:18-21). 

Paul begins personally: ‘As for you…’ He’s reminding the Ephesians - and us - of our past. This condition of spiritual death is not just theirs, but ours too. No one - absolutely no one - apart from Christ has lived a sinless life. Paul confirms this in verse 3:

This truth demands humility. It’s a test of our spiritual condition. To become a Christian, we must acknowledge the seriousness of our sin and our helplessness without Christ. Jesus said, ‘“Blessed are the poor in spirit”’ - those who know their deep need. If we reject the idea of sin or God’s judgment, we reject the very reason Jesus died. We can’t receive grace until we see our need for it.

2. ‘You were dead in transgressions and sins’

This is a striking declaration. It’s not just that we were weak or misguided - we were dead. Many today resist this truth, seeing it as too negative or unloving. But love tells the truth, and God’s Word is clear.

On a recent walk, I passed a church sign that read:

At first glance, that seems inclusive and kind. But it risks reducing the gospel to mere acceptance. The true gospel says: Whoever you are, you are welcome to come to Jesus - but through repentance and faith for forgiveness and new life.

We are all born spiritually dead because of Adam’s sin - we are ‘in Adam’ (Romans 5:17).  Spiritual death is not something we fall into after doing enough wrong; it’s the condition we are born into (Romans 6:23). Likewise, spiritual life isn’t earned - it’s given by God through His Spirit. We often talk about the power we need to live the Christian life - but forget that we needed His power even to enter it!

Spiritual death is about our alienation from God and all the broken consequences that flow from this. Our text shows that our spiritual death is revealed in our ‘transgressions and sins’. We sin because we are spiritually dead - not the other way around. Jesus taught:

The fruit comes from the nature of the tree - so our sinful actions stem from our sinful nature. But the gospel doesn’t leave us there. Though we were dead, God made us alive in Christ.

Response

Are you aware that you were born in sin and that your sin needed to be forgiven?

Can you honestly say that, though not perfect, you are putting off the old life and walking in the new - seeking to please Jesus?

Do you marvel that God gave you spiritual life when you were completely unable to earn it?

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.

Note - Please be thinking and praying about who you might want to invite to our upcoming carol service (7th December) and to sign up for carol singing (30th November). To sign up, go to: https://forms.monday.com/forms/67541e198902721e4b04ee65cc95ae8a?r=use1

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

On Sunday, we continued our series: Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. 

Our message on Sunday from Ephesians 2:1-3, was:  The depths from which God has saved us.

Please read Ephesians 2:1-3 and discuss:

• Personal Reflection – What did God speak to you about through Sunday’s message?

• In what ways does this text glorify God's grace?

• How do these verses lead us to praise, joy and assurance?

• Why do the truths of this text lead to unity within the church?

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• How do these verses inspire us with compassion and confidence for sharing the gospel?

• Share Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.

• Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Are there any ‘people of peace’ (*see note) in your life—those who are receptive to you and spiritual conversation?

Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.