#1392. Objects of wrath (21/11/25)

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. 

In our last reflection, we saw how, before coming to Jesus, we were enslaved to ‘the flesh’  -  sinful desires, plans, and thought patterns opposed to God. Now Paul adds a sobering conclusion: 

Apart from Christ, we were ‘by nature deserving of wrath’ - knowing this is vital for our joy and for us to come to Jesus in the first place! 

To watch this devotional, please select the link below

1. Like the rest

Paul’s words leave no room for exceptions, we were all:

• ‘Dead in transgressions and sins’

• ‘Following the ways of this world’

• ‘Following…the ruler of the kingdom of the air’ (Satan)

• ‘Gratifying the cravings of our flesh’

This was true of all of us before the gospel took hold of our lives. No one has ever been born into this world already living the righteous life God requires (Romans 3:10–12). Even the most moral or religious among us stood under the same verdict.

2. By nature deserving wrath

Paul tells us that, in light of our sin, we were ‘by nature deserving of wrath.’ The term orgḗ - translated as wrath, anger, or indignation - might make us think of someone losing their temper and lashing out in uncontrolled rage. But there is such a thing as good wrath. Anger itself is a human capacity that can be used for good. Surely it is right to be stirred to act against injustice or abuse in this world.

When we speak of God’s wrath, we are dealing with perfect and holy anger - never reckless, never misdirected, but always just. His wrath is the necessary and right response of His holiness toward sin.

Our text reminds us that we were, “by nature,” under God’s wrath, deserving judgment for our sin. This condition is not merely the result of bad deeds piling up and tipping the scales against us; it is the deeper reality that we have inherited Adam’s sin (Romans 5:12). As Paul writes:

3. God’s wrath was revealed at the cross

Here lies the heart of the gospel: Jesus died not only as an act of love, but as an act of propitiation  -  bearing God’s wrath in our place. On the cross, Christ took upon Himself the curse of the law we had broken:

When darkness covered the land at His crucifixion, it was the visible sign that the judgment we deserved was falling upon Him. The “cup” of wrath was fully drained by our Saviour (Luke 22:42; John 18:11).

Response

Do we see God’s wrath against sin as part of His goodness? A God who does not judge evil is not worthy of worship. But our God is perfectly just  -  and astonishingly merciful.

Let the memory of our former condemned state deepen our gratitude for the cross. And let the knowledge that Christ drank the cup for us move us to worship, holiness, and urgent love for those still under wrath.

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.