Ephesians 2:1-3 "Used to would"

According to Jeff Foxworthy’s Redneck Dictionary, the phrase “used to could” means something you were once able to do but no longer can. For me it would be, “I can’t do a cartwheel anymore, but I used to could.”

The word could is used to indicate ability or permission in the past; “I could run faster then.”
The word would is used to express desire or intent, or to express repeated or habitual action in the past. “I would run faster now….if I could.”

In Ephesians 2:1-3 Paul told the believers how they “used to would” live.

Humanity was created to be in intimate relationship with God. Sin destroyed that shalom, and humanity was separated from God and from shalom. This is the human condition - dead, living in “transgressions and sins” v 1 (two words that together have the same emphasis). In this human condition all people are dominated by:
     -the “ways of the world” v 2
     -the “ruler of the kingdom of the air” v 2
     -and the “cravings of the flesh” v 3

All three realities work to lure us away from God and hope in Jesus Christ.

The Greek word in v 3 for flesh is “sarx.” It shows up as a prefix in medical terminology for certain conditions; sarc-oma is a flesh (sarc) tumor (oma). New Testament writers used “sarx” in reference to our physical body and all its cravings, longings, urges, and desires. Some of which are good.

But Paul’s talking about YOLO.

Well, maybe the ancient people didn’t have that acronym, but they sure understood “If it feels good, do it.” Many taught that the body and soul are separate so how one lives doesn’t matter because it has no effect on the soul. But Paul taught that we are whole beings, mind-body-soul-connected, and our fleshly cravings do indeed have spiritual implications.

“We all did it, all of us doing what we felt like doing, when we felt like doing it, all of us in the same boat. It’s a wonder God didn’t lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Ephesians 2:3 The Message

We need to understand the truth we are in a hopeless condition before we can grasp the truth of the hope that Jesus Christ offers! We'll learn about that next week!

In the meantime, ask the Holy Spirit to help YOLFJ.

Got that?

You Only Live For Jesus

In Christ

This post concludes my reflections on Ephesians chapter 1. In this first chapter Paul wrote about the marvelous benefits of belonging to the Body of Christ. It contains an important phrase—“in Christ” – which is used 14 times in one fashion or another.

NRSV

in Christ v 1, 3, 10, 12, 20

in Him v 4

in the Beloved One v 6

in Whom v 7, 11, 13 (2x)

in Him v 9, 10

in the Lord Jesus v 15

In the Greek these phrases are written in the “locative case” which means that it indicates a location. We do not see that emphasis in English. This emphasizes that the blessings we receive come through Christ and that these blessings are located IN Christ—who is himself IN us through His Spirit. Understanding that gives deeper meaning to the phrase “Body of Christ.” We are members of Christ’s Body, as individuals, and as a community; we become One, IN and THROUGH Christ.

Paul wrote about the blessings we receive from the Father through and in Christ v3:

v 4 He chose us

v5 He decided that “in Christ” his children would be “conformed to Christ’s image” 

v6 His grace determined that we receive and live in love

v7 He gives redemption and forgiveness from sins, wisdom and lavish grace

v11-13a We are chosen and when we hear and believe we receive the Holy Spirit

v13b-14 The Spirit-filled life is a foretaste of heaven! Christ who is with the Father in heaven is also present in us through His Spirit!

v16-2 The Spirit of wisdom and revelation helps us know Christ better and teaches us to know hope; the riches of inheritance and incomparably great power that is “in Christ.”

V 22-23 All of these promises and blessings are locked up in the Person of Jesus Christ and can’t be found anywhere else.

Paul prays that the believers will KNOW, UNDERSTAND, and LIVE IN and THROUGH THAT POWER that is IN CHRIST IN THEM!

v18 HOPE is not wishful thinking. Hope is certainty, assurance, and confidence. Hope gives you confidence of your identity as adopted, blessed children of God, You are aware of, and continue to grow in your understanding that you carry Christ’s power in you because the Holy Spirit blows on, in, and through you!

And when you have the Holy Spirit, you can know that no matter what life throws at you, you can trust that God will provide for your needs; that in spite of unexpected sicknesses, disease, job loss, accidents, or disappointments God is in control and you can worship and trust him; and that God is always present to help you.

And because of your confidence “in Christ in you” and the Spirit’s work in you, your whole life is for the “praise of His glory.” v14b

“The fullness of God—everything that God is—lives in Jesus, and Jesus lives in us, and we are complete in Him. Think about that!”

 I'm praying for you, friend!