Dave continued our study of Ephesians 2 this morning, looking at the first seven verses in more detail.
He talked about the contrast between the natural man (one who has no relationship with God) and the Christian (one who does have a relationship with God through Christ.) The natural state is that of being spiritually dead. John 17:3 tells us that eternal life is knowing God and Jesus Christ. God is the author of life and gives life, but before we know God, we are trapped in a circle of depravity and do not have life at all. We were, therefore, under God’s condemnation, but God did something about this situation!
Now there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). Moreoever, not only has Jesus risen from the dead, we have been seated with God in heavenly places. We have died to sin (Romans 6:1-2) – not that we are now without sin (see 1 John 1:8), but we no longer belong to sin anymore; we are no longer slaves to sin. Now, we have a choice!
Now, because of God’s great love, mercy and kindness, we are alive to God. We have a new mind (Romans 12:1-2) and a new purpose. We are, indeed, new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17) and we share in Christ’s exaltation and glory.
One thing that really struck me on reading Ephesians 2 is the graphic language Paul uses. I was especially struck by verse 3 (“gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts.”)
‘Cravings’ reminds me of when I was pregnant and had some very weird cravings for food. One day I even bought a new frying pan so that I could eat pancakes (the old one had lost its non-stick!) I virtually lived on sweet and sour chicken when I was pregnant. I craved it so much I can still remember the feeling of yearning twenty years later!
The Greek word rendered ‘cravings’ by the NIV is epithumia. It means a longing (especially for what is forbidden) and can also be translated ‘lust’. I was also struck by the idea of the sinful nature having both desires and thoughts, which to me speaks both of emotions and reason.
Our old nature appeals to both our feelings and to our rational thoughts. We believe that by giving in to its cravings, we will be gratified: that is, we will feel happy, satisfied and fulfilled. But the sinful nature can never satisfy us. The only satisfaction that truly lasts is found in God.