From Dead to Being Alive: Ephesians 2:1-7
“1) And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2) in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3) Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. 4) But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5) even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6) and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7) so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:1-7
This text is amazing. It makes it clear that prior to becoming a Christian we were dead in our trespasses and sins. This unsaved condition aligned us with Satan and the world. But for our sake today, I want to focus on verse 3; “Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.” What is Paul talking about?
Let me make a few observations. First, they had physical life but lacked “spirit life.” Second, as a result, they were “indulging in the desires of the flesh and the mind.” Let me say it another way; they were living and functioning on the level of the body and the soul. The flesh was in control. They were natural and carnal minded. Their lives were out of control and influenced by the kingdom of darkness.
But then in verses 4-5, God stepped in and did something miraculous. He made us “alive” together Christ. What happens? At the moment of salvation, the Holy Spirit comes in and gives new life to the spirit. Many times the New Testament uses the Greek word “Zoe” to describe this new spiritual life. (We will examine many Scriptures about “Zoe life” as we continue in this study)
But notice also from verse 6; “and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Rather than having mere physical life, the believer now has access to heavenly spiritual life.
Born-again Christians can live on the level of the spirit which can be tuned into the Lordship of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. Because of this, we have unimaginable potential “in Christ.” God wants our inner self to be under totally different management than before we became Christians.
But that doesn’t mean we automatically live on the level of the spirit. Most Christians still live and function on the level of the flesh and soul. I was never taught about “Zoe life” even though it is woven throughout the whole New Testament. The whole concept of walking in the spirit was foreign to me.
Notice, I used the word “spirit” and not “Spirit.” There is considerable debate among scholars if Galatians 5:16-17 is talking about the revived human spirit or the indwelling Holy Spirit. Technically, they are synonymous because the Holy Spirit indwells the human spirit and imparts “Zoe Life.” But it does present a different understanding of governorship or inner management in our lives. (See Romans 8:16)
Instead of our body (flesh) and soul being in charge, God wants the renewed spirit to be in charge in the life of the believer. This is a very helpful concept. Over time we can become strong or mighty in spirit through the Holy Spirit who indwells us.
This transfer of inner governorship from the flesh and soul to the spirit is what Paul was talking about in texts like Ephesians 4:20-24. We are to “put off” the old self, be renewed in the spirit of our mind, and “put on” the new self which is in the likeness of God. The flesh is to be crucified, the soul is to be renewed, and the spirit is to take charge.
As we shall discover very soon, this is also the thrust behind Romans 6-8 and Galatians 5. We can live and walk in the spirit through the filling and control of the Holy Spirit. A whole new dimension of life is available to the believer.
So here is the big take away from Ephesians 2:1-7; born-again Christians are not abandoned to live or be controlled on the level of the flesh and corrupted human soul; we have access to new life on the level of the spirit. The world, the flesh and the devil do not need to control our lives or our destiny.
In John 10:10, Jesus said; “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” It is interesting that the word “life” in this verse is the Greek work “Zoe.” When this verse is compared to Ephesians 2:1-7, a profound insight emerges. The thief in the form of the world, the flesh and the devil will steal, kill and destroy those living on the level of the flesh and soul, but the abundant life Jesus offers is for those living on the level of the spirit. (Ponder the above paragraph carefully) Let me make another observation; this transition is not automatic for the believer. It is intended to be a conscious and intentional process. We are called to “put off” the old self and “put on” the new self. We are called to crucify the flesh and renew our mind… so we can walk in the spirit.
This final observation might stretch you, but I personally believe this transformation from the control of the flesh and soul to the control of the renewed human spirit is what Paul had in mind in Philippians 2:12. He said; “… work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” This is the process of moving from flesh and soul control to spirit control.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
