IV.
In the last post we spent some time in reflection on two of Paul’s statements, (1) “For we are what he has made us …” and (2) “made us alive together with Christ…”.

Today let’s go to the beginning of this passage and focus on “You were dead ….”

As you take time with the passage, what stands out to you in Paul’s description of this deadness?

V.
Ephesians 2:1-10 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient. All of us once lived among them in the passions of our flesh, doing the will of flesh and senses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like everyone else, but God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ —by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God — not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we may walk in them.

VI.
As you spend time with Paul’s remarks about this kind of deadness, notice he writes they (and he) walked in such deadness at one time.

Think back on the past week and see if you notice having been touched by such deadness?

And while you are recalling the past week, what about the aliveness he speaks of? Do you see that in the past days?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}