Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Iowa RP Family Camp 2019 - Talk 1

Joel Wood · July 28, 2019

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Summary

Ephesians 2 describes every person by nature as spiritually dead, allied with the world, the flesh, and the devil, and subject to God's wrath.
The state into which a person is born shapes how that person lives: fallen people act from hearts opposed to God, even when their outward actions appear good.
Christians have been moved from the state of rebellion into God's kingdom, receiving a new identity and citizenship by God's saving work.
Believers nevertheless continue to struggle with besetting and newly exposed sins, so the Christian life requires ongoing change rather than complacency.
Real change depends upon Christ, who is not merely an example but the substitute, Redeemer, and source of the power by which his people put off sin and grow in holiness.

How does Ephesians 2 describe the spiritual state into which every fallen person is born?
Where do I see the influence of the world, the flesh, or the devil shaping my desires and conduct?
What recurring sin has the Lord been exposing in my life?
Have I mistaken outwardly respectable behavior for a heart that truly loves and obeys God?
In what ways am I still living as though I belonged to my old state rather than to Christ's kingdom?
Why is Jesus more than an example for the change that I need?
Which commands and means in God's Word should I use as I seek to put off sin and grow in holiness?

Spiritual death: The natural condition described in Ephesians 2 in which a person is alienated from God and unable to produce spiritual life from within.
World, flesh, and devil: The three enemies named in the sermon from Ephesians 2: the fallen course of the world, sinful desires within us, and the spiritual ruler at work in disobedience.
State of rebellion: The inherited condition of hatred and opposition toward God into which fallen human beings are born.
New identity: The believer's changed standing and citizenship after being brought into Christ's kingdom, which calls for a corresponding change in conduct.
Sanctification: The continuing work of grace by which believers put off sin and are changed to become more like Jesus Christ.
Besetting sin: A recurring sin that persistently returns and must be recognized, resisted, and put away through the means God provides.
Redemption: Christ's saving work that transfers his people from bondage to sin into his kingdom and supplies the basis and power for a new life.