“ All of us also lived among them [the disobedient] at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath” (Ephesians 2:3, NIV).

Apart from the intervention of God, human existence is dominated not only by the external forces mentioned in Ephesians 2:2-3, but also by internal ones: “the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind” (; compare James 1:14-15; 1 Peter 1:14).

What does Paul mean by stating that his hearers were once “by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind” (Ephesians 2:3, ESV)? Compare Ephesians 2:3 and Ephesians 5:6.

Image © Rolf Jansson from GoodSalt.com

The present reality of a lost life is distressing enough, but its last-day implications are more frightening still. Human beings, being “by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind” (Ephesians 2:3, ESV) stand under the threat of God’s judgment at the end of time.

The phrase “by nature children of wrath” points to another daunting reality as well. While still bearers of the image of God, we have come to understand that there is something deeply awry in us. Living the Christian life, then, is not just a matter of conquering a bad habit or two, or overcoming whatever “trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1) are currently threatening. We do not just contend with sins but with sin. We are bent toward rebellion against God and toward self-destruction. Humans, by default, are caught in a pattern of self-destructive, sinful behavior, following the dictates of Satan (Ephesians 2:2) and our own innate, sinful desires (Ephesians 2:3). Believers once were “by nature the children of wrath.”

It is important to note that Paul employs a past tense — we “were by nature the children of wrath” (Ephesians 2:3). This does not mean that an inherent bent toward evil is no longer a reality for believers. Paul spends a considerable portion of his letter, Ephesians 4:17-5:21, warning that sinful acts, rooted in a sinful nature, remain a threat for Christians. It does mean, though, that this “old self” need no longer dominate the believer, who through the power of Christ can “put off your old self” and “put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24, ESV).

<–Sunday Tuesday–>

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The book of Ephesians does show us “How to Follow Jesus in Trying Times”: 
Hymn 623 – I Will Follow Thee, My Saviour so that our actions will always speak louder than our words.

This week’s title encourages us to follow in God’s footsteps and help to
Rescue the Perishing – Hymn 367 because of the wonderful love that is shown to us: 
Hymn 77 – O Love Of God Most Full, 
Hymn 78 – For God So Loved The World, 
Hymn 79 – O Love Of God How Strong And True, 
Hymn 148 – O Love, How Deep, How Broad, 
Hymn 349 – God Is Love, Hymn 354 – Thy Love O God, and 
Hymn 648 – God In His Love For Us (to name just a few hymns).

Jesus has brought us salvation, such a wonderful gift (Sunday): 
Hymn 646 – To The Name That Brings Salvation and 
Hymn 339 – God Is My Strong Salvation all because of such 
Marvelous Grace – Hymn 109.

Monday’s study showed that I am 
Chief Of Sinners – Hymn 295 and that 
Jesus, What A Friend Of Sinners – Hymn 187 is there to help, to forgive, and to encourage us to go 
Seeking The Lost – Hymn 373.

Oh, the joy to see on Tuesday that always Christ “gains the victory” and so can we: 
Faith Is The Victory – Hymn 608.

The topic of Grace on Wednesday yields wonderful hymns: 
Hymn 108 – Amazing Grace, 
Hymn 109 – Marvelous Grace, and 
Hymn 659 – May The Grace Of Christ Our Saviour, all because of 
The Wonders Of Redeeming Love – Hymn 179  and 
Hymn 402 – By Christ Redeemed.

“God’s inexplicable love” is shared again on Thursday giving us all the hymns listed at the introduction above. This then radiates and gives us wonderful mercy: 
Hymn 110 – God’s Free Mercy Streameth and 
Hymn 521 – Depth Of Mercy.

So, dear people, be encouraged to go forward and
“Lift up the trumpet and loud let it ring, Jesus IS coming again” – Hymn 213.

To learn unknown hymns, you will find the accompaniment music for each one at: https://sdahymnals.com/Hymnal/

Another great resource is for when there is a hymn you wish to sing but can’t find it in your hymnal. Go to https://www.sdahymnal.org/Search and in the search bar type a special word in that is in the hymn. I am sure you will be amazed at the help you will be given.

 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

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Key Thought: Here Paul contrasts our sinful existence with the blessings of God’s solution and celebrates the basis of salvation in the grace and creative work of God.
July 22, 2023

1. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 2:1-3.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. What is the main idea about what Paul says Jesus has done for us?
3. Personal Application: How can we draw comfort in knowing that Jesus has the victory and we can share in that victory now? Share your thoughts
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “What do these verses teach about the reality of the warfare between Christ and Satan? How can we draw hope that Christ has won when we seem to be caught up in the midst of the battle?”

2. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 2:6,7.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. In what sense do we participate in Christ’s resurrection, ascension, and exaltation? How would you respond to your friend?
3. Personal Application: How can we today have power, love, and a sound mind, and not be in fear? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “Why does Paul recall so frequently the sinful past of his audience, inviting them to reflect on their pre-conversion lives?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 1:3,4; Ephesians 2:7..

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What are the essential elements and goals of God’s plan of salvation?
3. Personal Application: How do you explain your experience in being made alive in Christ? How can you keep that experience fresh? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “How do you explain the wrath of God to your children, your non-Christian friends, and your Christian neighbors?” How would you respond to your relative?

4. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 2:8-10.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. Why is it important to understand that salvation is from God and is not rooted in our worth or efforts?
3. Personal Application: What important part do good works play in God’s plan for believers? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

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