Believers are Changed Forever!

March 6, 2013 - Ephesians 2:1-3

2:1		你 們 死 在 過 犯 罪 惡 之 中 、 他 叫 你 們 活 過 來 ．
2:2		那 時 、 你 們 在 其 中 行 事 為 人 隨 從 今 世 的 風 俗 、 順 服 空 中 掌 權 者 的 首 領 、 就 是 現 今 在 悖 逆 之 子 心 中 運 行 的 邪 靈 ．
2:3		我 們 從 前 也 都 在 他 們 中 間 、 放 縱 肉 體 的 私 慾 、 隨 著 肉 體 和 心 中 所 喜 好 的 去 行 、 本 為 可 怒 之 子 、 和 別 人 一 樣 ．

¹ As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, ² in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. ³ All of us also lived among them 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.

A Christian life is a life-long ongoing process of growth but starts with a resurrected life from our past dead life. Paul reminds Ephesians believers that they were dead in their transgressions and sins; they were enslaved by the world and the Satan who rules the kingdom of the air; they indulged in their flesh and desires; and they were destined for the wrath of God. 

My Lord Jesus, as I contemplate again on my past, I must praise for what You have done in my life - I have been forgiven by Your blood; I have been freed from the power of the world and Satan by the power of Holy Spirit; I have been ingrained with a new affection for loving God and His eternal life with the Spirit; and I have been destined for receiving Your inheritance when Your Kingdom comes. This was a drastic change of my life as Jesus dwells in my heart through the Holy Spirit. Daily struggles against the flesh, the world, and the Satan will not cease but I know that Heavenly Father is providing my needs, Jesus is leading me as my Shepherd, and the Holy Spirit is empowering me to follow. My Lord, strengthen me to walk closely after You today.