The Rebel Rouser
Ephesians 2:1-10
Introduction: Only Jesus can rouse the rebel. In chapter one, Paul describes the Christians possessions. In chapter two, he speaks of the Christians position.
I. The Predicament of the Lost (v.1-3)
Paul describes the pre-Christian state. The person without Christ is:
A. Dead (v.1): He’s not sick, he’s dead. Stick a needle into the finger of a live person and he feels the pain. Stick a needle into the finger of a dead person and he feels nothing. Place a live person (born again) in a worship service and set a dead person (lost) next to them and see what happens. Why is he dead? Study the words “trespasses” and “sins”.
B. Dominated (v. 2-3a): He’s dominated “by the world”, “by the devil”, and “by the flesh”.
C. Doomed (v.3c): He’s under dreadful judgment. The word “wrath” refers to divine hostility or settled indignation.
II. The Position of the Saved (v.4-6)
Focus on the saved. When Jesus rouses and is received there is:
A. Existence (v.5): “Quickened” means to be made alive. There are three Greek words for life: “Bios” – physical life. Bone and flesh. “Psuche” – soul. “Zoe” – abundant life. Paul uses the third word here. We already have the first two. They came from God. The third can only come from God as well. You can no more recreate yourself than you created yourself. God regenerates.
B. Exaltation: “Raise us up” means a spiritual resurrection. It’s in the present tense. We experience it right now. We’re already raised. Our names are inscribed in Heaven’s register.
C. Enthronement (v.6): “Seated us with Him” means we share His throne. The dead are made alive. The dominated become spirit occupied. The doomed are now seated in the heavenlies. That is the rebel rouser!
III. The Provisions of God (v.4-6)
How can all this be? Because of His:
A. Great Love (v.4): This is Agape love. See I John 4:8. It is His divine disposition.
B. Rich Mercy (v.4): This is not getting what we do deserve.
C. Abundant Grace (v.5: See also v.7-8. This is getting what we don’t deserve. “Are saved” indicates a completed act in the past but has continuous and permanent results.
IV. The Purpose of Salvation (v.7-10)
Note the words “in order”. Through salvation there is:
A. Something to Display (v.7-9): We are a grand display of God’s grace. We are on display to show forth His riches and glory. We are God’s trophies. Curtis Vaughn states, “From God’s point of view, salvation is complete, though on our side it may be seen as in progress.” The whole thought of verse 8 is a gift!
B. Something to Do (v.10): “Workmanship” can mean masterpiece. “Good works” means they await our doing. We are to walk in His will and fulfill His plans. We are to be His published work.
Conclusion: Jesus takes rebels and turns them into the righteous.
