Thursday, November 02, 2006

Everyone needs a big but

For those memorizing Eph 2:1-10 with me, this is New Verse Thursday.

Today we'll add the next verse, Ephesians 2:4. In verses 2:1-3 we concentrated on how we used to be dead in sin, how we had an evil spirit working in us, how we followed sinful desires and thoughts, how we were objects of wrath.

Verse 2:4 turns the corner and begins to show God's great love and mercy.

TODAY'S ASSIGNMENT:
1) Write out Eph 2:4 on your 3x5 card underneath verses 1, 2, and 3.
2) Read through verse 2:4 several times and try to get where you can say it once today without looking.
3) Say verses 2:1-3 with our new verse, 2:4, a few times today trying not to look (but it's ok if you do look today). This helps reinforce our prior verses as we work on our new verse.

Ephesians 2
1As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in 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. 3All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,

4 comments:

She said...

Thank God 4 is short. I haven't had much time, been singing in a well. Anyway, here's 1-3, no looking:

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 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. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature, objects of wrath?

Could it be possible!?

Allen Arnn said...

great Gwen!

kris said...

go YOU guys!
i want you to know allen, that while i have made no committment to memorize, i am reading along with you and who knows -- maybe some of it will stick w/ me when i'm not looking! ;-)

She said...

Allen, I'm completely hijacking your blog for a quesiton, if you don't mind...

I'm teaching Ephesians in Higher Ground, last night we were in chapter 5 which of course led to a LIVELY discussion and somehow we got back to Eph. 2, specifically the "objects of wrath". The thought that prior to our salvation we were an "object" of wrath, Satan's tool, utensil, to be used to in ways to cause chaos in our own lives and that of others was really profoundly visual to some.

The question raised was, since this verse is referring to prior to our salvation, does it still apply to believers when we sin? Is it possible to be a tool of Satan after we are saved?

Thoughts?