THE ``BEFORE'' AND ``AFTER''

Ephesians 2:1-10

Introduction:

    1. Conversion to Christ involves a significant change in the life of every individual that embraces it.
      1. A form of advertising pictures the ``before'' and the ``after.''
        1. A weight-loss product may show a picture of a person before and then after the diet.
        2. A house may be shown before and after new paint or siding was applied.
        3. Such advertising is to show what the product will do.
      2. In Ephesians 2, Paul pictures one in sin and then he contrasts this with the spiritual condition of one in Christ.
        1. This ``before'' and ``after'' should impress the person in sin with his real condition of life.
        2. This ``before'' and ``after'' should show the power of the gospel of salvation (Eph. 1:13) to change people.
        3. This ``before'' and ``after'' should impress the saved with the many blessings enjoyed in Christ.
      3. True conversion to Christ involves real change of heart, life, and spiritual state.
        1. Matt. 18:3 ``And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.''
        2. Acts 3:19 ``Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;''

Body:

  1. BEFORE CONVERSION ONE IS ``DEAD IN SINS''. Eph. 2:1
    1. Dead means separated.
      1. James 2:26 Physical death results when the spirit of man is separated from the fleshly body.
      2. Eph. 2:1 Spiritual death is a man's separation from God because of man's sins and transgressions.


    2. Spiritual death, or separation from God, is caused by:
      1. Eph. 2:2 Men ``walking according to the course of this world''
      2. Eph. 2:2 Having a ``spirit of disobedience''
      3. Eph. 2:3 ``Fulfilling the desires of the flesh and the mind''


    3. AFTER conversion one is ``dead to sin'' (Rom. 6:1-7).
      1. Rom. 6:1 One who is ``dead to sin'' does not ``continue in'' sinful living.
      2. Rom. 6:4 One who is ``dead to sin'' lives a ``new life''
      3. Rom. 6:6 One who is ``dead to sin'' does not ``serve sin''
      4. Rom. 6:11 One who is ``dead to sin'' is ``alive unto God''


  1. BEFORE CONVERSION ONE ``WALKS ACCORDING TO THE COURSE OF THE WORLD'' (Eph. 2:2).
    1. The ``course'' (age) of this world means the ``cycle or present round of things'' (Vine, vol. 1, p.249)
      1. There are some characteristics typical of the ``course of this world'':
        1. Eph. 4:17 A ``vain mind''
        2. Eph. 4:19 A life devoted to lasciviousness and uncleanness --- ``Shameless conduct, absence of restraint''
        3. Gal. 5:19-21 The ``works of the flesh''
        4. I Cor. 6:9-10 Unrighteousness
      2. Eph. 2:2; 5:6 The basic spirit of the world is disobedience toward God and godly living.


    2. The life of one walking ``according to the course of this world'' is:
      1. Rom. 6:21 A ``vain'' or empty life
      2. I Peter 1:18 This life is ``received by tradition''


    3. AFTER conversion one ``walks in good works'' (Eph. 2:10)
      1. ``Good'' (in connection with works) `describes that which, being good in its character or constitution, is beneficial in its effect'' (Vine, Vol. 2, p.163).
      2. II Tim. 3:16-17 These ``good works'' are set forth in God's word
      3. Eph. 3:20-21 After conversion one can use his life to the glory of God
      4. Matt. 5:16 One may use his life to lead others to glorify God


  2. BEFORE CONVERSION ONE IS A ``CHILD OF WRATH'' (Eph. 2:3).


    1. Eph. 2:4-5, 3 The same book of Ephesians which reveals God's great love, mercy, and grace also reveals his WRATH.
      1. Eph. 5:6 The ``children of disobedience'' shall know the wrath of God
      2. Heb. 10:26-31 It is a ``fearful thing'' to fall into the hands of the living God!
      3. II Cor. 5:10-11 Paul appreciated the truth concerning God's wrath and he, therefore, sought to lead men to salvation in Christ.
      4. Rom. 2:5-9 The ``day of wrath'' is the day of judgment


    2. Men have never sinned without being punished.
      1. Rom. 6:23 Adam and Eve died


    3. AFTER conversion one is a child of God (Eph. 2:18).
      1. Eph. 2:16 He is reconciled to God ---``And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:''
      2. Eph. 2:18 He has access to the Father --- ``For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
      3. Eph. 2:19 He is in God's household (family) --- "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
      4. Rom. 8:14-17 He is an ``heir of God''' and the inheritance is ``reserved in heaven''


CONCLUSION:

    1. There is power in the gospel by which men are saved from sin.
      1. Eph. 1:13
      2. Rom. 1:16
    2. There is a great change involved in conversion. This change demonstrates the love of God, the power of Christ's blood, the power of the gospel.
    3. A realization of the real difference conversion makes should:
      1. Move preachers to boldly proclaim a gospel which can change the lives of men and determine their destinies.
      2. Prompt those who are lost to see the hope of salvation in Christ.
      3. Cause the saved people to rejoice in their salvation!


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