Ephesians 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind… I. Jews and Gentiles (i.e., all) are by nature alike prone to and lovers of sin. Before and after the flood. In Asia, Europe, Africa, etc. II. Believers can happily say that the time of their sinful conversation is past. (See text; Isaiah 4:13; Romans 6:17; Titus 3:8.) III. When a man knows himself, he will confess that his nature is sinful as others. Job; David; Isaiah; Jeremiah; Paul. IV. The corruption of nature is sinful before it appears in thoughts, words, etc. (Matthew 15:19; Romans 9:11-13). V. The sinfulness of every man's nature justly exposes him to the wrath of God. VI. The Scriptures tell us satisfactorily how the world comes to be so wicked. IMPROVEMENT: The necessity of regeneration. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh," etc. (John 3:6, 7). The necessity of daily self-denial. The fatal delusion of Pelagians. The fatal delusion of Arminians. Grace must make one to differ from another. (H. Foster, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. |
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