Bible Study Questions

Ephesians 2:1-3

Paul J. Bucknell

(1) And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, (2) in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. (3) Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. (Ephesians 2:1-3, NASB)

What did Paul just write about in chapter 1 of Ephesians?
What is he writing about here in Ephesians 2:1-3?
How does he describe man in Ephesians 2:1?
How do “trespass” and “sin” differ from each other? What might Paul be referring to?
Does Paul refer to being physically dead or spiritually dead? What does being “dead” mean?
In Ephesians 2:2, how does Paul describe our past lives?
Who is he referring to here? Why does he say “formerly”?
Describe five characteristics of the dark spiritual world from your own experience.
Who is the prince of the power of the air? What does this mean? Use other Scriptures to help define who this one might be.
Do people believe the world is controlled by Satan? How would things differ if they did?
What might you describe as the “spirit” of the prince of the power of the air? How is it that this spirit works in people’s lives? In whom does the evil one work?
Read Ephesians 2:3. Who is he describing? How does he describe them?
Are Christians more holy than non-believers? What makes you think so?
Are God’s people chosen because of their inherent goodness? Why not? Use this verse to prove your answer.
Who does this verse say God’s wrath (great anger) is upon? Why? What about “good” people? Use this verse to answer this question.
Name three kinds of lusts (sinful desires). How do lusts operate in an unbeliever? In a believer?
What are the two kinds of sinful desires mentioned in Ephesians 2:3? How do they differ?
Name at least one application this passage has upon your life.