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 2:3).
Paul’s talking about himself here. He’s talking to Gentiles who never had the Law and worshipped idols and were heathens and lived immorally. But he’s also talking about himself.
As he says, “Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh….”
I guess Paul’s self-righteousness and judgmentalism were some of his lusts of the flesh. It’s not what I first think of when I consider lusts.
But we all have them — lusts of the flesh. Or have had them. It’s what Jesus saves us from.
But God, being rich in mercy,…made us alive together with Christ (Ephesians 2:4-5).
So as these lusts rear up, may I turn away from them and walk in life.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8).
I’m alive with Christ. Whether it’s the obvious lusts of the flesh, or the more subtle ones — gossip, judging, complaining, self-righteousness — I’m free from them and alive in Christ.
Will I live like it? Will I let these lusts go? Will I flee from them as Joseph fled from Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39)?
Help me Jesus. I’m alive in You. Lord, may I walk in life today.
