1 And you being dead in trespasses and sins; 2 In which in time past you walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our manner of life in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature/naturally the children of wrath, even as others...

{Our story thus far: In order for Christ to be the Head manifesting His rule over a unified Body, He must be the Lord/Boss of what each individual part thinks, feels/values, and does. Each part has the same history and destiny (unworthiness to be a recipient of God's grace) so there's no ground for failing to be a unified Body under HIs headship.}

I. Dead = Dominionless (What is a deadhead?)

Death is a lack of power or ability to exercise control over anything

Death is a condition that needs to be undone by God's power in enlivening, raising and seating

Adam lost the ability to live forever, an unhindered relationship with God in holiness, and the right to rule over the earth

De 30:15 See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; 16 In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land where thou goest to possess it for he [is] thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD swore to thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give  them. 19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, [that] I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: 20 That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, [and] that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave to him:

Ro  8:5 For they that are according to the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are according to the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace. 13 For if ye live according to the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit mortify the deeds of the  body, ye shall live.

Ga 6:8 ...sows to his flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption;...sows to the Spirit shall from the Spirit reap life everlasting.

1Ti  5:6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. (See also Eph 5:14; Rev 3:1.

II. Deceived = Dumb (Why are there deadheads?)

                trespasses (stepping on the grass - commission) and sins (missing the mark - omission)

                walking according to the course/age of this world (fashionable, societal values)

                walking according to Satan's will for our lives (power, pleasure, and possessions here and now, independent of God)

                fulfilling the desires of our flesh (desire for the temporal)

                fulfilling the desires of our minds (ego gratification)

III.  Destiny = Doomed or Delivered (Where are deadheads headed?)

                Wrath or Wealth (Romans 2; Eph 5:6)

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. If "the way we were" is so detrimental, why do we still live like we used to?

2. If all unsanctified desires are bad, how does one get sanctified desires?

3. Are you in greater danger from Satan or his system?

4. Does a clear picture of our past (or future) give us the basis for living in harmony with each other in the present?

5. How does God's expectation for OT saints (Dt 30) differ from that for NT saints today?