Ephesians 2:3

2:3

All - No exceptions

of us also – Not only you, viz., Gentiles, i.e., born in unbelieving homes, but also “us,” viz., Jews, i.e., raised in believing homes. Even though I was raised in a Christian home, I still find myself in the foregoing description: dead, following the ways of the world, etc.

lived – pattern of behavior

among them – i.e. the ways of the world

at one time – in the past

gratifying – seeking to please

cravings – urges, passions, impulses, that which I though would make me happy

sinful nature – Within me there was/is that which rises up and seeks to please self instead of pleasing, honoring, glorifying God. Instead, this element within me seeks to please, honor, glorify self.

and – in addition to and on par with “gratifying”

following – obeying. We all obey something greater than self. It’s like a nose ring tied to a chain that pulls me where it wants to go and I just follow blindly

its desires – wants, goals, pleasures

and thoughts – whatever idea pops into my mind

Like the rest – no difference between me from a Christian home and children born to atheist family

we – both groups

were – past tense. Writing to Christian converts; so that lifestyle pattern belongs to the past

by nature – born this way, woven into who we are/were

objects of wrath – intense anger from God. He hates the sin and as long as I/we live(d) in that pattern, God had no alternative but to expend His intense anger.