Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"In which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the children of disobedience."
Text: Ephesians 2:2
DEEPLY DISTURBING REVELATION
The revelation that Paul unfolded in the opening words of the second chapter of Ephesians is most disturbing.
1. The problem of “trespasses and sins”
This problem is already an overwhelming one. The individual suffers “spiritual death” as a result of sin.
2. The problem presented by “the course of this world”
Paul was acutely aware of how “the world” has adversely affected so many people. This age, and every other age has always been affected by the world.
a) The loss of a fellow worker
Paul lamented the loss of a fellow worker. In a letter written to his spiritual son, Timothy, he shared his grief.
“Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world.”
2 TIMOTHY 4:10A
The word “world” is also “aion”. A literal translation would be “having loved this present age.”
b) A meaningful comment from another apostle
The apostle John wrote some very significant words about “the world”.
“Do not love the world or the things in the world.
If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
For all that is in the world- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes,
and the pride of life- is not of the Father but is of the world.
And the world is passing away, and the lust of it…”
1 JOHN 2:15-17
Hardly anybody is free from being tainted by the world!
3. The problem presented by “the prince of the power of the air”
The influence of the devil cannot be underestimated.
a) This age has been deeply tainted by the evil one.
b) This world is under his sway (cf.1 John 5:19).
c) He continues to work actively in the hearts of many.
WE NEED ALL OF GOD’S GRACE AND POWER
Paul was right in emphasizing the grace and power of God. We would need every blessing from God if we are to be released from the powers of sin and Satan.