Chapter 2, Verse 2 “…in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—”
Being the walking dead had its roots in the course of this world. The course of this world is directed by the prince and spirit of disobedience. He’s talking about Satan in this verse. The world is under the guidance and direction of Satan and the Ephesians had formerly been led by him. Walking is Paul’s way of describing a life style.
Notice that the three things that caused them to be the walking dead are synonyms for the same Evil One. Paul uses this world to mean Satan’s realm. He calls Satan the ‘power of the air’. He also refers to him as the ‘spirit that works disobedience’. He is our enemy, whether we call him the world or Satan or Evil Power. We must keep in mind that Satan is the cause of all the walking dead.
The emphasis of Paul’s statement in verse two is ‘once walked.’ He’s writing to the faithful saints in Ephesus. He is so excited about the change they have made now that they are following Jesus. The difference, Paul wants them to know, is between being alive and being dead. They were dead and they should remember why they were the walking dead. In verses 8 and 9 he will explain why they are alive and it has nothing to do with any change they made except to switch who they were following.
The world is disobedient and the evidence is all around us. How easy it is to get caught up in the disobedience. It is hard to live adverse to the world, to be in it but not of it. All around us the world (Satan) is calling us to be a part of it. To engage in its talk, pleasure, things, and philosophy. The flesh is weak Paul tells us in another place. The only solution is to separate ourselves from the course of this world and its evil leader. To do that, we must undergo some personal change. Not the outward man but the inner man. Paul will explain it all in due course.
Task for Today: Why remain in the course of this world, under the power of the prince of the air knowing that his spirit will create disobedience? Today, denounce his leadership and take Jesus as your Lord and Master. Surrender to His will and the course of this world will become the former path you walked. Follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Start now.
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