Ephesians 2:1-3
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3 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 2:1-3
As we pray today for the peace of Israel and remember all of the people affected by war, we are mindful of our blessings. Though Faith Bible Church has not, thank God, been directly affected by military conflict or terrorism, we are nonetheless reminded through our study of Ephesians that we are in an ongoing state of spiritual warfare, perhaps more horrific than we can imagine. Make no mistake: We have an enemy.
As we pray today for the peace of Israel and remember all of the people affected by war, we are mindful of our blessings. Though Faith Bible Church has not, thank God, been directly affected by military conflict or terrorism, we are nonetheless reminded through our study of Ephesians that we are in an ongoing state of spiritual warfare, perhaps more horrific than we can imagine. Make no mistake: We have an enemy.
Small Group Discussion Questions
- Do you believe Satan is an individual being? Why or why not? As we learned in church today, only 58% of adults in the United States believe Satan is an actual being. Does that surprise you?
- Share two of your most significant observations.
- Share one application you plan to put into practice.
- What does Paul mean by “dead” in 2:1? See Genesis 2:16-17; Isaiah 59:2; Romans 5:12-14
- Who is the “prince of the power of the air” in 2:2? What power and authority does he have now? See Ephesians 6:11-12, 2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 John 4:4; 5:19.
Dig Deeper: The Prince of the Power of the Air
Paul taught that before they knew Christ, the Gentile believers lived under two evil influences: “the course of this world” (ton aiōna tou kosmou toutou) and the “prince of the power of the air” (ton archonta tēs exousias tou aeros), which Paul also qualifies as “the spirit now working in the sons of disobedience” (Eph 2:2). The latter of these two phrases refer to Satan. Paul’s language reflects similar terminology used in John, where Satan is referred to as “the ruler of this world” (ho archōn tou kosmou toutou; John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11). The other Gospels refer to Satan as “the ruler of demons” (tō archonti tōn daimoniōn; e.g., Matt 9:34; Mark 3:22). In 2 Corinthians 4:4 Paul refers to Satan by a similar title, “the god of this age” (theos tou aiōnos toutou). These references reflect a similar idea: Supernatural forces, of which Satan is the chief figure or “ruler,” reside in the realm of the “air,” from which they attempt to corrupt humanity and frustrate the will of God.
Elsewhere in Ephesians, Paul refers to the figure of Satan by the titles “the devil” (ho diabolos; Eph 4:27; 6:11) and “the evil one” (ho ponēros; Eph 6:16). In these references, Paul warns the Ephesians that the devil, the ruling power of the unseen world, is also active in their lives. Because they no longer live under Satan’s rule, believers must be prepared for the devil’s schemes by not making room for temptation (Eph 4:26–27) and by putting on the armor of God (Eph 6:11).
Using the references above, discuss the following:
Elsewhere in Ephesians, Paul refers to the figure of Satan by the titles “the devil” (ho diabolos; Eph 4:27; 6:11) and “the evil one” (ho ponēros; Eph 6:16). In these references, Paul warns the Ephesians that the devil, the ruling power of the unseen world, is also active in their lives. Because they no longer live under Satan’s rule, believers must be prepared for the devil’s schemes by not making room for temptation (Eph 4:26–27) and by putting on the armor of God (Eph 6:11).
Using the references above, discuss the following:
- How can we discern when Satan is at work in our lives?
- What are some of the ways that Satan attacks Christians?
- How can we resist Satan’s attacks and protect ourselves from his influence?What role does the Holy Spirit play in spiritual warfare?
- How can we support each other in our spiritual warfare?
Posted in Sermon Notes