YOU WERE DEAD IN YOUR TRESPASSES AND SINS, IN WHICH YOU FORMERLY WALKED ACCORDING TO THE COURSE OF THIS WORLD, ACCORDING TO THE PRINCE OF THE POWER OF THE AIR.
EPHESIANS 2:1-2
We live in a world that is under the authority of an evil ruler. Originally God created Adam and his family to rule over creation. But Adam forfeited his position of authority through sin, and Satan became the rebel holder of authority to whom Jesus referred as “the ruler of this world” (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11). During Jesus’ temptation, the devil offered Him “all the kingdoms of the world and their glory” (Matthew 4:8) in exchange for His worship. Satan’s claim that the earth “has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish” (Luke 4:6) was no lie. He took authority when Adam abdicated the throne of rulership over God’s creation at the fall. Satan ruled from Adam until the cross. The death, resurrection and ascension of Christ secured forever the final authority for Jesus Himself (Matthew 28:18). That authority was extended to all believers in the Great Commission so that we may continue His work of destroying the works of the devil (1 John 3:8).
All of us were born spiritually dead and subject to the ruler that Paul called “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2). But when we received Christ, God “delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son” (Colossians 1:13). Our citizenship was changed from earth to heaven (Philippians 3:20). Satan is the ruler of this world, but he is no longer our ruler, for Christ is our ruler.
But as long as we live on the earth, we are still on Satan’s turf. He will try to rule our lives by deceiving us into believing that we still belong to him. As aliens in a foreign, hostile kingdom, we need protection from this evil, deceptive, hurtful tyrant. Christ has not only provided protection from and authority over Satan, but He has equipped us with the Sprit of truth, the indwelling Holy Spirit, to guide us into all truth and help us discern the evil one’s schemes (John 16:13).
Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, I affirm that You are my Lord today. I choose to be a bondservant to Christ and to no other.
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