Verse for today – “And 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, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience (Eph. 2:1-2).”

The spiritual realm is difficult for some people to see; especially when it comes to satan and his evil influence. Satan does a great job of hiding! The Bible, however, exposes satan and his works in numerous places. We know from Genesis, the first book in the Bible, that satan tempted Adam and Eve and influenced them in their disobedience (Gen. 3). This led to mankind’s downfall and to his sinful condition (we are born sinners because we are children of Adam and Eve). Satan also tested Job, a story you can read about in Job 1 and 2; AND satan tempted Jesus when HE was about to begin HIS ministry. Satan is known as “the accuser of the brethren,” because he works hard to divide us from one another and the Lord, and because he wants us to struggle in our guilt.

In today’s verse satan is described in two ways. First, as “the prince of the power of the air.” This is a reference to his current influence over the affairs of this world. Satan has gone out to deceive the nations. Just like he lied to Eve and influenced her to doubt God’s love and to disobey God, so now satan lies to world leaders and all of humanity, to degenerate, demoralize, and wreak havoc in our world. Second, satan is called “the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.” This reveals satan’s work in individuals. He not only works on a worldwide level, but also on a personal level.

Dear Reader, satan is after you as well! He is at work in all who listen to his lies and enticements. He appeals to our weaknesses. He flatters. He entices. Then, after his victims listen and act, he turns on them and accuses them of evil in the very thing he enticed them to do. Sadly, this is our world’s condition! Gladly, there is a solution!!!

Christ Jesus came to earth to set us free from our sin and from satan’s influence. Jesus is the answer! His work on the cross provides for our forgiveness AND for our restoration to our privileged position as sons and daughters of God. We will explore these truths soon; however, tomorrow we must look at one final description of our brokenness and need. Please do not stop short, dear Reader, before God touches the deepest part of your heart!