“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.” Ephesians 2.1-3
At one time, Paul writes, we were all dead in our sins. We were lost, far from God, living for ourselves, following “the ways of this world.” At one time, we were disobedient desiring “the cravings of our flesh” and thus “following its desires and thoughts.” And as a result, Paul says, “we were by nature deserving death.”
Death is a funny thing. One day we all will die. Our bodies will cease to function, our hearts will stop, our lives will fade. And for some, this is all there is. Eternal life is not even a consideration. But for us, death is only the beginning of eternity with Christ. That life, begins here and now. It begins within us because we are dead to sin. The cravings of the flesh, and boy, are they out there — have on hold on us! Christ has won the victory.
Another kingdom reigns and moves among us — Paul refers to it here as “the ruler of the kingdom of the air,” and continues by saying “the spirit who is now at work among those who are disobedient.” This is the devil. He wanted to be like God and so fell from grace and now is filled with the evil. He lures people away from goodness, wholeness and holiness. He entices us to turn away from the riches of God’s grace and make us want the temporal, the worldly, the flesh.
But as we know and believe, we who were once in sin are now dead to it. We can not, shall not, will not return to it. Sin has no hold over us because it is dead. We “use to live” according to these desires but when we met Jesus, encountered him as Savior and Lord, we broke free of death and sin and now can live for Christ.
Death has no hold, death has no sting (1 Cor. 15.55-58). The light of Christ shines on us.
Are you allowing Christ’s light to shine on you this day? Have you surrendered to the Lord, given him your heart, confessed your sins? Are you finding strength not in your self but in the Spirit of the Living God who lives and reigns among us? I encourage you to turn to Christ. Run from death, run from sin, and run to the light of Christ.
“O Lord God, whenever I find sin and temptation, you are right there next to me pulling me back toward your light. Whenever I seek gratification of the flesh, you provide a way out that leads me to the light of your love. Come now, Holy Spirit, have your way with me. Free me from temptation, draw me to your Spirit, hold me by your love. Help me know the promise of eternal life today and always. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen