Five Eternal Gifts from God - Grace 6

The deadened sinner in need of grace is under bondage to the World. “Following the course of this world …” (Ephesians 2:2, ESV). This is a life that is going along with and moving toward a pattern and practice of rebellion against God and His Word. The word “world” refers to the world system which is anti-God. It is a world system which opposes God. It is a world system of ungodly attitudes and rebellious behavior.

The Apostle John wrote, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. (1 John 2:15-17, ESV)

The sinner is also under bondage to the devil. “Following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience…” (Ephesians 2:2, ESV). The word prince means ruler, commander, chief or leader. This is a being that possesses supernatural power.  This power is the energy behind the opposition against God.

It is a power that is presently working and effectively operating within this world. It is presently working within what Paul refers to as the children of disobedience. It is the energy which is within those who are disobedient to God: obstinate, unpersuaded, rejecting the will of God.

The Bible says:

• You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (John 8:44, ESV)
• Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7, ESV)
• Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. (1 Peter 5:6-9, ESV)