October 10, 2022 -- Ephesians 2:1-9 -- Victory over three enemies arrayed against us. Victory in Jesus

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Ephesians 2:1-9 ESV

Dear family in our Lord Jesus Christ. This passage clearly teaches the three enemies which face all Christians. The first is the flesh. People are called sons of disobedience. That is the old, sinful nature without Jesus Christ. Even those who are renewed in Jesus need the constant intervention of His Spirit. Otherwise, people rage against God. Even Christians drift and backslide and sin viciously. It is the first enemy. The second enemy is the Devil—the prince of the power of the air. The fact that Scripture notes he is a prince of power should be a warning to you of his ability to conquer people. The third enemy is the world. The world is not neutral. It is plotting and raging against God (see Psalm 2 if you need a refresher). If you are not struggling against your own flesh, the Devil may land a punch. If it is not the Devil or your own weak flesh pulling you away from all you know is right, then the people of the world and its depraved way of thinking will surely grab hold of you with the intent of squashing your faith and hope in Jesus.

While traveling back home from a preaching assignment about three hours away from home yesterday, it was so good to listen to Voddie Baucham. He preached on this passage. He noted he’s heard so many Christians say they don’t need church. They’re good. They can follow Jesus on their own. His dry, sarcastic response: “Really”. You gonna stand against the Prince of the power of the air? He is mighty in power. You jus a little puny thing. Good luck. Yous arms too short to take that fight. (He is speaking with an exaggerated Texan drawl here to make his point. Hilarious.)

What about your own raging flesh? How many times have you resolved to do something good, only to find yourself throwing yourself back into the very thing you said you’d not do anymore? That can be the new diet. Or exercise. Or resolving to be kinder to people you work with…You can’t do it on your own.

Believers need the body of Jesus Christ. When believers gather or meet, they pray for one another. They hold each other accountable to live as God commands. The LORD of Heaven and Earth does not give suggestions for holy Living—it is His right to command His people live in holiness. Believers remind one another of Jesus’ great assurance that He has overcome—the devil, death, and the world. You can no more stand alone in your faith than you can take on the army of a powerful nation by yourself. You were never meant to be alone in your faith—you are called to life in Christ and to boast in all He has done in you and in the Church.

Father of grace and peace, thank You for the life You give to Your people in Jesus Christ. Thank You for adopting Your people and sealing Your mighty work in the life of Your children through the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit. Forgive Your people. There is such an arrogance that resists Your commands and teaching. There is such pride that imagines one can be a lonely Christian without a strong community of believers surrounding him. As the truth of this passage reminds Your people of the strong forces arrayed against them, give even clearer and deeper insight to the gift of Christ's work applied to believers and sealed to their hearts. Faithful Father, motivate Christians to care for one another as those who are called to One Faith, One Hope and One God and Father of all Who is over all and through all and in all. Blessed be Your Name, Triune God of Glory. Amen.

https://youtu.be/tMnBofZD6Ls