Ephesians 2:1-8 “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.”

I wanted to put all of this passage because it is so rich in right theology and understanding of God’s love and grace, that I can’t help myself.  I need all of this Truth, every day, and I suspect it will likewise be an encouragement to you.

I want to touch on a part of this passage that I glossed over previously.  We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23), but this describes those people apart from Christ as “sons of disobedience”, following the prince of power of the air (Satan), and being controlled by the passions of their flesh and mind.

Three observations:

1. This is an ongoing spirit that is working in someone
2. Their sins are not just fleshly, but of the mind (to choose what is right in their own mind and not submit to God)
3. These people are described as sons of disobedience

In light of the latter part of this passage, and how we were rescued in love by God through Jesus, how should we as Christians understand our relationship with Him

1. We too have an ongoing spirit at work, but it is the Holy Spirit of God – Christ in us
2. We love and obey God not just with our bodies, but also with a humble mind that submits to God’s will (we trust God, even when we don’t understand because we know that God loves us and is for us)
3. We are called the adopted sons and daughters of God, fellow heirs of the Kingdom of God, with our King Jesus.

Brothers and Sisters, my encouragement today is to embrace the call of God in Jesus from a willing and humble spirit.  We are no longer sons of disobedience, but we have a Spirit of obedience, controlled by the love of Christ.  Our King, has secured our inheritance, and is faithful to work in us for our good and His glory until he calls us home.  Keep running the race set before you each day, in the grace God provides.  Know you’re loved and prayed for.

Grace and Peace,

Adam