Being Spiritually Dead & Satan - the World and our Flesh

  • Jan 1, 2005
  • Series: Ephesians

1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
4But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,


R According to scripture, what state are we in prior to being born again?

nekros {nek-ros'} Let’s start with a little Greek work on this.  When it says dead it means DEAD.  This isn’t the Princess Bride where we are just mostly dead but not all dead.

 

R What does being dead mean?

Total Inability vs. Absolute Depravity

Absolute Depravity - Your Wicked Grandma  

This verse is one of the clearest regarding our inability to choose Christ in and of ourselves, because we were dead in our trespasses and sin.  This is often called ‘Total Depravity’.  This is a term which often brings up many false connotations; that we are as wicked and absolutely depraved as can be which we all know isn’t true because we’ve been in relationship with people outside of Christ who aren’t seeking to kill us at all times.  These people can even be nice, humanitarian, upstanding citizens.  So a better term is…

 

Total Inability –

This doctrine states that all men are resisting the Holy Spirit by their nature all of the time…

Acts 7 51 "You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you.

Thus they are unwilling to go to Christ for their salvation…


John 5 40But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.

 No one seeks after the one true God and all have gone astray…


Romans 3
10As it is written:
        "There is none righteous, no, not one;
        11There is none who understands;
        There is none who seeks after God.


We are unable to come to God; the miracle is when God in His grace & mercy does the good work of saving us for His glory.


Ephesians 1 3-6

4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will-- 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

 

R What/who are our enemies in this life?

II. The Spiritual Battle

2in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
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Who are our enemies?

The Bible teaches that a Christian has three enemies: the world, flesh, and devil, and that each of these enemies use certain tactics. If we are aware of these tactics, we

resist their attacks against us.


a. Satan

 

What names does Scripture give to Satan?

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Abaddon (Revelation 9:11) meaning “destroyer”

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Accuser (Revelation 12:10)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Adversary (I Peter 5:8)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Apollyon (Revelation 9:11) meaning “destroyer”

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Beelzebub (Matthew 12:24)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Belial (2 Corinthians 6:15)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Deceiver (Revelation 12:9)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Devil (Luke 4:13)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Enemy (Matthew 13:28,39)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Evil One (Matthew 13:28,39)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Father of Lies (John 8:44)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->The god of this world (2 Cor 4:4)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Great Dragon (Revelation 12:9)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Lawless One (2 Thessalonians2:18)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Liar (John 8:44)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Morning Star (Isaiah 14:12)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Murderer (John 8:44)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Prince of the Power of the Air (Ephesians 2:2)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Ruler of this World (John 12:31)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Satan (Acts 26:18)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Serpent (Revelation 12:9)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Tempter (I Thessalonians 3:5)

Who is Satan and how does he work?

Essential to our study of Satan is to recognize that he is in no way equal to God. His knowledge, presence, and power are limited because he is an angelic being (a guardian cherub according to Ezekiel 28:14) created by God for the purpose of glorifying and serving God.

However, he became proud in his heart and desired to be worshipped himself and exalted like God. So, he declared war upon God, with one-third of the angels joining his army to oppose God. Judged by God for his sin, the Serpent was then cast down to the earth (Isaiah 14:11-23; Ezekiel 28:1-19; Daniel 8:10; Revelation 12:4).   (Even the angels are elect 1 Timothy 5:21)

Upon the earth, he appeared as a serpent to tempt Adam and Eve by twisting God’s word and lying (Genesis 3:1-24; Revelation 12:9, 20:2). After successfully tempting Adam and Eve to sin, the Serpent was judged and cursed by God for his sin and told that Jesus would ultimately come to completely defeat him, though Jesus would suffer physical harm in their conflict (Genesis 3:14-15).

The motivation for all of the Serpent’s work is pride and self-glory instead of humility and God-glory (Ezekiel 28:2; James 4:6-7). Subsequently, one of his most powerful allies in opposing God’s people is their own pride

In his war against God, the Serpent not only has a third of fallen angels who are now known as demons (II Peter 2:4; Revelation 9:1, 12:3-4), but he also has people who are allies in his army: either by demonic possession, demonic influence, or simply living according to their sinful sin nature and flesh.

Such people include false prophets who speak for the Serpent (2 Peter 2:1), false apostles who begin ministries for the Serpent (2 Corinthians 11:13), false Christians who divide churches (Galatians 2:4, Matthew 7:15-23, James 2:19), and false teachers who teach heretical doctrine for the Serpent (2 Peter 2:1).

2 Corinthians 2:11lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.

The Serpent uses any means at his disposal, and has some tactics that have proven particularly effective for him on people. These include:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->torment (Acts 5:16)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->physical injury (Acts 8:4-8)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->deceit and trickery (Acts 13:9-10)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->sexual temptation (I Corinthians 7:5)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->false religion (I Corinthians 10:14-22)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->scheming (II Corinthians 2:10-11)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->secret and shameful ways that deceive people and distort Scripture (II Corinthians 4:2-4)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->sexual and marital relationships between believers and unbelievers (II Corinthians 6:15)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->the preaching of another Jesus and gospel (II Corinthians 11:1-4)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->anger and bitterness (Ephesians 4:17-32)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->foolishness and drunkenness (Ephesians 5:8-21)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->false miracles (II Thessalonians 2:9-10)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->blasphemy (I Timothy 1:20)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->false teachings (I Timothy 4:1-2)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->idle gossiping busybodies (I Timothy 5:11-15)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->persecution (I Peter 5:8-11)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->sin (I John 3:1-8)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->murder (I John 3:12)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->hatred (I John 3:13-15)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->false spirits (I John 4:1-6)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->idolatry (I John 5:18-21)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->deception (2 John 7)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->accusation (Revelation 12:10)

Whatever his tactics, the Serpent’s ultimate goal for believers is typically a compromised and fruitless life beset by heresy and sin (I Timothy 4:1-2; I John 3:7-10) and ultimately death (John 8:44; I Peter 5:8).

We must heed James’ command to know how Satan works:

James 4:7

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

I Peter 5:8-9

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Additional Scriptures on Satan & Demons

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Genesis 3:1-5

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Genesis 3:14-15

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Deuteronomy 32:16-17

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Job 1:6-12

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Psalm 106:37

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Ezekiel 28:11-19

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Matthew 4:1-11

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Matthew 4:23-25

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Matthew 7:21-23

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Matthew 8:14-17

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Matthew 8:28-34

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Matthew 12:22-28

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Matthew 12:43-45

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Matthew 17:14-23

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Acts 5:16

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Romans 8:37-39

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Romans 16:20

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->II Corinthians 11:3

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->II Corinthians 11:14

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->Ephesians 6:10-20

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->I John 3:8

<!--[if !supportLists]-->q         <!--[endif]-->1 John 4:1-4

R When has or will Satan be defeated?

Has Jesus conquered Satan?

The Bible is emphatically clear that Jesus Christ has utterly defeated Satan and is Lord over the world, flesh, devil and demons.

Colossians 2
13And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

 

Hebrews 2
14Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

 

R Who is at fault when we sin?

Is it my fault when I sin?

James 1
13Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

When we sin we cannot blame it on anyone but ourselves, and must take responsibility for our sin by taking it to God in prayerful repentance.

Though Jesus has utterly defeated Satan, a Christian can give conquered ground in their lives to the Enemy by habitual sins such as anger, unforgiveness, bitterness, profane language, sexual immorality, impurity, greed, coarse joking etc. (Ephesians 4:26-5:11).

 

Even Paul tells us that he wars with sin.  This war is against his flesh.

Romans 7

18For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.

 

What is the “flesh” and can we resist it?

The “flesh” is the seed of rebellion in us that is disposed to resist God’s will, and seek our own glory and pleasures in place of His (Galatians 5:19- 21; Colossians 3:5-8; Mark 7:21-23). Only a Christian has the possibility of resisting the temptations of the flesh because they alone are no longer in bondage to their flesh (Romans 6:6) but instead can live by the power of God the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16).  {Slave to sin}

It is vital for Christians to weaken the sinful appetites of their flesh by not feeding and nurturing them.

Romans 8
13For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live,

Practically, this would include reducing external stimuli that awakens the desires of the flesh, and even eliminating the triggers of your flesh, though this is often nearly impossible in a fallen and sinful world. 

Don’t fight flesh, feed spirit.  Issue isn’t symptoms but heart transformation.

Corporate flesh & wicked state:

 

The reality of this is seen in our world because we have locks, guns, alarms, prison, cops.  No matter how many cops we have, jails we fill, how much education we give it isn’t going to get better.  We often think of evil as “them” and of good people as “us” but we are the problem.  In scripture Jesus most often pointed out the wickedness of those who thought they were religious.

 

Our search for solution to the world’s problems – people think the problems that mankind has are external not internal.  We are not and cannot provide the solution. 

 

The only solution is Jesus.

Practical application:

 

R What are ways we deny that man is sinful and has a wicked heart?

 

-Babies aren’t bad no need for discipline only encouragement

-We are always let down by others because we have too high of expectations

R The word world is used to many things through out scripture, how is the word world used in this context?

What is the “world” and how does it work?

The “world” is basically corporate flesh joined into systems and structures of rebellion against God, that is bound together by the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and arrogant pride (I John 2:15-17). A Christian must be vigilant to not love the world and all of it’s allure (I John 2:15), including loving its sinful temptations and envying the ways of the arrogant and wicked (James 4:4-6).

Viewing verses 4-10 in light of 1-3

 

Verse 2 tells us that we are addicted to the world and verse 3 tells us why because our flesh is oriented to ourselves.   Many of us are highly offended by these truths.  If we don’t agree with verses 1-3 that by nature we are objects of wrath we want to strip God of his being perfectly righteous and just.  God because He is perfect punishes sin.  For many this is the root of our anger with God, our wanting to rob him of punishing sin.

4But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

[BUT]This word in verse 4 starts the change in the plan for those in Christ. 

This word marks the turning point of man’s destiny. We were separated from God by the world, the devil, and the flesh, “but God!” God intervened and, were it not for His divine intervention, we would still be dead in our sins and separated from Him. Against the dark picture of human ruin we see divine redemption. Doomed to wrath, but God!

Yes we deserve to be under God’s wrath, but God provides love, grace, mercy and kindness to us.  He did not just wink at our sin but provided a remedy in Christ. 

Jesus said, “God why are you forsaking me?”  Because He took the wrath we deserved upon himself to conquer our flesh, the world and Satan.

 

We were crucified with Christ (Rom. 6:6; Gal. 2:20). We died with Christ (Rom. 6:8); we were buried with Christ (Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12); we have been made alive with Christ. He “hath raised us up together . . . in Christ Jesus” (2:6).

 

He “made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (2:6). Not only was our Lord made alive and raised from the dead, but He ascended into heaven (Acts 1:10-11), even “on high” (Eph. 4:8) where God has highly exalted Him (Phil. 2:9). So it is with the Christian.

 

Good works, nevertheless, have an important place in the life of every Christian:

 

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (2:10).

 

The “good works” spoken of here constitute one of the purposes of God in saving us, and these can be performed only by those who have been saved by grace. The word rendered “ordained” may be translated “prepared,” suggesting that God has cut out for each of us a special work of his own preparation. There must be an exhibition of the fruits of grace in this life as well as in the ages to come.

 

Notice, please, that the “good works” assigned to us are not our good works but His. These gifts our Lord distributes to His own, and through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit we are able to use them.

Conclusion:

We need to recognize our Past: Dead in Sin (2:1-3)

Live in response to our Present: Raised with Christ (2:4-9)

And move to our Future: God’s Plan for Good Works (2:10)

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