THE COURSE OF THE WORLD

"And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in 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, among 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." (Ephesians 2:1-3, NKJV)

The remarkable nature of salvation can be seen from two perspectives. (1) What we have been delivered FROM, and (2) What we have been delivered TO. Elsewhere it is written, "Who hath delivered us FROM the power of darkness, and hath translated us INTO the kingdom of His dear Son" (Col 1:13). In this devotion, I will show the dilemma from which we have been delivered. Through this consideration, we can be encouraged to remain free in Christ, and not be again entangled in the environment from which we have been delivered.

Our text defines our condition before God put us into Christ and that IS what he did (1 Coir1:30). Notice the specificity with which the Spirit speaks. (1) We were "dead in trespasses and sins," insensitive to God, and without ears to hear. (2) We walked, or lived continually, in accordance with"the course of this world." (3) We were under the domination of "the prince of the power of the air," the spirit who is presently working in the sons of disobedience. (4) At that time, we were motivated exclusively by the corrupt desires of the flesh, or sinful nature. (5) We fulfilled the desires of our own flesh and mind. (6) By nature, we were the "children of wrath," just as all others outside of the Son. Of that condition the Spirit says, we "were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world" (Eph 2;12). A dreadful condition, indeed!

What is "the course of this world" in which we "walked," or lived continually? The word "course" can be translated "age," or period of time. The idea is that of a transitory or temporary way or period--something that is destined to pass away. This is a path that has an abrupt termination that leads to perdition, or condemnation. On it, there is no Divine help, no hope, and no lasting benefit. It is a way without remission, grace, or eternal advantage. This path is dominated by Satan, filled with darkness, and in harmony with hell. There is no possibility of those remaining in this course, or way, going anywhere but the lake of fire! Either we are delivered from it, or we will be condemned.

What is more, those on this pathway are powerless to deliver themselves. They are under the influence of the devil, who is in charge of the moral and spiritual darkness in which they walk. He has authority over that realm, and those in it cannot free themselves from his power. They must be "delivered," "saved," and plucked, like a burning brand, from the fire (Zech 3:2).

O believer, that is where you were before Christ rescued you! That is the pit from whence you were "digged" (Isa 51;1). Lift your voice in praise to God for your deliverance (1 Pet 2:9)! Offer your body a living sacrifice to God in response for His great salvation (Rom 12:1-2). Submit yourself to God, and resist the devil and do so with determination and consistency (James 4:7). You have every reason to make "every effort" to supplement your faith with the graces of the Spirit (2 Pet 1:5-8).

PRAYER POINT: Father, thank You for delivering me from this present evil world through Jesus Christ, and in accordance with Your will! In Jesus' name, give me grace to keep myself unspotted from the world, thus preparing myself for the day of judgment, and to dwell in Your house forever.

-- MONDAY: FLESH AND BLOOD ARE EXCLUDED --