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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,<\/strong><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Christians are no longer under Satan\u2019s authority. We are now in God\u2019s family and under God\u2019s authority.<\/p>\n \u201cWalked<\/span>\u201d is translated from the Greek verb peripate\u014d<\/em><\/span>. This is composed of peri<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201caround\u201d and pate\u014d<\/em><\/span> (based on patos<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201ca path\u201d), which means \u201cto walk.\u201d Thus, peripate\u014d<\/em><\/span> literally means \u201cto walk around.\u201d Metaphorically it refers to \u201chow one lives one\u2019s life.\u201d<\/p>\n The word \u201cworld<\/span>\u201d is from the Greek noun kosmos<\/em><\/span>, which is indirectly based on the word kolumbos<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cto tend or to take care of.\u201d Kosmos<\/em><\/span> refers to \u201can orderly arrangement\u201d or \u201ca system of order.\u201d As it is used here, kosmos<\/em><\/span> refers to \u201cthe system of this world.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPrince<\/span>\u201d is translated from archon<\/em><\/span>, which refers to someone who is \u201cfirst in authority or power.\u201d<\/p>\n The word \u201cair<\/span>\u201d is a\u0113r<\/em><\/span>, which refers to \u201cthe lower atmosphere\u201d or \u201cthe air surrounding the earth.\u201d<\/p>\n The word \u201cdisobedience<\/span>\u201d is translated from the Greek word apeitheia<\/em><\/span>, which is made up of a<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cnot\u201d and peith\u014d<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cto convince or persuade.\u201d Thus, apeitheia<\/em><\/span> refers to those who are not convinced. In other words, it refers to \u201cthose who do not believe.\u201d<\/p>\n The first two words of this verse, \u201cin which<\/span>,\u201d are a reference to \u201ctrespasses and sins<\/span>,\u201d mentioned in the previous verse. So, Paul is saying that we Christians used to live our lives in a manner characterized by trespasses and sins. He goes on further to say that we used to live our lives in accordance with the ruler of the power (authority) of the atmosphere. This is a reference to Satan, whom Jesus referred to as \u201cthe ruler of this world\u201d (see John 16:11<\/strong><\/span>).<\/p>\n But, Paul doesn\u2019t stop there with his description of Satan. He tells us that he is a spirit being who is currently at work in the unsaved people of this world (the sons of disbelief or the sons of disobedience). As a spirit being, Satan is not only the ruler of the world system in which we live, he also has access to the throne room of God in heaven. We know this from the book of Job, where Satan is characterized as appearing before God:<\/p>\n Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. And the LORD said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.”<\/span> (Job 1:6-7<\/strong><\/span>)<\/p>\n Satan will continue to have access to Heaven until he is cast out during the seven year tribulation, as described in Revelation chapter twelve.<\/p>\n You were once controlled by your sins and by Satan, but that is no longer true. When you were saved, you were placed into (baptized into) the body of Christ, where Jesus is now your Lord and Master; therefore, you are no longer under Satan\u2019s power and authority. Praise be to God!<\/p>\n In God\u2019s service, for His glory,<\/strong><\/p>\nTruth to Learn<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Behind the Words<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Meaning Explained<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Application<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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