Note 4 at Eph. 2:2: As a result of spiritual death, mankind began to walk opposite to the ways that God had intended for them. It didn't happen all at once. It was a step by step departure, but it has been absolute and all inclusive. A dead man is one who cannot help himself. He must have a savior.

The Contemporary English Version translates this verse as, "You followed the ways of this world and obeyed the devil. He rules the world, and his spirit has power over everyone who does not obey God." The TSEB says, "-that evil spirit . . . is now working in those who disobey God." Today's English Version says, "Actually all of us were like them (the world). . . Like everyone else, we too were naturally bound to suffer God's wrath."

Note 5 at Eph. 2:2: The dictionary defines "course" as "a mode of action or behavior." Everyone can relate to walking "according to the course of this world." We all were headed down the same path bound by habits and desires that we could not break on our own. It was our nature to live in sin (v. 3). In the same way that this bondage to sin was universal, likewise our resurrection with Christ (v. 1) and victory over sin is universal for all who believe (Eph. 1:19). It is a great mistake to identify with our old sin nature and not identify with our new righteous nature.

Note 6 at Eph. 2:2: Many sinners think that they are making their own decisions, but that is not so. This verse and many others reveal that Satan is the one controlling the unsaved. Not all demonic activity is as obvious as it is in those who are demon possessed. However, a person who is given to pride and selfishness is being controlled by Satan too.

Satan seeks to turn people from God. He doesn't have to turn you all the way to worshiping him. If you are living for yourself, that's enough to damn you to hell. Anyone who is not born again (see note 2 at Jn. 3:3, p. 92) is deceived and controlled by "the prince of the power of the air." There is literally a spirit (the spirit of Satan) working in them.

In praying for the lost, we need to remember this truth, and bind (Mt. 18:18-19) the "prince of the power of the air" that is working in the lost. Paul said in 2 Corinthians 4:4 that "the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christshould shine unto them."

Note 7 at Eph. 2:2: W.E. Vine defines APEITHEIA, which is the Greek word that was translated "disobedience" here, as "lit. the condition of being unpersuadable, denotes obstinacy, obstinate rejection of the will of God; hence, disobedience." This word was also translated "unbelief." This is the same word that our English word "apathy" comes from. Therefore, this is not denoting anyone who ever disobeys. It is specifying the unbelievers, those who have not put their faith in Christ for salvation. Those who are not born again (see note 2 at Jn. 3:3, p. 92) have the spirit of Satan working in them (see note 6 at this verse, above).