How can we resist the "ruler of the power of the air" today? The Reality of Our Adversary Ephesians 2:2 names Satan “the ruler of the power of the air,” describing his unseen influence over world systems, ideas, and passions. Scripture presents him as: • A deceiver (John 8:44) • An accuser (Revelation 12:10) • A tempter (Matthew 4:3) • A destroyer (1 Peter 5:8) He cannot be ignored, but he can be resisted. Our Position of Freedom • Ephesians 2:4-6: “But because of His great love for us, God…made us alive with Christ… and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms.” • Colossians 1:13: God “has rescued us from the dominion of darkness.” Because we are spiritually seated with Christ, Satan’s authority over us is broken. We fight from victory, not for it. The Armor God Provides (Ephesians 6:10-18) • Belt of Truth – clears the fog of lies. • Breastplate of Righteousness – protects the heart with Christ’s finished work. • Shoes of the Gospel of Peace – steadies our footing in every conversation. • Shield of Faith – extinguishes fiery darts of doubt and accusation. • Helmet of Salvation – guards the mind with the certainty of redemption. • Sword of the Spirit (Word of God) – the only offensive weapon, wielded aloud as Jesus did (Matthew 4). • Prayer in the Spirit – continual communication that keeps the whole armor active. Core Strategies to Resist 1. Submit, then stand. • James 4:7: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” 2. Stay sober-minded. • 1 Peter 5:8-9: be “alert,” resist “standing firm in your faith.” 3. Capture every thought. • 2 Corinthians 10:3-5: demolish arguments, take thoughts captive to Christ. 4. Speak and sing truth. • Revelation 12:11: overcome “by the word of their testimony.” 5. Guard gateways. • Eyes, ears, and clicks become avenues for the “air’s” messages; filter entertainment, news, and social media through Philippians 4:8. 6. Walk in obedient community. • Hebrews 10:24-25: encourage one another; isolated believers are easy targets. Countering Modern “Airwaves” • Algorithmic lies – match every headline with the Word’s headline. • Digital outrage – choose grace-filled speech (Ephesians 4:29). • Anxiety loops – replace scrolling with prayerful meditation on Psalm 46. • Comparison culture – remember identity is anchored in Christ, not curated images (Galatians 2:20). Hope Anchored in Christ’s Triumph • 1 John 4:4: “The One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” • Romans 16:20: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” Living in that certainty, we resist today with confidence, knowing the ruler of the power of the air is already a defeated foe. |
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