The phrase “prince of the power of the air” is found in Ephesians 2:2 which says, “in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience.” This verse gives us insight into the spiritual forces of evil that exist in our fallen world.
1. The “power of the air” refers to the domain of Satan
The “power of the air” refers to the realm in which Satan operates. The air encompasses the earth, and Satan is pictured as presiding over this sphere. Just as a prince has authority over a domain or principality, Satan is described as having authority over the “power of the air.” This implies that there are high ranking demonic authorities that exercise delegated power in the atmosphere around us.
2. Satan has influence in the world system
The passage says that formerly we “followed the course of this world.” The “course of this world” refers to the values, beliefs, and behaviors that make up human culture dominated by satanic influence. Satan is called the “god of this world” in 2 Corinthians 4:4. He blinds the minds of unbelievers and keeps them from seeing the light of the gospel. The world system with its sinful ways is under Satan’s sway.
3. Satan works in those who rebel against God
Ephesians 2:2 also says that formerly we followed “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience.” Unbelievers are characterized as “sons of disobedience” indicating behavior that is in rebellion against God. Satan “is at work” in them, exercising influence and propagating evil through willing followers. The ungodly are not neutral – they are under the power of the evil one.
4. Satan’s control is limited
While Satan exercises authority in the world system, his power is limited by God. Satan operates only within parameters allowed by the sovereign Lord. He is a created being without absolute dominion. Satan is certainly influential, but cannot thwart the ultimate purposes of God. Believers need not fear Satan, but recognize that greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).
5. Satan’s doom is sure
Though Satan is called “prince of the power the air” indicating present dominion, his rule will end. God will decisively judge Satan and his followers. Their final destiny is the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10). Christ came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8) and will reign until all enemies are under His feet, including Satan (1 Corinthians 15:25).
In summary, describing Satan as “prince of the power of the air” indicates his pervasive influence and control over the fallen world system and rebellious people within it. But praise God, believers have been delivered from Satan’s dominion of darkness into the kingdom of God’s beloved Son (Colossians 1:13). Jesus Christ is the rightful ruler who will reign over all.
6. We were under Satan’s influence
Paul reminds the Ephesians that before they came to Christ, they were following Satan and living according to his priorities. Unbelievers are blinded by Satan and ignorant of his influence in their lives. Though created for relationship with God, their natural tendency is towards rebellion and sin. Without Christ, people belong to the kingdom of darkness.
7. God’s power delivered us
But while we were formerly under Satan’s sway, God in His mercy saved us by His grace. Ephesians 2:1-9 describes how God made us alive and lifted us from death into life. He did this purely by His grace and not because of any merit on our part. Our deliverance required God’s supernatural power overcoming Satan’s stranglehold of spiritual death upon us. Only the loving Lord could break the bonds of sin and raise us up with Christ.
8. We are now under Christ’s benevolent rule
As believers, we now belong to God’s kingdom ruled by His Son, Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:13 says God “has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.” We submit to Christ’s lordship and find freedom in following Him. His yoke is easy and burden light unlike slavery under Satan’s tyranny. As our loving King, Jesus leads us to what is good, right and true.
9. We have power through God’s Spirit
Not only has God rescued us from Satan’s evil domain, but He has given us His Holy Spirit to empower us for victory over sin and darkness. Ephesians 1:19-20 describes the “immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe” which raised Jesus from death and is at work in believers. Through faith in Christ, we have spiritual power granting discernment, protection and authority to overcome the devil’s schemes.
10. Our victory is assured in Christ
Since Jesus Christ came to destroy Satan’s works, the outcome is certain – God wins! While Satan remains influential in the present world, Jesus is the ultimate victor. 1 John 4:4 declares: “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” Though the enemy actively opposes believers, we are secure in Christ’s hands. His power ensures that we cannot be separated from the love of God no matter what Satan does (Romans 8:38-39). Our victory is assured as we stand firm in Him.
11. Satan’s days are numbered
The Bible describes that Satan’s time is short and his final doom is coming. Revelation 12:12 warns “the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!” Though his attacks increase, Christ’s return brings Satan’s complete defeat. As the rightful ruler, Jesus will destroy all evil powers and authorities including the devil and his minions (1 Corinthians 15:24-26). Satan’s tyranny will end and righteousness will triumph.
12. Satan’s influence in the world reminds us to be vigilant
Knowing that Satan is active and opposed to God’s people makes us alert to his schemes. We must be spiritually vigilant, resisting temptation and putting on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). Walking in the Spirit, obeying God’s truth, and submitting to Christ’s lordship protects us from the enemy’s attacks. Though Satan harasses believers, we have God’s power and protection to stand strong.
13. Do not be frightened of Satan’s power
While Satan is a formidable spiritual enemy, believers have no reason to be frightened of his power. The devil has been decisively defeated by Jesus Christ. The cross triumphed over Satan and stripped him of his ability to condemn us as sinners (Colossians 2:15, Romans 8:1). Christians rest in the saving work and eternal victory of the Lord Jesus Christ. We do not cower before damaged goods like the devil, but stand firm in the power of the risen Savior!
14. Resist the devil by drawing near to God
The Bible instructs believers to resist the devil so that he will flee from you (James 4:7). But this resisting is not done through shoutings, rebukes and spiritual warfare antics. Our resistance is primarily internal as an act of the will, refusing temptation by submitting to God. We resist the devil by humbly drawing near to the Lord, cleansing our hands and purifying our hearts (James 4:8). Satan is overcome by the authority of Christ in Christians who walk by the Spirit.
15. Satan attacks the mind, so take every thought captive
One key arena of spiritual warfare is in our thought life. Satan launches flaming arrows of lies, accusations, deceptions, and doubts which assault our minds. Like a poisonous infection, his demonic ideas can spread and wreak havoc. Therefore, 2 Corinthians 10:5 instructs us to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. Deflecting Satan’s attacks with the shield of faith requires mental discipline and fixing our thoughts on Jesus.
16. Use the sword of the Spirit to stand against evil
Spiritual warfare requires taking up the full armor of God, which includes the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17). When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, He wielded scripture as an offensive spiritual weapon to repel the enemy. God’s word exposes the devil’s lies and equips us to stand firm. Internalizing Bible truth is essential for shielding our minds and pushing back against evil forces.
17. Walk by the Spirit to avoid fleshly traps
Since spiritual warfare involves both heavenly and earthly realms, victory requires the Holy Spirit’s help. Galatians 5:16 instructs to walk by the Spirit so that we will not carry out the desires of the flesh. The Spirit grants discernment and strength, producing godly fruit in our lives. Staying filled with the Spirit closes doors to the enemy and breaks sin’s grip on our lives. Satan wars against our walk in the Spirit which sustains us.
18. Put on Christ-like character for protection
As an army requires armor for protection, we are to put on the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 13:14). Being clothed with Christ-like virtues equips us against evil onslaughts. Satan tries to exacerbate our weaknesses and shortcomings. But godly traits like humility, patience, self-control and love act as reinforcements that shore up vulnerabilities targeted by the enemy. Our spiritual defenses are only as strong as the Lord’s vibrant work within us.
19. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus
One key tactic for spiritual warfare is fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Keeping our focus on Christ blocks out the noise and confusion of the enemy’s attacks. Satan knows that sending us into a tailspin of anxiety and fear takes our eyes off the omnipotent, faithful Lord who provides help and refuge. Centering our minds on Jesus, the anchor of our souls, stabilizes us when evil feels overwhelming.
In summary, Ephesians 2:2 provides a reality check that fallen world systems and ungodly people are influenced by Satan, the enemy of our souls. However, the passage also reminds believers that God’s merciful power has delivered us from bondage into new life under Christ’s benevolent reign. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we can successfully resist the devil’s harassment when we rely fully on the Lord Jesus Christ.
