Ephesians 2:1-2 - Harm or Harmony?
Whose World is this World?
“1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 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” —Ephesians 2:1–2
“30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me” —John 14:30
“3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” —2 Corinthians 4:3–4
A significant number of modern Christians see defeat as inevitable because this world belongs to Satan. But does the Bible actually say this world belongs to Satan?
“18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” —Matthew 28:18–20
“15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.” —Colossians 2:15
“31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out.” —John 12:31
Why does this matter?
Because many Christians will use any excuse to avoid engaging in uncomfortable religious/moral/cultural battles
Because expecting defeat normally becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy
Because defeatism DRIVES men away from Jesus, His Church, and His mission
How does this apparent contradiction Harmonize? GRADUAL PROGRESSIVE ADVANCE
“31 He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. 32 It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”” —Matthew 13:31–32
How do we handle APPARENT CONTRADICTIONS in the Bible?
“16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” —2 Timothy 3:16–17
When we come to apparent conflicts or contradictions in the Bible, Scripture must be HARMONIZED, not pitted against itself.
DECISION POINT: Which do you find more uncomfortable?
1. Silently contradicting or rejecting Scripture.
2. Saying “I don’t know… YET”.
“13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” —Jeremiah 29:13
How do I harmonize Scripture? HUMILITY, PURSUIT, and PATIENCE
“6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” —Philippians 1:6
How do I give to 1MSO?
The people of One Missoula Church give tangible resources back to God in order to suffocate greed in our own lives and amplify the impact of the Gospel in the lives of others. We’ve removed every barrier and inconvenience to make this sacrificial act as accessible and simple as possible. At present, here are the avenues for this act of devotion:
- Sunday Morning – offering boxes on the communion tables at the back
- Snail Mail – postage-paid envelopes available
- Text “1MSO” to 406-631-3323
- Online at https://onemissoulachurch.com/give
- Via the One Missoula App under the “Giving” tab
