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— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.  4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,  5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,  7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,  9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.  10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. 

1) Who is the “prince of the power of the air”?
The passage starts with a description about those who walk the course of the world and describe a spirit that works in the sons of disobedience. Paul is describing that which stands in opposition to God, which is Satan. A few other names that have been attributed to Satan, which means adversary, are father of lies (John 8:44), the evil or wicked one (Matthew 13:19), ruler of this world (John 12:31), and the god of this age (2 Corinthians 4:4). This is by no means an exhaustive list, but the characteristics and intentions of Satan are clear: lies and deception!  

2) What is Paul describing in verses 1-3?
Paul is describing what a person looks like before a saving encounter with the one true God. Everyone begins life separated from God, and this passage gives details of the mindset and actions of those who live apart from Him.  

3) What “but” statement is made in verse 4 to transition and what does it tell us?
Throughout Scripture, especially in Paul’s letters, he compares and contrasts two different things. In verse 4, Paul uses the word “but” to show that there is a shift in what he is describing. In verses 1-3, the description focuses on separation from God. In verse 4, Paul begins describing how that separation is redeemed. He clearly spells out for the reader, that God, being rich in mercy, did not leave us in our separation. Even though we did not deserve His mercy, even though we were dead in our sin, He made us alive!  

4) What identity statement is Paul making about those who are followers of Christ?
The last six verses of this passage describe the beautiful story of redemption and give seven identity statements for the believer.  

1. We have been given the free gift of salvation because of God’s grace. (v.8) 
2. God’s mercy saved us. (v.4).  
3. We were once dead but through Jesus and by His grace we have been saved for all eternity. (v.5).  
4. We have been raised up with Him. (v.6).  
5. We have a hope and an inheritance that goes beyond this world. (v.7).  
6. It is through our trust, our faith, that we can accept salvation in Him. (v.9).  
7. We are created for His purposes and we walk in Him guided by Him. (v.10). 

1) Who is the “prince of the power of the air”?
We must never forget that we have come from a place of lostness. It is in remembering that lostness that allows for our salvation to fall on fresh eyes and a fresh heart. Remembering where we have come from, allows us, pushes us, to pursue something better, Someone better in the person of Jesus Christ. We are no longer ruled by the prince of darkness but rather the Prince of Peace!  

2) What is Paul describing in verses 1-3?
As I read verses 1-3, I have to look to my past and remember that is who I used to be. I was under the wrath of God and walking in the flesh. I remember that now, because of Jesus, I am free to not stay there, but to take joy in the fact that I am no longer there; I am free from sin and death! I can read that passage and know I have been rescued and redeemed.  

3) What “but” statement is made in verse 4 to transition and what does it tell us?
I love “but” statements in Scripture because they clearly articulate what was and what is now. Where I used to be and where I am now. I fail, BUT that doesn’t change my position before a merciful God. I turn my back on Him, BUT He continues to pursue me in His love and grace. I desire other things besides Him, BUT He beckons me to come back to my first love.  

4) What identity statement is Paul making about those who are followers of Christ?
The voice of truth tells me I have a free gift of salvation because God is full of grace and mercy. He saved me from my sin, from this world, and from my own thoughts. I was once dead, but no more. I am now alive because He is alive! I have been raised with Him and I have hope because I have an inheritance that is written in the blood of my Savior and sealed in the power of the Holy Spirit. I walk in faith with Him, I am guided by Him, for Him, and in submission to Him.  

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Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Find super awesome stuff like “origin”, “definition”, and even all the different ways that single word has been translated into English! If you want to be geeky, you can even click the word and hear its original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

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Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

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