#1390. The satanic spirit (19/11/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. 

In our last study, we touched on how all of us, before God saved us by His power, were ruled by Satan. Today, I want us to reflect on:

Satanic powers are described as a ‘spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.’ 

To watch this devotional, please select the link below

In these sobering verses, Paul reminds us of the desperate condition we were in before God saved us. We were not just struggling or spiritually weak - we were dead in sin, willingly following the ways of the world and the influence of Satan, described here as ‘the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit now at work in those who are disobedient.’ Today, let’s take a closer look at this description of Satan’s influence.

1. Satan is a spirit

Paul refers to Satan as a ‘spirit’ - a non-physical, created being who is nonetheless real and active.

God Himself is described by Jesus as ‘spirit’ (John 4:24). To be spirit is to be invisible unless such beings choose to make themselves seen. 

Our culture often dismisses the idea of spiritual realities, but Scripture is clear: the unseen realm has a profound effect on the visible. Much of what takes place in our world is influenced by spiritual powers. This is why Paul could say, 

2. Satan is working in people. 

Satan is described as ‘ powerfully working’ (energeó) in people, and in all of us prior to coming to Jesus. It’s better to translate this as ‘the spirit who is now at work in Sons of disobedience’. As we are now sons/children of God who are being led by His Spirit, so we were sons/children of disobedience who followed the spirit of Satan! 

Elsewhere Paul writes, 

Satan works to deceive, harden, and lead people into rebellion against God - just as he did in Eden.

3. Satan continues to wage war

Though we are no longer under Satan’s rule if we belong to Christ, he continues to assault believers, seeking to pull us away from faith and obedience. Many Christians, however, are not alert to this. We too easily yield to temptation, give in to fear, avoid spiritual disciplines, withdraw from fellowship, or compromise truth - often unaware of the spiritual battle behind it.

We must be discerning. Not every thought, feeling, or inner voice is from the Spirit. Paul warns us that even after salvation, the enemy continues to attack. That’s why, later in this letter, he urges us to ‘put on the full armour of God’ (Ephesians 6:11–17), so we can stand against ‘the devil’s schemes.’ We fight this battle not with human strength, but by standing firm in truth, righteousness, faith, and the Word of God.

Satan - the same serpent who deceived Eve in the garden - continues to lie, tempt, and accuse. But in Christ, we are no longer helpless. We are no longer dead. We are children of God, equipped by His Spirit and Word to resist the enemy.

Response

Are you spiritually alert, or have you become dull to the reality of the battle?Are you listening to the Spirit of truth - or are you being influenced by lies that lead to disobedience and despair?

Ask God to help you discern what spirit you are listening to - whether in your thought life, habits, relationships, or decisions. As John commands:‘

Put on the armour. Declare the truth to yourself and over the lies that assault you. You are no longer under Satan’s power - but you are still called to stand against him.

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.

Note - Please be thinking and praying about who you might want to invite to our upcoming carol service (7th December) and to sign up for carol singing (30th November). To sign up, go to: https://forms.monday.com/forms/67541e198902721e4b04ee65cc95ae8a?r=use1

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

On Sunday, we continued our series: Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. 

Our message on Sunday from Ephesians 2:1-3, was:  The depths from which God has saved us.

Please read Ephesians 2:1-3 and discuss:

• Personal Reflection – What did God speak to you about through Sunday’s message?

• In what ways does this text glorify God's grace?

• How do these verses lead us to praise, joy and assurance?

• Why do the truths of this text lead to unity within the church?

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• How do these verses inspire us with compassion and confidence for sharing the gospel?

• Share Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.

• Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Are there any ‘people of peace’ (*see note) in your life—those who are receptive to you and spiritual conversation?

Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.