“All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath” (Ep 2:3).
Do you ever wonder why perfectly normal people often have abnormal desires and passions? Well, the Bible tells us the reason clearly in our text. The preceding verses put it this way: “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient” (Ep 2:1-2).In short, ungodly passions emanate from a sinful lifestyle, bolstered by the world’s culture and engineered by Satan. It’s a combination of the influence of one’s sinful nature, the world’s influence and the devil’s influence. Note that the Word says Satan is the spirit currently at work, that is busy, in those who are disobedient. Therefore beloved, we mustn’t accept every impulse we feel as legitimate. Nor should we naively embrace the values of our decadent society.
Thirdly, we only escape satanic influence when we walk in the Holy Spirit, applying the blood of the Lamb (Ga 5:16; Re 12:11). Here’s to sanctified passions!
Pastor Josh