Verse 3
Third, not only do the philosophy of the world guide unbelievers and Satan control them, but they also indulge the flesh. The term "flesh" (NASB, Gr. sarkos), when used metaphorically as here, refers to the sinful nature that everyone possesses. It is our human nature that is sinful. The unbeliever characteristically gives in to his or her fleshly desires and thoughts whereas the believer should not and need not do so (cf. Romans 7-8).
"Children of wrath" and "sons of disobedience" are both phrases that describe unbelievers. "Children" (Gr. tekna) highlights the close relationship between a child and his or her parents. "Sons" (Gr. huioi) stresses the distinctive characteristics of the parents that the child displays. Unbelievers have a close relationship to God’s wrath because of their rebellion against Him (cf. Romans 1:18 to Romans 2:29; John 3:36).
These verses (1-3) picture the hopeless unbeliever as a part of the world system, controlled by Satan, indulging the flesh, and destined to experience God’s wrath. When an unbeliever trusts Jesus Christ, the world, the devil, and the flesh become his or her three-fold enemy.
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