The Spirit of the Age

2 Corinthians 4:4 KJV “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”

The Bible refers to Satan as the “god” of this age or world system. This world, in its organized rebellion against God and its default to sin, has a “god” who holds sway over people (2 Corinthians 4:4). Here, “this world” literally means “this age” The phrase “spirit of this age” is used by Christians to refer to certain attitudes and values in society. It is used to describe the worldly path that is away from redemption and speeding toward destruction. In these last days we see very graphically the manifestation of the operation of this spirit, globally. Therefore, “the spirit of the age” is a devil-inspired outlook to life. The spirit manifests as spirit of disobedience to parents and authorities, addiction to sexual immorality, drugs, alcohol, and other substances, irreverence, and rebellion. There has been a gradual intensifying of anger, hostility, and unimaginable appetite for evil. These patterns are predicted in 2 Timothy 3:1-4. The operation of this spirit is seen and felt all over the world but more pronounced in the Western culture. As Christians, how should we respond to the menace of the “spirit of this age”? First, as the light of the world and salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13-14), we must let our light shine bright and we should not lose our saltiness. Our lifestyle should portray who we are in Christ. Second, we must engage in relentless, effectual, fervent prayers until the works of darkness is destroyed in our homes and society. Third, we must continue in evangelism and preaching the truth in love to sinners, until their darkened mind is flooded with light.