The term "Children of Disobedience" is a biblical designation used to describe individuals who live in opposition to God's commandments and are characterized by a lifestyle of sin and rebellion. This term is primarily found in the New Testament and serves as a stark contrast to the "children of God," who are those living in obedience and faithfulness to the Lord.

Biblical References:

1. Ephesians 2:2-3 : "in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience. All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath."

In this passage, the Apostle Paul reminds the Ephesian believers of their past lives before coming to faith in Christ. He describes their former state as being aligned with the "sons of disobedience," indicating a life led by worldly desires and under the influence of Satan, the "ruler of the power of the air." This highlights the spiritual bondage and moral corruption that characterize the children of disobedience.

2. Ephesians 5:6 : "Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on the sons of disobedience."

Here, Paul warns the believers against being misled by deceptive teachings and empty words. He emphasizes that God's wrath is directed towards the sons of disobedience, underscoring the seriousness of living in rebellion against God's will. This serves as a caution to the faithful to remain vigilant and steadfast in their obedience to God.

3. Colossians 3:5-6 : "Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience."

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul instructs believers to rid themselves of sinful behaviors that are characteristic of their earthly nature. He reiterates that such actions provoke God's wrath upon the sons of disobedience, reinforcing the call to holiness and the rejection of a lifestyle that opposes God's commands.

Theological Implications:

The designation "Children of Disobedience" carries significant theological weight, as it reflects the inherent sinfulness and rebellion of humanity apart from divine intervention. It underscores the need for redemption and transformation through Jesus Christ, who offers a path from disobedience to righteousness. The term also serves as a reminder of the spiritual battle between the forces of good and evil, with the children of disobedience representing those who have not yet embraced the truth of the Gospel.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:

From a moral and ethical standpoint, the concept of the children of disobedience challenges believers to examine their own lives and ensure they are not conforming to the patterns of this world. It calls for a life of repentance, faith, and obedience to God's Word, distinguishing the faithful from those who live in defiance of divine authority. The term serves as a call to evangelism, urging Christians to reach out to those who are still living in disobedience and guide them towards the light of Christ.Ephesians 2:2
Wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Colossians 3:6
For which things' sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Doctrine of Satan.
... Matt.13:19, 39""Then cometh the wicked one . . . . ... "We may judge of the nature and
character of the evil one by the names and titles ascribed to him.". ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of satan.htm

"My Little Children, These Things Write I unto You, that Ye Sin ...
... Call God what you will, name all his names, styles, and titles, spell all the ... Then
sin not, for "he will not acquit the wicked nor hold them guiltless ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxiii my little children.htm

Psalm LXXXIII.
... the congregation of God's people in the titles of many ... The meaning of these names
is as follows: Madian is ... destroyed in as far as they are wicked, that being ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxiii.htm

The Beloved Pastor's Plea for Unity
... them by endearing names, by the highest titles which they ... Mark, Luke, and John, by
their right names, but must ... as others, and children of the wicked one; but ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/the beloved pastors plea for.htm

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
... smile at, and smoothes over under the names of gaiety ... in the Red Sea, destroyed the
seven wicked nations of ... God does not look at riches, titles, learning, beauty ...
/.../chapter xix tit 2 6 thoughts.htm

The People on the Earth: Chapters 2-3
... Note how the titles of Christ in verse 8 ("I am ... of coming judgment, when He will
tread the wicked under his ... Some of the names are "blotted out." The others are ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the people on the earth .htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... by showing that Christ pleads for the wicked, the lost ... the children of God.-A difference
in children; some bigger ... To plead the efficacy of our old titles to our ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... they are designated by their own names; but when ... God distinguishes his divinity by
certain titles, and thus ... is profaned with vain and wicked abuse, because it ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

The Historical Books.
... It is a sad record of wicked dynasties, each ... The differences of names may be explained
from the fact ... common for men to bear different titles, particularly if ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... [4696] "God hath shut up all unto disobedience, that he ... the two classes of the righteous
and the wicked, I do ... Even little children in our schools sing how the ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

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