Shalom and welcome as we grow in the knowledge of our God. It is not enough to know only our God—we must also understand our enemy. Even wild animals without human intelligence learn to identify their friends and enemies. A wildebeest may graze alongside a zebra or antelope, but the moment it sees a lion in the distance, it flees—why? Because it has learned from past experience who its enemy is. In the same way, we as Christians must not be ignorant of the devil’s schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11). Today, let us learn briefly about the “princes of the air”—spiritual beings operating in the heavenly realms. DARK PRINCIPALITIES AND PRINCES OF THE AIR There are two distinct categories of demonic forces: The princes of darkness (ruling powers), and The princes of the air.While there are seven main princes of darkness, there are many princes of the air under their authority. The seventh and final prince of darkness, currently active, is more powerful than the six that preceded him. His influence began to rise in the early 20th century and continues today. His main mission is to spread spiritual lukewarmness across the world—especially targeting believers. He wants Christians to live in compromise: Half-spiritual, half-worldly. Half-prayerful, half-sinful. Singing worship songs on Sunday, but listening to worldly music during the week. Pastors preaching holiness but living in sexual immorality. His goal isn’t to make people outright sinners, because people in deep sin often recognize their need for repentance. Instead, he wants people to think they’re “good enough,” and thus never truly repent—so when they die, they end up in hell while thinking they were saved. SPIRITUAL LUKEWARMNESS: THE DEVIL’S STRATEGY The devil targets Christians, not unbelievers. He wants them to become lukewarm—comfortable in sin yet religious in appearance. This is the most dangerous state. Jesus warns strongly about this in: Revelation 3:15–16“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” Why? Because lukewarm believers are self-deceived. They say things like: “I’m saved, I go to church, I tithe, I read the Bible.”Yet they live in open sin. Just like someone who dresses immodestly, has a boyfriend, and still says, “I’m a Christian, I was in church yesterday.” But if you correct them, they say, “Don’t judge me.” They even quote verses out of context to justify their actions. Meanwhile, a prostitute who doesn’t claim to know God is often more willing to repent when she hears the truth. That’s why the devil prefers believers to stay lukewarm—it’s harder for them to see their need for repentance. THE ROLE OF PRINCES OF THE AIR Under the principal prince of darkness are many “princes of the air.” They operate like regional governors—spiritual authorities assigned to various places, working under the dominion of Satan. Just as humans use airspace for planes, satellites, radio waves, and the internet, these demonic powers also operate through the spiritual atmosphere—gathering intelligence, influencing nations, and promoting lukewarmness globally. Ephesians 2:2 (NKJV):“…in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience…” These spirits can monitor individuals, discern levels of spiritual fervor, and identify those who genuinely fear God. Then, they send temptations, distractions, or spiritual oppression to pull them away from faith. THEIR TACTICS These “princes of the air” will attack truly saved and standing Christians with strategies like: Temptation to sexual sin, saying: “Even David sinned and was forgiven.” Encouraging casual repentance, suggesting: “Go ahead and sin—you’ll repent later.” Corrupting worship, encouraging a person to give offerings while remaining in habitual sin. Yet God rejects offerings made from an unclean life: Proverbs 15:8“The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.” Ecclesiastes 5:1“Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil.” Satan uses false confidence—making people believe they’re fine with God while their lives contradict His Word. He wants people to trust in religion, not in true repentance and transformation through Christ. HOW TO OVERCOME THESE POWERS We do not overcome principalities through emotional prayers or shouting at the sky. We overcome by: Genuine repentance — turning completely from sin. Faith in Jesus Christ — for salvation and deliverance. Obedience — choosing holiness and submission to God. The Word of God — knowing Scripture for spiritual warfare. Being filled with the Holy Spirit — who guides us in all truth (John 16:13). Ephesians 6:12–17“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places…” The armor of God includes: Truth Righteousness Readiness for the Gospel Faith Salvation The Word of God (the sword of the Spirit) CONCLUSION: ARE YOU STILL LUKEWARM? Are you still obeying the prince of the air by remaining lukewarm?Still wearing immodest clothing while going to church?Still mixing godliness with worldliness? Revelation 3:17–18“Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire…” Ephesians 2:1–3“And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins… among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh… and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.” Christ is calling for total transformation—not half-measures. Not lukewarmness, but holy fire. THE FINAL CALL Let us reject the influence of the prince of the air and submit fully to Christ. True deliverance comes not by shouting at demons, but by genuine surrender to God. If you were in sin—repent and turn to Christ. Be baptized in His name. Be filled with the Holy Spirit. Feed your spirit with the Word of God daily. This is the path to victory. May the Lord bless you and keep you strong in faith. Join our teaching channel on WhatsApp >> Whatsapp.