The Course Of This World

In his letter to the Saints at Ephesus, Paul reminded them about their
previous lifestyle. In Ephesians 2:1,2 he wrote: "And you hath he quickened,
who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked
according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power
of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience." It
was a lifestyle that was contrary to Jesus Christ. Note several things from
this passage.

(1) In their prior lives they were dead because of the sins they had
committed. Sin is that which separates us from God, and causes us to be
spiritually dead.

(2) Christ is the only one who can release us from that spiritual death. Just
as He resurrected Lazarus from the earthly grave (John 11:44), He will give
life ("quicken")
to those who render their lives in obedience to Him.

(3) The "course of this world" is a walk that takes one away from God and
Christ. One cannot partake of the means of this world and expect to come
closer to God. One fools only self when they think they can walk "according
to the course of this world", and still have a relationship with God through
Jesus Christ. 

God has designed a way for us to have life and have it in abundance, and the
only place He has provided that life is in Jesus Christ. This world takes
life away from us, but Jesus Christ provides it. If one desires to be
"quickened" (have life) then they can only do it in Jesus Christ. [JW]