There is a fierce battle going on in the world around us. To most people it is a flesh and blood thing. But in God’s reality, what is really going on, and what can we do that is most effective?
This is a little study on our battle, the forces we are fighting, and what the battle actually is.
If it is a spiritual battle we are fighting, the way to victory will require spiritual weapons.
Ephesians 6:10-13 (Amplified) – In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]. Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].
God supplies it, but you still have to put it on. It isn’t automatic.
With His armor on, you will be able to successfully stand against the strategies and deceits of the devil. If you are not successfully standing, maybe your armor isn’t on fully or completely or correctly.
There is a fierce battle going on. Who is the enemy?
- Not flesh and blood.
- Not human beings.
- Not mere physical opponents.
- Not the earthly rulers of the age.
- The despotisms
- The powers
- The master spirits who are the world rulers of this present darkness.
- The spirit forces of wickedness in the heaven sphere.
With the COMPLETE armor, you are able to resist and stand in the evil day and having done all, to stand.
Wrestle (pale) – wrestle, vibrate, sway.
Principalities (arche) – beginning, principality, cornerstone, first, power, ruler, chief, magistrate.
Vine – beginning, government, rule, is used of supramundane beings who exercise rule, called “principalities;” signifies, not the first estate of fallen angels (as AV), but their authoritative power, “their own” indicating that which had been assigned to them by God, which they left, aspiring to prohibited conditions.
Powers (exousia) – power, authority, right, liberty, permission, the ability or strength with which one is endued, the right to exercise power, the power of rule or government, a spiritual potentate.
Rulers (kosmokrator) – ruler, world ruler
Vine – denotes “a ruler of this world”. In Greek literature, in Orphic hymns, etc., and in rabbinic writings, it signifies a “ruler” of the whole world, a world lord. In the NT it is used in Eph. 6:12, “the world rulers (of this darkness),” RV, AV, “the rulers (of the darkness) of this world.” The context (“not against flesh and blood”) shows that not earthly potentates are indicated, but spirit powers, who, under the permissive will of God, and in consequence of human sin, exercise satanic and therefore antagonistic authority over the world in its present condition of spiritual darkness and alienation from God.
Spiritual wickedness (pneumatikos poneria) – spiritual depravity, malice, plots.
With this armor on, what are we do?
Pray and take up our place and authority to ensure that the will of God is accomplished on this earth.
Ephesians 6:18 – Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people).
A couple of related posts:
- https://adventuresingod.com/stand-in-the-gap/
- https://adventuresingod.com/pulling-down-strongholds/
- https://adventuresingod.com/prayer-for-the-nation/
