Thursday: Wrestling Against Evil Powers
What do you judge to be Paul’s purpose in listing a variety of titles for the evil spiritual powers depicted in Ephesians 1:21, Ephesians 3:10, and Ephesians 6:10-20?
Paul describes “our struggle” (Ephesians 6:12, NRSV), using a Greek word for the competition between wrestlers (palé). Since wrestling was regarded as excellent preparation for battle, this is an appropriate description of the weapon-against-weapon and hand-to-hand combat that takes place when armies clash. Paul is emphasizing the reality of believers’ close struggle against the evil powers.
Here are the titles he gives them:
| Ephesians 1:21 | Ephesians 3:10 | Ephesians 6:12 |
|---|---|---|
| every ruler (or every rule) | the rulers | the rulers |
| (every) authority | the authorities | the authorities |
| (every) power | the cosmic powers over this present darkness | |
| (every) dominion | the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places | |
| every name named |
Image © Kevin Carden at Goodsalt.com
In his broad descriptions (“every name named,” Ephesians 1:21, LEB; “the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places,” Ephesians 6:12, ESV) Paul does affirm that all evil and supernatural powers are subjugated to Christ (Ephesians 1:21). However, in any battle, it is never a good strategy to underestimate the forces on the opposing side. Paul warns that we do not just confront human enemies, but “spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12, NKJV), led by a wily general, the devil (Ephesians 6:11). However, while we must be on the alert against our powerful foes, we need not be daunted by them. God is present with us in the battle (Ephesians 6:10) and has supplied us with the finest of weaponry, His own armor, the “armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11; compare Isaiah 59:15-17). He has placed at our disposal His truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation, and the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 6:13-17). With God going before us and our being equipped from head to toe in the armor He has supplied, we cannot fail (Romans 16:20; 1 Corinthians 15:23-24; 2 Thessalonians 2:8).
| What should the reality of these supernatural evil powers — against whom we, ourselves, are utterly helpless — teach us regarding why we must grasp hold of the Lord Jesus, who is not only greater than these powers but has already defeated them? |
(20)
Jesus defeated the supernatural evil powers at the cross of Calvary.That is when Jesus Christ struck the decisive blow.Hebrews 2:14.15 says "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage."(KJV).
Jesus Christ has authority over these supernatural evil powers.Mark 1:27 says "And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him."(KJV).
At the end of it all,hear hear hear what John heard:Revelation 21:3-5 "And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful."(KJV).
Spiritual armour mentioned in Ephesians 6 is our only source of survival in this conflict against these supernatural evil powers.
With all these references to armor, fighting and struggling, we may be in danger of missing the point. We need to remind ourselves that the greatest battle we have to fight is the battle against self - the desire to be recognized, to be honored, to be first or whatever. All sins originate with this self-focus. We need to be "crucified with Christ." (Gal 2:20)
The "cosmic war" which Paul references is over the character of God: Is He truly loving and just, or is He self-seeking just like the fallen angel now known as Lucifer?
So let's consider how the "armor" Paul writes about helps us in this battle against self. (Eph. 6:14-18)I believe that the truth of who Jesus is and what He has done and will do for us prepares us for this battle. "Righteousness" is right doing. When we commit ourselves fully to Jesus and obedience to Him, He will enable us to stand and exercise self-renouncing love. I see the "shield of faith" as just another analogy for absolute trust in Jesus. When we have that, the attacks meant for us, fall on Him first, and we will feel no need to defend ourselves. The "helmet of salvation is another figure of speech representing unwavering trust in Jesus. We absolutely need "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Through it we will daily replenish our understanding of truth. And it will work to produce righteousness in us as well as strengthening our faith. Paul exhorts us to "pray always," because prayer is the breath of the soul. We cannot hope to stay spiritually alive without being in an attitude of prayer.
God is depending on a body of people - the body of Christ - to reveal His character to the world. And His character is self-renouncing love. It's a tall order but possible when we depend totally on Him. In that state of mind, help comes instantly when needed - as the power to stop contentious words almost on our lips, and not only stopping the words but removing the feeling that would cause such words. I have experienced it when I remember to *ask* for help!
I pray that I may always be in this attitude of prayer than enables Him to shape my behavior.
Thank you Inge for this reminder. All of Satan’s attacks are simply tempting us to manifest self and thus deny Christ.
I can't believe I left out this important piece of "armor":
So how is the "gospel of peace" part of the armor?
At least two ways I think:
1. In the spiritual realm, we can only keep what we share. (Otherwise we are self-focused and on the enemy's side.) Sharing reinforces our own faith. It makes us strong.
2. It is significant that the "gospel of peace" is on the feet, which move us forward. God's people are supposed to pull down the strongholds of Satan. Where selfishness reigns, we are to demonstrate selflessness. Where greed reigns, we are to demonstrate generosity. (Unfortunately in my background I met the advice never to do business with and Adventist, because they are "sharp" dealers. That is *not* a good witness for Christ.)
Where there is dissension, we are to bring peace.
Where there is sickness, we are to apply our God-given health message to help people regain their health. (This is not just for doctors and nurses. Applying the 8 Natural Remedies does not require a medical degree.)
I could go on and on but I'm going to stop now. I would like to see what you can add to the list of what we, as Christ's ambassadors can do on this planet.
Another word for daunted is bothered. We must be cognigent of our foes but lets not be be bothered by them. Lets be undaunted by the foes. Because since God is for us, no one is against us. Romans 8:31. I also like David's words. Psalms 91:1-3. Those who chose to stand will dwell in the secret place of the Most High, and abide under the shadow of the AllMighty.
The most crucial fight can be happening right now within me. I'm the one who needs to face the fact that Jesus has already defeated evil forever, and although sin is still around, the cross and the marks in His hands are a reality!
Faith starts inside me. The peculiarity of this inner critical battle is that the miracle of change comes from outside, from a God Who desperately sends His offer of salvation to me. And because of His steadfast LOVE, my self-inflicted wounds can be permanently healed.
Yesterday was one of down moments where I wept bitterly because I'm currently facing a health challenge. Have been praying about it, called the Elders of the church who laid their hands on me and prayed, my family is praying and loved ones who know are also praying YET I felt like GOD shut His ears from me and let me alone in this battle.
This is my encouragement from Todays lesson
With God going before us and our being equipped from head to toe in the armor He has supplied, we cannot fail.
Dear Sarah,
These are difficult times. May the Lord strengthen you and may your faith in him and his promises help you in this struggle.
Sarah, may our Lord give you the peace you are seeking on this journey you are walking. I pray that Jesus comfort you and help you to know he is with you. It is hard when we come up against health problems that are a threat to our well being to see our lord in it. He is with you more now than ever. Prayers for your healing and that you will have peace for His will to be done in your life.
Sarah - may this spiritual truth you gained manifest itself in your life as peace in your heart.
Back there so long ago, in the holiness of heaven,
The angels that abode with God were torn with great contention.
Lucifer, the director of the choir, had challenged the was ofGod
And caused a third to fall.
The battle that in heaven rent the splendor of that state
Is waged with great intensity each day in you and me.
I think that the best ones of the Apostle Paul are 2 Corinthians 7:1 and 10:4,5; where he very clearly mentions God's Promises as being what will cleanse us from our fleshly sins and also our thoughts and imaginations against God and Jesus and God's Holy Spirit. Our very own thoughts and imaginations and not so much what is in the World against us.
Sarah, 10 days ago I came down with "Herpes Zoster," (Shingles.) I had to cancel a "Vesper Services" where I and the fellow who led me to become a Seventh Day Adventist were both going to share our testimonies and our music for our Church then. The only words in the Bible that bring any comfort to me are the words of the Apostle Paul in Romans 8:28 for now. I cannot even imagine what good could possible come from me coming down with this illness so that I nor my friend could share how God worked in his life and mine to lead both he and I to leave Catholicism and join the ranks of Seventh Day Adventists etc. and etc. But about a day ago God showed me even the Apostle Paul asked God "Three Times," to take away a "Thorn in his flesh," and God just told him that "His Grace was sufficient for him and that His Strength would be made perfect with Paul's weakness." I also get "Spiritual Strength," from Psalm 27:14 Where King David wrote for us to "Wait on God, to have courage..." and goes on to assure us that God would "Strengthen our hearts," too.