Wednesday: Christ Above All Powers
Paul has celebrated the exaltation of Jesus, who now sits with the Father on the throne of the cosmos. Having defined the position of Christ in relationship to the Father (“seated … at his right hand in the heavenly places” Ephesians 1:20, ESV), Paul turns to the relationship of Jesus to “the powers.” As coregent with the Father, Jesus is “far above” them all (Ephesians 1:21).
Compare Paul’s mentioning of evil, spiritual powers in Ephesians 1:21, Ephesians 2:2, and Ephesians 6:12. Why do you think Paul is so interested in these powers?
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Acts 19:11-20, with its story of the seven sons of Sceva, illustrates that Ephesus at the time of Paul was a center for the magic arts. “The overriding characteristic of the practice of magic throughout the Hellenistic world was the cognizance of a spirit world exercising influence over virtually every aspect of life. The goal of the magician was to discern the helpful spirits from the harmful ones and learn the distinct operations and the relative strengths and authority of the spirits. Through this knowledge, means could be constructed (with spoken or written formulas, amulets, etc.) for the manipulation of the spirits in the interest of the individual person. With the proper formula, a spirit-induced sickness could be cured, [or] a chariot race could be won.” — Clinton E. Arnold, Power and Magic: The Concept of Power in Ephesians, p. 18.
The interest in naming deities and powers in spells was a feature of religious life in Ephesus (see Acts 19:13), and among some even today. Paul wishes to make clear the relationship between Christ and “the powers”: The exalted Jesus is “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion” (Ephesians 1:21, ESV).
Just to be sure that his audience understands that there is no power outside of the sovereignty of Jesus, he adds an allusion to the practice of gathering up the names of deities in spells: “and above every name that is named” (Ephesians 1:21, ESV). Turning from the dimension of space to that of time, Paul stresses the unlimited chronology of Jesus’ exalted rule. His rule over all powers applies “not only in this age but also in the one to come” (Ephesians 1:21, ESV).
| What are some present-day manifestations of these same evil forces, and how can we make sure that we don’t get caught up in any of them? |
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I think that sometimes we get fixated on supernatural power. We speak of God as though he is some sort of super Superman who can do anything. We even have a special word for this, "omnipotent". When we talk among ourselves, we marvel at the size and complexity of the Universe and gloat that our God made and controls all this. Sometimes in our admiration of the extraordinary, we forget that God is also the God of the ordinary.
The reality is that most of us do not perform extraordinary miracles in God's name. I don't know of one person that has moved a mountain because they could demonstrate God's power. And to be honest, most observers would be highly skeptical even if that did happen.
Now I do not deny that there are miracles, but at the same time, my prayer for myself is that the miracle of the risen Saviour be evident in the way I interact with other people. Some will protest that is very ordinary and we should be curing sick people with a prayer or unbreaking broken legs. But living a life that shares the love of Jesus with others is a sufficient miracle for me.
In the words of James Rowe:
...and that is the supernatural event I pray for!
wouldn't the special word be "omnipotent"?
Thanks Silvio. Good catch. My mistake. Carmel was calling me to go grocery shopping so I didn’t proof read it. 😢
Disney has been teaching witchcraft for years. There is a Seventh-day Adventist ministry called Little Light Studios who has released some excellent videos on the topic. They have researched how Disney and other Hollywood films have been teaching evil practices and demon-inspired stories.
Here is one of their videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZ3PsuyaHTI
Good point. My husband is wrestling with his faith, and unfortunately this has caused him to seek truth outside of God. We were talking about YouTube videos. I think it is so important that, just as it says in the song, we need to be careful what we see, hear, and allow within our sphere. We can't be just watching and listening to things mindlessly, as we become desensitized to the filthiness and unholiness of the things of this world.
That video is so very amazing and illustrates how the "dark forces" are working so effectively in our culture. I wrote a note on FB to my friends and family. It was there for a very short time before it was "censored." (removed) This was from a comment & web site mentioned earlier this week by Rebecca Gottfried.
Has anyone had this happen?
Yes, the Apostle was very interested with these powers because they were about to make "A Martyr," out of him. And he did not want this fact to become a stumbling block to them.
Knowing ‘Christ to be above all Powers’ is extremely comforting to me. I have always struggled with ‘obeying’ authority, but I have found no reason not to place my full trust and confidence in Jesus Christ.
‘Principalities, powers, might, and dominions, and every name that is named’, nothing and no one has more authority than the Son of God, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If knowing this to be true does not remove trepidations from our heart and mind, what will?
I am incredibly relieved to find God’s new Covenant to be based on faith and not on magic or any other 'form' exerting its influence. Do we still ‘knock on wood’, consider spilled salt or coming across a black cat, etc. to be a bad omen – I hope not!
What strengthens our personal trust-relationship with the Father and Jesus Christ more than to know that God created all things in Christ and we are His children - ‘[Which is to say that] all things exist as created through Him and for Him.” – Col.1:16-17; see also Eph.3:9.
In Ephesians 1:21, 2:2, and 6:12, Paul acknowledges the existence of evil, spiritual powers, demonstrating his awareness of the spiritual warfare believers are engaged in. His interest likely stems from the need to prepare believers for this reality, encouraging them to rely on God's power for victory.
Today, these forces can manifest as systemic injustice, falsehood, discord, and anything contrary to Christ's teachings. To avoid getting caught up in these forces, we should ground ourselves in Scripture, maintain a robust prayer life, cultivate Christ-like characteristics, seek spiritual accountability, and serve others. By focusing on Christ, we're better equipped to resist and combat these harmful influences.
I think it's safe to say few of us are involved in spiritualism, but the lesson left me with some things to ponder. If Jesus is above all forces and powers, perhaps we should avoid focusing on those evil powers. I won't name names of ministries, but it seems like some people spend more time talking of the people/countries/entities under the power of Satan than about Jesus. And I sometimes get the sense that people believe that Satan is in charge of when the end times begin.
No! The verses tell us this is wrong. God has and always is in control. We should focus on Jesus. And when we focus on Him the evil things lose their appeal anyway.
Amen to this, Christina Waller, we can choose to focus on the thorns of life, and of ministries, and we will be miserable Christians ourselves. But we can also choose to focus on the blossoms of life and ministries and we then will also be positive and cheerful Christians too.
Human actions are freely chosen. Evil cannot make people do things unless they want to. The assumption of responsibility is not "Evil made me do it!"
What has been the investment in my Temple (body and mind)? I can only reap what I sow. Am I instilling love (God)? If so, I'll reap goodness, peace, and everything from the proper worship.
God is so powerful that nothing can lead me astray if my concerns are solely focused on Him.
In Isaiah 8:19, inspiration records "And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?"
Thus it is God's purpose that we (who have the name of Christ) should be detached from those who have familiar spirits etc.
Today, people are looking for instant miracles. They visit places where miracles can be gotten regardless of the source of the power. God still manifest His power in our church. All we need do is to worship Him in truth and in spirit and He will grant all our heart desires according to the riches of His glory.