By Andrew Williams
Ephesians 6:12: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (New Living Translation).
Good morning fellow disciples.
Let us confront the reality of spiritual warfare, as revealed in Ephesians 6:12. This isn’t a metaphorical battle; it’s a very real conflict, a spiritual struggle that requires vigilance, faith, and the unwavering power of God.
Before we delve into the verse, let’s define deliverance in this context. Deliverance from spiritual warfare isn’t simply avoiding temptation or escaping difficult circumstances; it’s a profound spiritual transformation, a release from the insidious influence of evil forces that seek to hinder our growth, corrupt our hearts, and separate us from God. It’s a transition from a life of spiritual weakness and defeat to one of strength, victory, and unwavering faith. It’s a healing of the soul, a restoration of our relationship with God, and a renewed capacity to resist evil and live a life pleasing to Him. It’s freedom from the enemy’s schemes. It’s the empowering embrace of God’s protective power.
The verse makes it clear: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood…” This clarifies that our primary adversaries are not merely human beings, though conflict with others is certainly a part of life. Our true battle is against unseen spiritual forces—the “rulers, authorities, powers of this dark world, and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” These are not abstract concepts; they are real entities, actively working to hinder God’s purposes and to lead us astray.
Understanding this unseen battle is crucial. It explains why we face challenges that seem beyond our control, why temptation can be so powerful, and why spiritual growth can be a constant struggle. It’s a battle fought not with our own strength, but with the power of God’s Spirit.
Empowerment from the Verse: This verse empowers us to engage in spiritual warfare with confidence, knowing that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces. It reminds us that we are not alone in this battle; we have a powerful ally in God, who provides the weapons and the strength we need to overcome.
Your Task: Today, I challenge you to actively engage in spiritual warfare. Pray regularly, seeking God’s protection and His strength. Arm yourself with the “armor of God” described in Ephesians 6:10-18. Surround yourself with fellow believers, seeking encouragement and support. Remember, we are not fighting alone; we have a powerful army on our side, led by the Commander-in-Chief, Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Father God, we come before You acknowledging the reality of spiritual warfare. We thank You for providing the armor and the strength we need to overcome the enemy’s attacks. Protect us from his schemes, empower us to resist his temptations, and fill us with Your Holy Spirit, enabling us to stand firm in our faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.