In Ephesians 6:12 Paul says, " For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." When you get down to it Paul is telling us our battle is not against people, but against Satan and his dark forces. Since our battle is against spiritual forces of evil and not flesh how does this change our perspective?
This knowledge does not mean that we do not oppose men who are wicked and who try to expand their beliefs to others. Evil should be battled by Christians even if it means the battle involves confronting and taking a stand against those who are wicked.
What this knowledge does do is help believers know who there battle is against. The battle is not against the person themself but rather Satan working through that person. This knowledge changes our perspective in the battle so we know the true enemy. Waging war on lost people of the world is never a good thing, but fighting against Satan is expected by God from his children.
The Ephesians would have been well aware who there battle is against and that is why Paul reminds him here. In Acts 19 the Lord had blessed Paul with great powers for healing and casting out demons. When some Jewish exorcists tried to do the same in the name of Jesus Christ the demon spoke to them. Look at what a demon said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?" Then the demon beat two of the exorcists leaving them naked and bruised. In verse 17 the text tells us that this news became known to those in Ephesus. The evidence that the battle is spiritual was apparent to these readers. It should also be apparent to Christians to be cautious of having battles with men and not Satan.
Our Savior teaches us how to do this in Matthew 16:23 when he turns to Peter and says, "Get behind me, Satan!" Jesus loved Peter as he loves everyone and knew that his battle was against Satan and not Peter. We need to recoginize as well as verbalize that it is Satan who is attacking us.
After realizing who the enemy is there is a need for us to be prepared to fight against him. Thankfully, the Lord has given us armor. This is armor not to protect our flesh but to protect our soul (Matt 10:28). We need to put on this full armor everyday and fight the good fight. We already have victory in Christ but Satan is at work to steal us over to his side of defeat. Be strong and fight for the Lord. He will protect your soul.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Ephesians 6:10-20
That's an excellent lesson and an important reminder to me. Thank you Blake.
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