"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12
Engaging in wrestling or struggling refers to close combat. Dealing with deception and trickery, akin to the tactics of Satan and his followers in their attacks. Overcoming deceitful temptations necessitates embracing Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, embodying truth and righteousness. The terms (principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, spiritual wickedness) delineate the hierarchy of demonic entities within their malevolent supernatural realm. Satan's dark forces are intricately organized for maximum destruction (Col 2:15; 1 Peter 3:22). Paul emphasizes that Christians battle not only against Satan himself but also against his legion of subordinate demons, a vast array of adversaries existing beyond the physical realm. Our primary foe is not the visible world, though corrupt and wicked, but the invisible realm, which we cannot see.
Paul refers to "Spiritual wickedness," possibly alluding to the most extreme abominations such as severe sexual deviations, occult practices, and worship of Satan. He also mentions "In high places," which encompasses the entire spiritual realm. The writer elaborates on "Rulers... powers... rulers of the darkness... spiritual wickedness," delineating the various levels and hierarchies of these malevolent entities within their evil supernatural dominion. Individuals who advocate for paganism, the occult, and other ungodly movements unwittingly aid Satan and his demons in fulfilling their schemes, ensnared by sin into becoming pawns in their malevolent agenda.
The demonic hierarchy is not fully explained, but the rulers likely represent a high level of demons associated with "authorities" (as in Col. 2:15). Powers are another rank mentioned in 1 Peter 3:22. The world forces of darkness may refer to demons who have infiltrated political systems, seeking to model them after Satan's realm of darkness (see Dan. 10:13; Col. 1:13). The spiritual forces of wickedness could be those demons involved in immoral activities like perverse sexual behavior, the occult, and Satan worship. Paul's aim is not to detail the demonic hierarchy but to convey its complexity and strength. We face an immensely evil and powerful adversary. Our focus should not be on recognizing every aspect of our foe but on turning to God, our reliable source of protection and triumph. Various instances in the Bible show demons causing physical ailments or mental anguish. However, not all mental illnesses stem from demonic influence. Demons also lead people into immoral behaviors and promote false teachings (Mark 1:23). While demons are dedicated to evil, God will utilize them to fulfill His purposes at the end times (Rev. 16:14). Demons are also objects of worship in forbidden occult practices, including divination, necromancy, magic, sorcery, witchcraft, and astrology (Deut. 18:10-12). Dealing with demons as a Christian is not about finding a technique to banish them, but about committing to spiritual disciplines that cleanse the soul, making it inhospitable to demons. James provides the key to deliverance from demons or the devil: "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7).
When the Ephesian Christians who were involved in the occult repented, a great revival took place in that area. No Christian can justify being involved in demonic activities (Exodus 7:11; Hebrew 1:4). The term "Wrestle" in the Bible refers to hand-to-hand combat, highlighting the personal and individual nature of the spiritual warfare faced by each local church and Christian. "Flesh and blood" represents humanity, which is not the church's enemy. The real adversaries are the "principalities" (rulers), "powers" (authorities), rulers (world rulers), and "Spiritual wickedness" (wicked spiritual beings) – fallen angels, demons, and Lucifer himself. To combat our enemy effectively, we must understand who he is and his tactics, as emphasized in the above verse. The unseen enemy poses the greatest danger because his attacks are unpredictable and his strategies unknown.
Here is a depiction of a spiritual conflict. The adversary is the devil, also known as Lucifer, along with his followers, the demons or evil spirits. Their strategy involves tempting human desires. Although the battles manifest in the physical realm, they are fundamentally spiritual. Through the Father, we have been rescued from darkness and brought into the realm of His beloved Son, as stated in Colossians 1:11-13. As Christians, we no longer belong to Satan's dominion, and we possess the Holy Spirit's power to break free from any demonic influence, regardless of its intensity. By confessing and renouncing sin, we can expel Satan and his demons. We are instructed to don the armor of God and rely on Him, knowing with certainty that "the one who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world" (1 John 4:4). Even the "gates of Hades will not prevail" against Christ's church (Matthew 16:18).
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