Ephesians Part 34
We are called to battle and the challenge is that we don’t see our adversary, yet we are immersed in the environment that has been curated to wear us down, overcome us and cause us to despair of our own lives. This is why we need spiritual armor. The consequences are eternal!
Next, we’ll look at Ephesians 6:10-12,
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
Paul urges us to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. This strength is not something we generate on our own, because human resolve cannot withstand the pressures and strategies of the spiritual forces arrayed against us. Our strength must come from God, and His might must be the foundation on which we stand. As John 15:4 states,
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”
Paul makes this clear because our struggle is not against flesh and blood. The true battle is not against people, or movements, or distractions, or the visible world around us. The conflict is spiritual in its essence. It unfolds in the unseen realm and involves forces that are experienced, wiser and more cunning than human adversaries.
Paul identifies these forces as principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this age, and spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. These terms describe structured ranks of demonic influence. Revelation 12:9 makes it clear that Satan does not just work by himself,
“So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”
Satan and his demons are organized and intelligent, and they work within the systems of this world to oppose the work of God. Their aim is to deceive, weaken, divide and destroy. Satan does not create anything. He takes what God establishes and attempts to twist it or tear it down. His goal is to undermine faith, corrupt cultures and distract believers from their calling.
This is why Paul commands us to put on the whole armor of God. We cannot resist these forces without protection from the One who has already conquered them. God supplies armor that protects the mind, the heart, the faith and the hope of His people. The armor is necessary because these powers operate through schemes and subtle strategies. They influence ideas, values and systems. They attempt to cloud discernment and obscure truth. Without the armor of God, the believer stands exposed.
Paul speaks in strong and urgent language because the conflict is real. There is darkness in the world, and it has incredible influence. Yet darkness is never equal to light. It is simply the absence of light. When God shines truth into the heart, when Christ rules the mind, and when the Spirit strengthens the soul, darkness loses ground. The call to stand is a call to live in this light with clarity, conviction and courage.
Next, we will look at the “we” in verse 12,
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities . . .” (emphasis added).
We will examine how we are affected as a nation, as a church and as individuals in this spiritual warfare.
UYA Team | uya@ucg.org
United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.
