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 KJV
This famous scripture describes the spiritual battle that rages in the minds and hearts of believers. Our opponents are not other people but rather temptation, sin, and the destructive intention of God’s adversary the devil. With these words, Paul describes the various evil entities that confront those who choose to live godly lives. These include the fallen angel Lucifer, his demons, as well as individuals influenced and led by spiritual wickedness.
As believers in Christ, we take part in his crucifixion thereby dying to the flesh. Born again in the Spirit, we fight our battles on a spiritual plane with the help of God. Jesus taught in John 3:6, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit. WEB” Born of the Spirit and dead to the flesh, the enemies we face are not material in nature.
Questioned by the worldly authority Pilot concerning the charges against him we read Jesus’ response in John 18:36, “Jesus answered, ‘My Kingdom is not of this world. If my Kingdom were of this world, then my servants would fight, that I wouldn’t be delivered to the Jews. But now my Kingdom is not from here.’ WEB” We fight for God’s kingdom in the Spirit using faith, righteousness, and the word of God rather than worldly weapons.
Live in His Victory
The same authors of evil that opposed Christ stand in opposition to those who believe in him. Fortunately for us, Christ defeated sin and death on the cross. To live in his victory, we guard ourselves from temptation and sin. In addition, we live in obedience to the commands of Christ to love God and our fellow man. We defeat the enemy with strength of Spirit and kindness of heart in line with the holy scriptures.
In order to effectively fight spiritual wickedness, Paul encourages believers to put on the full armor of God. The apostle describes this armor in Ephesians 6:14-17 writing, “Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace, above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you the for battle plan you have for waging war in the Spirit. Thank you for the clarity that comes from your holy word. Guide my steps to overcome temptation and spiritual wickedness. Help me to abide in Christ. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The Perseverance of Christ
