Ephesians 6:12-13
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. 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.

Application:

In Ephesians 6:10–13, after saying so much about how to live in these relationships, Paul emphasizes that people are not our ultimate problem. Humanity’s true struggle is not against flesh and blood but against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens (6:12). What we call spiritual warfare is the conflict in the spiritual realm that affects the physical realm. The daily problems we face here are rooted there. Importantly, the resources you need to fight the battle are there too.

Paul told the Ephesians that through Christ, God has given them every blessing they need in the heavenly places (i.e., the spiritual realm) (1:3). The risen Christ is at God’s right hand (1:20), and Christians are spiritually with him there (2:6). But the cosmic powers of this darkness are also in the spiritual realm (6:12).

The battle Christians face every day is rooted in the devil’s schemes (6:11) and his efforts to deceive us. He’s happy for you to picture him as a cartoon character in a red jumpsuit with horns and a pitchfork, so you won’t take him seriously. Meanwhile, like an opposing football team, his demonic realm watches your game film. They know your history, your weak spots, and your sin patterns. Their goal is to keep you from experiencing God’s will for your life. You’re not their first assignment. They’re good at what they do.

You, then, have to fight the spiritual with the spiritual. Your human strength won’t work. Your only hope is to be strengthened by the Lord and to put on the full armor of God (6:10–11). Through the cross and resurrection of Christ, victory is already won. The devil has lost. The only power he has is the power you give him. We are to stand firm in Christ’s victory.

Paul tells the Ephesians over and over: stand (6:11, 13–14). In other words, stay in the place where victory has been won, under the cover of God’s armor. When you stand under an umbrella, it doesn’t stop the rain. But it does keep you from getting wet. You have to dress for success in this thing called the Christian life. In the evil day, when your number comes up and you are under full-frontal Satanic attack, you must be wearing the full armor of God (6:13).

The six pieces of armor are divided into two categories of three each. The first three you have with you all of the time, but Christians are called to take and use the last three as needed.

Reference: Tony Evans, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2019), 1232-1233.

To God be the glory!

Our Lord Jesus Christ created everything! By Him, For Him!

“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Disclaimer

When God inspires me, I write articles glorifying God. I invite you to view this writing as a Bible study. Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, I encourage you to search the Scriptures to determine whether what I have written is true. Always consult with your church ministers regarding biblical matters. I am not a professional writer, so there may be some grammatical or spelling errors present. I strive to write as clearly and efficiently as possible. Your brother in Christ, Ricardo.

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