For our struggle is not against flesh and blood… (Ephesians 6:12a)
As Christians, we are at war. There is no denying it or avoiding it. Pretending it isn’t true doesn’t win a single battle, nor does focusing all our attention on the wrong target. For many, the ultimate battlefield can be found at the ballot box, but they would be mistaken. For others, our greatest foes reside in the Middle East, or in China, or in North Korea. They too are misled. Indeed, who we elect into office has vast ramifications for the direction of our country and the geopolitical powers that be often pose existential threats to the lives of many. But as Christians we are warned by the Apostle Paul that the real battle is not with flesh and blood but with the devil and the spiritual powers and principalities of this present darkness.
Paul was no military expert, but by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit he exhorted the church to know its true foe. The devil is real. He is powerful. He is evil. He is cunning. He is the “prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2) who covertly executes his evil stratagems through darkness and deception. He is the father of lies (John 8:44) who desires nothing but to destroy all that God is doing in the world through the church. But take heart! By the cross of Jesus Christ the spiritual forces of wickedness have been disarmed (Colossians 2:15). Christ is enthroned over all rulers and powers whom he has made his footstool (Ephesians 1:20-22). Even more, the same power by which Christ was raised, has ascended, and is enthroned is at work in you and me (Ephesians 2:5-6). Be strong and fight!
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