Application Of God's Word: Ephesians 6:12

Verse: Ephesians 6:12
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.

Application:

These who are not "flesh and blood" are demons over whom Satan has control. They are not mere fantasies - they are very real. We face a powerful army whose goal is to defeat Christ's church. When we believe in Christ, these beings become our enemies, and they try every device to turn us away from him and back to sin. Although we are assured of victory, we must engage in the struggle until Christ returns, because Satan is constantly battling against all who are on the Lord's side. We need supernatural power to defeat Satan, and God has provided this by giving us his Holy Spirit within us and his armor surrounding us. If you feel discouraged, remember Jesus' words to Peter: "Upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it" (Matthew 16:18).

The purpose of putting on God's armor is to be able to stand against the schemes or stratagems of the devil or adversary. Christians are not to attack Satan or advance against him; they are only to “stand” or hold the territory Christ and His body, the church, have conquered. Without God's armor believers will be defeated by the “schemes” of the devil which have been effective for thousands of years.

The struggle is not physical (against flesh and blood); it is a spiritual conflict against the spiritual “Mafia.” Though the ranks of satanic forces cannot be fully categorized, the first two (rulers and authorities) have already been mentioned in Ephesians 1:21 and 3:10. Paul added the powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil. Their sphere of activity is in the heavenly realms, the fifth occurrence of this phrase, which is mentioned in the New Testament only in Ephesians 1:3, 20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12. Satan, who is in the heavens (Ephesians 2:2) until he will be cast out in the middle of the Tribulation (Revelation 12:9-10), is trying to rob believers of the spiritual blessings God has given them (Ephesians 1:3).

Resources:

"Life Application Study Bible" by Tyndale House Publishers
"The Bible Knowledge Commentary" by John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck

Scripture: Ephesians 6:12-13

Taking Up The Shield Of Faith

Lord, I confess: sometimes the fiery darts hit close and my grip on faith shakes. But today, instead of shrinking back, I lift my shield. I remind my heart that these attacks aren’t proof I’m weak; they’re just proof the enemy sees my purpose. So I choose to speak Your truth over my fear. I choose prayer over panic. Even when the arrows keep falling, Your promises are my defense. Faith doesn’t mean I never feel the heat; it means I trust You even when I do. Help me stand firm, eyes on You, knowing every flaming arrow can be extinguished. Amen.

above all, taking the shield of faith with which
you will be able to quench all the fiery
darts of the wicked one.

Ephesians 6:16

Provided by "Word Of Encouragement"

Spiritual Enemies

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.

Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)

These who are not "flesh and blood" are demons over whom Satan has control. They are not mere fantasies - they are very real. We face a powerful army whose goal is to defeat Christ's church. When we believe in Christ, these beings become our enemies, and they try every device to turn us away from him and back to sin. Although we are assured of victory, we must engage in the struggle until Christ returns, because Satan is constantly battling against all who are on the Lord's side. We need supernatural power to defeat Satan, and God has provided this by giving us his Holy Spirit within us and his armor surrounding us. If you feel discouraged, remember Jesus' words to Peter: "Upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it" (Matthew 16:18).

In a battle, it is imperative to identify your enemy. If you are not aware of the point of your attack, you are vulnerable. Paul had many enemies. Some resented him, others hated him, and others wanted to kill him. Some, who were supposedly on his side, sought to harm him and his ministry (Acts 9:23; Philippians 1:17; 2 Timothy 1:15; 1 Timothy 1:20; 2 Timothy 4:14). In spite of the persecution he faced, Paul never lost sight of his real enemy. Paul was wary of Satan. When people attacked him, he knew they were not his real opponents. They were simply unwitting instruments of the spiritual forces of darkness.

When you meet opposition to your faith, your first reaction may be anger toward your antagonist. This may divert your attention from the deeper, spiritual dimensions of your conflict. Your adversary may be hopelessly in bondage to sin. Rather than retaliating, you should immediately and earnestly intercede for that person. Your opponent's hostility is your invitation to become involved in God's redemptive work to free him or her from spiritual bondage.