"Against the Spiritual Forces of Evil"

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12 ESV)

The world we live in is a visible world, obviously it is because we see what goes on around us. However, there is an unseen world which we do not see that actively interferes with the world in which we live. In today’s verse Paul tells us this exact thing while identifying the “spiritual forces of evil.”

Surprisingly many Christians do not believe this fact. While it is discounted, it is also identified throughout the Bible. Just look at the Book of Job which identifies that Satan walks the earth, “And the Lord said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.”(Job 2:2) We even see that Christ confronts Satan during his 40 days in the wilderness countering His temptations with scripture from the Deuteronomy. So, why do people not believe in the interference of the enemy and his demons in this world?

Perhaps it is because the Word of God is no longer seen as truth? Or maybe we humans have become too big for our britches and because it cannot be proved or disproved by science they do not believe. Whatever the cause, this lack of understanding in spiritual warfare is dangerous for the Christian.

If you are the “Christian” who comes to church on Sunday, checks the box, and goes home not contemplating the exposition of scripture you just received, the inference may be limited and not thinking about the Lord until the following Sunday, you are at great risk. The reoccurring temptations may be the extent of your received interference but many attacks will go unnoticed. If your sin is great the interference may be greater. Yet, for those of us who actively preach, teach, and serve the Lord through the spreading of the gospel, the interference may be overwhelmingly great.

If you ask anyone who has been in ministry work long enough they will tell you at some point evil stood before them. If they have not, and they are still in ministry, at some point, they will face evil. As much as one may think they are prepared, that confrontation will shake them to the core. Health issues, family troubles, household issues, can all occur at once as a combined attack against the soldier of Christ. More often than not it is an attack of a spiritual nature. Again, this is evidenced in Job who lost ten children, all his servants and livestock in one fell swoop of Satan. The attack can also be against those we love the most as an attempt to turn us from God.

This is why Paul tells us, “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 firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit with all prayer and supplication.”(Ephesians 6:13-18) Without the armor of God we are vulnerable to the spiritual warfare that takes place outside of this world but impacts us in this world.

In order to negotiate this ongoing battle between the heavens and evil, we must center ourselves on Christ. He must be first in all things, a desire that burns hot. In the Word, we find our defenses, our understanding and what we must do to remain faithful despite the attacks. It is where we maintain the peace given to us by Christ, and through prayer we remain in communion with our living God.

The Christian life is not easy. It will be fraught with challenges, attacks, and persecution. Yet, those who remained fixed on Christ will win the prize. They will win the race and at day of reckoning will hear, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” Christ told us, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.  For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:24-25)

Have you picked up that cross or has fear overcome you and it lay untouched on the ground? Do you know Christ as your Savior? Come to Him and He will open your eyes to the unseen world and to His power and glory. Salvation can only come through Christ alone. Seek Him now.

Grace and peace.