“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12).
Some today make light of the idea of a personal devil and the notion of “rulers,” “powers” and “spiritual forces of wickedness” seem to them a first century concept that can be jettisoned today. I think we should be hesitant to consider ourselves wiser than the inspired authors of Scripture and our Lord who spoke of such realities.
Modern man daily finds himself up against powers and forces which are beyond his control and can’t be described in material terms. You may have noticed that Paul changes the image, briefly, from that of a soldier to a wrestler. This is done to convey the personal and intense nature of the struggle against the devil. As in Eph. 1:21 Paul discusses these powers by using several synonyms for the enemies of the believers.
The present world is often spoken of as in the power of the evil one and the consequences of his dominion is “darkness.” The present world order still is in rebellion against God and thus remains under the dominion of these powers and thus only in Christ can man gain victory over them. If we are to stand firm against the “spiritual forces of wickedness” we must be equipped with the full armor of God and stand together with the full army of God.
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your victory on the cross and the victorious armor You make available to me. Amen.