If You’re In The Ring With It, You Can Defeat It (Part 3)

If You’re In The Ring With It, You Can Defeat It (Part 3)

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12

This particular Scripture has always been important to me throughout my Christian walk because it reminds me who my enemy truly is. Satan would love to have us warring against each other. But this verse helps us direct our aggression towards the right opponent. We do not wrestle against “flesh and blood.” Our fight is against evil forces – principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places.

The word “wrestle” refers to a sporting event that involves close, personal contact. And wouldn’t the enemy love to make you feel as though you are on your own in your struggle. That’s the ultimate strategy of the enemy – to divide and conquer. But believers in Christ can be assured that the spiritual power that God supplies strengthens us to be victorious against every evil spiritual force. Knowing that evil spiritual forces, not our brothers and sisters, are our real enemies frees up wasted time and energy used fighting in the natural. Why shadowbox in the natural, when you can knock the devil out in the spiritual!

That’s why the Apostle Paul said, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes” (Ephesians 6:10-11 NIV). A person who doesn’t take an expressed stand or position will always have friends, and will be relatively free from conflict. However, once you take a stand for the truth, the enemy will launch schemes and strategies to attempt to coerce you to compromise your beliefs. Oftentimes, the most effective place to apply pressure is through those within close contact with us; those near and dear to our hearts. And when the heat is turned up, compromise provides an easy escape from adversity.

The man of God, Apostle Paul, encouraged the Ephesians, and indeed believers today, to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power! Our power flows through our dependence on the Lord Jesus Christ. His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Our victory is determined by our allegiance to the Victor! Second Chronicles 20:15, 17 “This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you.’”