It’s a terrific Tuesday and time for your daily devotion. Yesterday, we reviewed Ephesians 6:10, where Paul charged the Ephesian church to be strong in the Lord and mighty in His power. In verse 11, he told them to put on God’s whole armor. He tells them in verse 12 why it’s necessary to gear up with spiritual armor:
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.
Wrestle Not
Paul lets them know right away that their struggle isn’t in the physical realm. They’re not going toe to toe like the gladiators did in the Roman Colosseum, where they’d fight opponents to the death. This is spiritual warfare in which Satan and his hosts attack full force from the kingdom of darkness. There are ranks in Satan’s evil army, and they fight from unseen realms.
In Paul’s day, the word “wrestling” would’ve been too soft. Gladiators fought with various deadly instruments and wore gloves that had nails and spikes. These were designed to crush their enemies. Your enemy fights dirty with whatever tactics he can to gain the advantage. The Bible says he’s like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
But he won’t devour you because you have the full armor of God. So, no worries. You can laugh and remind the enemy that he’s already defeated. James 4:7 says if you submit to God and resist Satan, he’ll run. Today, thank God in today’s daily devotion for the full armor that guarantees your victory.
Principalities
Obviously, the enemy sees you as a threat to his kingdom, or he wouldn’t send his highest-ranking officials against you. However, he does, letting you know he’s desperate to bring you down. However, you’re strong in the Lord, and you have His might backing you up. You’re dressed in your spiritual war gear, so there’s nothing Satan or his top officers can do but bite the dust.
In today’s daily devotion, meditate on the power of God within you. It equips you for the spiritual fray with Satan’s chief forces, and you win.
Powers
The point of Paul’s list is to let believers know they don’t have to be afraid of any of the powers of darkness. There’s no diabolical force that can defeat a soldier of God dressed in full armor. No matter how organized or threatening Satan’s regime seems, it’s nothing compared to the power available to you.
Remember, he’s “like” a roaring lion, but not an actual lion. Jesus, on the other hand, is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. He defeated him. Don’t let a defeated foe intimidate you. In your daily devotion, rejoice because the enemy’s defeated, and he’s no threat to you.
Rulers of Darkness
You belong to the Kingdom of Light, but Satan controls a kingdom of darkness. It’s a much lesser kingdom. He and his minions rule from the darkness. They hate light. They operate from dark and destructive habitats. John 10:10 says the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. So when you sense his presence, he’s there for one or all of those three things. But relax, you’re fully protected, so he can’t win.
In today’s daily devotional, thank God that you’re of the light, and the light has overcome darkness.
Spiritual Wickedness
We’re down to the lower-class demons or imps that do Satan’s bidding. They take care of all the seedy, depraved work. Demons are full of fear because fear is from Satan. So, they’re terrified when you stand your ground and kick them back into outer darkness where they belong. Michal Jackson sang a song in The Wiz called “You can’t win.” That’s the song you sing to them.
Today, give God praise in your daily devotion, that you have no fear. You’re suited for the battle.
Final Thoughts
Paul gives the Ephesian Christians a detailed look at Satan’s evil alliances. He doesn’t do this to ignite fear, but to kindle a flame within them. As believers, we have access to God’s armor. It is mighty and cannot be penetrated by Satan and his evil army, not even his top guns. Whether they’re principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, or spiritual wickedness, they’re no match against the armor of God.
In today’s daily devotion, be thankful that God has given you the whole armor to stand against the enemy. So get dressed, stay dressed, and win.
