Ephesians 6:12

 

Ephesians 6:12

We Wrestle Not Against Flesh and Blood

Eph 6:12  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. 

         1.     We Are in a War:

a.      Not against our fellow humans

                                               i.     Our fellow humans are enslaved by a horrible master

1.     Ephesians 2:1-3 

                                             ii.     We want to see our fellow humans set free - Colossians 1:13-14 

                                            iii.     We are in a spiritual war - 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 

                                            iv.     Are you prepared for the fight? - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 

                                              v.     Do not be afraid of human powers

1.     Isaiah 40:6-8; Matthew 10:28 

                                            vi.     Even in times of a physical war, the battle still belongs to God

1.     2 Chronicles 20:15 

                                           vii.     Our greatest weapon is the written Word of God - Psalm 56:4 

b.     Against Principalities

                                               i.     Everything belongs to Jesus - Colossians 1:15-17 

                                             ii.     Jesus is going to put everything under His Church - Ephesians 1:20-23 

                                            iii.     Do not place your faith in human rulers - Psalm 146:3 

                                            iv.     Satan is granted temporary jurisdiction over nations - Luke 4:5-6 

                                              v.     Satan is granted temporary jurisdiction over local areas - Revelation 2:13 

                                            vi.     There is a hierarchy in the kingdom of darkness - Luke 11:17-20 

c.      Against Powers

1.     God controls government powers - Romans 13:1-2 

                                             ii.     Yet Satan can use nations for his purpose, when they grant him control

1.     Daniel 10:13 

d.     Against the Rulers of the Darkness of this World

                                               i.     Revelation 13:4 

e.      Against Spiritual Wickedness in High Places

                                               i.     Satan can be granted power in the realms of religious authority

1.     2 Chronicles 11:15 

                                             ii.     Do not forget Who’s servant you are - Romans 6:15-18 

                                            iii.     Do not forget that Satan cannot hurt you - Isaiah 54:17 

                                            iv.     Do not forget that our victory is already secured - Matthew 16:17-18 

                                              v.     Do not be afraid - 2 Timothy 1:7 

                                            vi.     Do not forget that nothing can take you out of the love of God

1.     Romans 8:37-39