Daily Bread - APR/16/07

Ephesians 6:12 - Because we are not wrestling against flesh and blood but against the principalities, against the authorities, against the ruler of this world, the darkness of this age, against the spiritual iniquity in the heavens.

There are two levels on which we must content with the devil: on a personal one and also over the lost that we are called to preach the gospel to. Although this particular Greek word that is translated wrestle (pale) is only found one time in the New Testament other words are used to describe this conflict. For we are also informed that we are engaged against fleshly lust that war against our soul (1 Peter 2:11; 2 Corinthians 10:4).

The usage of this particular language here in Ephesians denotes an up close and personal conflict as we wrestle against the powers of darkness. In the Greek wrestling matches to which Paul refers the loser would have his eyes gouged out. In light of this we are to recognize that we are in a desperate conflict for our sight. It is Satan's desire to overthrow our effectiveness as the saints of God and ultimately overthrow our faith if he can.

All those who Satan holds as prisoners to sin, sickness and disease through the spiritual blindness that he has imposed upon them we have been empowered to set free (Luke 10:19; Acts 26:18; Luke 4:18; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4). However, Satan fights ruthlessly to stop us. But if we walk in the light as Christ Jesus is in the light and depend upon the Spirit of the Lord then every power of darkness that opposes the people around us will have to flee, for the darkness cannot resist the light.

To be successful in our conflict it helps to know as much as possible about our enemy. This is why the Intelligence Corp of the army plays such a vital role. The Bible gives us all the insight that we need to understand what Satan will try to do to stop us. The first information about him that we need to fully appreciate is that his very name, Devil means accuser. He is the source of all accusation no matter what form it comes in. It is vitally important that we recognize that he will attempt to neutralize us with this attack. Another one of his names is Satan, which means adversary. We must see that every dimension of his realm of sin and darkness was specifically designed to destroy us. The only way that we can effectively stand against Satan's power and deception is by the power of God. This power and authority that has been given to us functions by the Spirit of the Lord which in us. God has ordained that the light of His glory shine through us and that every demon power be cast out and rendered ineffective by the anointing (Mark 16:17; Matthew 5:14; Philippians 2:15).

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org