WHO YOU'RE REALLY FIGHTING
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12 (NLT)
But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.
1 John 4:4 (NLT)
Someone cuts you off in traffic. Your car gets broken into. A loved one gets bullied. The list goes on and on of the things that can anger us. At first glance, what do all these things seem to have in common? It's people, right? People drive erratically, people steal other people's property, and people use words that hurt. Well, to an extent, that's true. But Paul wants us to know that something deeper is going on.
In this Scripture, Paul reminds the Ephesian believers that our true enemies are not people. They are the enemy's spiritual ranks fighting against you. From the adjectives used to describe these spiritual forces, we learn they are numerous, powerful, evil and clever. They aim to oppose all that is good, Holy and right—and they want nothing more than to kill, steal and destroy God's work in and through you.
But God gives us a promise in 1 John 4:4—that we need to cling to before, during and after each battle that will come your way today: the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.
People aren't our enemy. The rulers and authorities in the dark, unseen world are—and they're defeated foes who know their time is short. Our war isn't with people, but IN people, over who will control them. That's why the Gospel of Christ's power to break the enemy's bonds is so important!
APPLICATION: Remember, your battle is not with other people but with the enemy who is fighting for control of people. Ask God to stir a heart of compassion for those under the enemy's control, and pray that they come to know Jesus and be set free from the enemy's power.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for the precious promises that remind us that no power in the seen or unseen world is a match for Your mighty strength. Help us to live in that strength and victory today, no matter what comes our way, knowing that You are greater and stronger, and that You are fighting with and for us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?