Ephesians 6:12
- Popular Bible Verse Series
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
- Ephesians 6:12
Why Ephesians 6:12?
I chose Ephesians 6:12 for this post in the Popular Bible Verse Series due to experiences from a trip to China in April 2025, which transformed my understanding of spiritual warfare. While I had studied this verse and knew Christians are engaged in a spiritual battle, my knowledge was theoretical. The trip provided a direct, personal encounter with the reality of spiritual warfare.
During our visit, my wife and I saw a Chinese medicine practitioner, arranged by a relative, who was said to diagnose organ issues by examining the soles of the feet—a traditional Chinese method. At the practitioner’s office, whom I’ll call Dr. W, I realized he was more than a doctor. A poster advertised classes to learn “supernatural” diagnostic and healing techniques. Dr. W, a “shifu” (master) in Chinese culture, was renowned for treating patients without medication.
As Dr. W examined my foot, he abruptly stopped, his face serious and fearful. He said he halted not because of a health issue but because something about me made him uncomfortable, as if a force within me was opposing something in him. When my relative mentioned I am a Christian, Dr. W retreated to a corner, keeping his distance as I left.
What happened? Dr. W was likely using a spiritual force for his practice. The Holy Spirit within me, as a Christian, clashed with that force, causing his discomfort and fear. This encounter was my first direct experience of spiritual conflict, prompting deeper research and this post.
Spiritual Warfare in Today’s Context
Another motivation for this post is the current state of American society. Viewed solely through a political lens, certain policies—like promoting gender transition for young children or permissive abortion laws—might seem merely ideological. However, they reflect deeper moral and spiritual issues. For example, a political figure advocating for unrestricted abortion or a judicial nominee unable to define “woman” yet confirmed to the Supreme Court suggests influences beyond human reasoning.
As a U.S. citizen for 20 years, I’ve consistently voted for Republican candidates, not because I agree with all their policies but because their values align more closely with biblical principles. Initially, I saw the Democratic Party as a political opponent, with differences centered on economics or foreign policy. Over time, however, the divide has shifted to moral and social values. Policies supporting late-term abortion or restricting parental rights in gender-related decisions for minors indicate not just error but a deeper spiritual conflict.
This spiritual dimension extends to culture. Hollywood, once producing films like The Ten Commandments, now occasionally promotes themes contrary to biblical values. The growth of groups like the Church of Satan, even displaying symbols in state capitols, underscores this shift. Ephesians 6:12 clarifies that our struggle is not against “flesh and blood” but against “spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Human leaders and systems may be influenced by these unseen powers, as Paul describes with terms like “rulers” and “authorities” of the spiritual realm.
Equipping for Battle
Paul urges Christians to rely on God’s strength: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). Our human efforts cannot win this spiritual war; we need God’s armor: truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the sword of the Spirit—the Word of God (Ephesians 6:14–17).
Christians must engage in society, including politics, supporting candidates and policies aligned with biblical values to foster a gospel-friendly environment and promote God’s common grace. However, political solutions alone are insufficient. Pastor Doug Wilson, in a recent interview with Tucker Carlson, noted that America’s problems are spiritual, requiring spiritual solutions. While Wilson doesn’t discourage voting, he warns against relying solely on politics. Christians must pray, study Scripture, and actively apply spiritual truths in the world, including through political participation, as a means to combat evil.
The Spiritual Realm and Christian Identity
Some deny the spiritual realm, believing the universe is purely material. Yet, the material universe’s beginning suggests a non-material cause—a spiritual source (Genesis 1:1). For Christians, the spiritual realm is not just a future destination like Heaven. Paul writes that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19–20), meaning we are already connected to the spiritual realm. The Holy Spirit guides, convicts, and protects us daily.
Genesis reveals humanity’s spiritual nature. God created Adam from dust, breathing life into him (Genesis 2:7), making him a spiritual being. The first conflict in Eden was spiritual: Adam and Eve, imbued with God’s breath, versus Satan, possessing the serpent (Genesis 3). Though Satan tempted them into sin, God promised victory through the woman’s offspring, fulfilled in Christ, who defeated Satan’s power on the cross (Genesis 3:15; Colossians 2:15).
Satan’s attacks persist until his final defeat (Revelation 20:10). He accused Job, testing his faith with suffering (Job 1–2), yet Job remained faithful by God’s grace. Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness (Luke 4:5–8), failing to sway Him. Through Peter, Satan tried to deter Jesus from the cross, but Jesus rebuked him (Mark 8:33). The Gospel’s presentation is a spiritual battle, as Jesus’ parable of the Sower shows (Matthew 13:1–23). The Holy Spirit enables acceptance of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:3).
Soldiers of Christ
Christians are not merely recipients of blessings but soldiers of Christ (2 Timothy 2:3–4), equipped with God’s armor to stand against the devil’s schemes (Ephesians 6:11). By wielding truth, faith, and God’s Word, we fight not against humans but against spiritual forces, fulfilling our call to be salt and light in a world under spiritual attack.
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