"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." (Eph. 6:12)
Behind every opposition to Christianity is an organized heirarchy of evil. It is very easy to lose sight of the spiritual warfare which is taking place in the 'heavenly places.' While we may not sincerely understand every detail about this great battle, this passage should remind us about what is really behind the opposition towards our service for the Lord. I attended a Catholic highschool and there were times when it was not easy being a born again believer in the school. I remember sitting in Physics class, my senior year, and being lectured by my teacher in class (I respect him highly because he really is a tremendous teacher) not about physics but rather about religion. He was awfully upset (with me in particular - however, he wanted the whole class' attention) since "someone in class" turned downed the opportunity to be a delegate from the school to see, the then Pope, Karol Wojtlya (a.k.a. John Paul II). His intentions were to get me upset and hurt and he released some of his frustration by venting towards the class. I must admit, that was one of those days that I just felt like I wished class would be done. Looking back now and understanding that really behind his anger and resentment is the working of spiritual wickedness in his heart by what is described in this verse as 'principalities and powers,' etc. I can see that he was not who I should have been spiritually prepared to 'take on' sorta say. It would help Christians to realize that behind each opposition to share Christ to the lost world is a spiritual battle. Maybe you find yourself under the pressure of an unbelieving boss, or perhaps unbelieving relatives, co-workers, or even neighbors. Perhaps this verse could help ease the tension that can come upon us as we strive to be salt and light in this world and prepare us for the good fight of faith.
Behind every opposition to Christianity is an organized heirarchy of evil. It is very easy to lose sight of the spiritual warfare which is taking place in the 'heavenly places.' While we may not sincerely understand every detail about this great battle, this passage should remind us about what is really behind the opposition towards our service for the Lord. I attended a Catholic highschool and there were times when it was not easy being a born again believer in the school. I remember sitting in Physics class, my senior year, and being lectured by my teacher in class (I respect him highly because he really is a tremendous teacher) not about physics but rather about religion. He was awfully upset (with me in particular - however, he wanted the whole class' attention) since "someone in class" turned downed the opportunity to be a delegate from the school to see, the then Pope, Karol Wojtlya (a.k.a. John Paul II). His intentions were to get me upset and hurt and he released some of his frustration by venting towards the class. I must admit, that was one of those days that I just felt like I wished class would be done. Looking back now and understanding that really behind his anger and resentment is the working of spiritual wickedness in his heart by what is described in this verse as 'principalities and powers,' etc. I can see that he was not who I should have been spiritually prepared to 'take on' sorta say. It would help Christians to realize that behind each opposition to share Christ to the lost world is a spiritual battle. Maybe you find yourself under the pressure of an unbelieving boss, or perhaps unbelieving relatives, co-workers, or even neighbors. Perhaps this verse could help ease the tension that can come upon us as we strive to be salt and light in this world and prepare us for the good fight of faith.
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