How to Be Victorious in Spiritual Warfare – Part One

Ephesians 6: 10 – 17

        Jesus, “the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil” (I John 3: 8).

        The work Satan has been doing from the dawn of creation is described in this same verse: “…the devil sinned from the beginning.”

        Ephesians 3: 12, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood….” That is, our real enemy isn’t human beings.

        Our real enemy isn’t one another as believers, though sometimes we act as though we are.

        Our text says we are engaged in spiritual warfare. The forces of evil are organized for this conflict.  Note the evil forces arrayed against us. The interpretation of this post necessitates the belief in demons. Demon possession is rare, but real. Demon obsession is more common. It involves thinking too often of them. Third is the denial of their existence. That is where most people are unfortunately.

        Notice the organization of them. They are:

        “Principalities” translates the Greek term “archon.” The title emerged in the time of Pericles. It was a reference to the most powerful leader in the land. Satan, of course, is the Commanding Officer. He has organized his demonic horde for spiritual warfare. An archon is the equivalent of a field general in charge of a certain operation. Principalities are very powerful and authoritative demons.

        “The rulers of darkness of this age.” This translates the Greek word “Kosmokrator.” The word comes from a combination of two words. “Kosmos” meaning world or universe, and “krator” meaning ruler. Literally, “world rulers of darkness.” These are the devil’s special forces. They are assigned to work on world rulers and important people in society. 

        “Spiritual wickedness in high places” actually means “the spirits of evil in the heavenlies.” This is that massive horde of demons that still work on all of us. This is the rank and file of demons that perpetually attack believers. They are Satan’s foot soldiers.

        Confusing the issue is the fact Satan often masquerades as an angel of light. His demonic horde is also comprised of masters of deceit. They even have the capacity of performing “signs and wonders.”

        Jesus encountered one of these deceivers in the Gadarene demoniac who had the capacity to speak. Such a demon is called an “eggastrimuthos” demon, which means a ventriloquist demon.

        How then are we mere mortals to combat this awesome force? The next post answers this question.