A Lesson On Spiritual Warfare

Scripture Passage:
"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."
— Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)

Introduction

The Apostle Paul wrote the book of Ephesians as a letter to the church in Ephesus, encouraging them to live out their faith boldly and with love. Ephesians 6:12 is a powerful verse in which Paul reveals the nature of the Christian’s true battle. It’s not against people but against spiritual forces. This verse reminds us of the unseen spiritual war that is always taking place around us, shaping how we should approach our struggles and challenges.

Lesson Outline

1. Understanding the Nature of Our Struggle

“Not against flesh and blood”: Paul starts by clarifying that our battles are not against other humans ("flesh and blood"). This means that people are not our true enemies, even when they oppose or mistreat us. Our fight goes beyond the physical and relational struggles we experience daily.
Implication: This shifts our perspective on conflict. It encourages us to see past the person who may be acting negatively toward us and to recognize that there are deeper forces at play.

2. Identifying Our True Opponents

Paul describes our real adversaries in four terms:

Principalities: These are high-ranking demonic forces that influence large structures and systems. Paul implies that these forces are organized and intentional in their opposition.
Powers: These are authorities in the spiritual realm that hold influence. The term emphasizes the level of control and the power that these forces try to exercise over humanity.
Rulers of the darkness of this world: This phrase suggests those spirits that specifically spread darkness, evil, and corruption in the world. They are the source of many forms of immorality, corruption, and evil.
Spiritual wickedness in high places: Here, Paul points to the presence of evil forces even in “high places” — or perhaps positions of influence and authority, both earthly and heavenly. This highlights that the enemy’s influence can be widespread, reaching even into respected or influential domains.

3. The Impact of Spiritual Warfare

In Our Lives: This understanding of spiritual warfare can help us reframe personal struggles. If we recognize that our real enemies are spiritual forces, we may find it easier to respond with grace and forgiveness to others, even when they wrong us. We see them as fellow humans who may also be struggling under spiritual influences.
In the World: This verse reminds us to remain vigilant and discerning about influences that may come from places of authority, culture, and media. It encourages Christians to pray for discernment and to seek godly wisdom in navigating the world.

4. How We Fight

Later in Ephesians 6, Paul describes the "Armor of God," a set of spiritual tools that equips believers to stand firm against these forces. These tools — truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer — are designed for our protection and strength in spiritual warfare.
Key Lesson: Fighting spiritual battles requires spiritual resources. Instead of relying on human strength or strategies, we must rely on God’s power and His spiritual armor to be effective.

Application

Pray for Discernment: Ask God for spiritual insight to recognize the real nature of the conflicts and struggles you face.
Respond with Grace: When facing conflicts with people, remember that our real struggle is not with “flesh and blood.” Respond in a Christ-like way that reflects love, grace, and truth.
Put on the Armor of God: Ephesians 6:13-18 gives us practical steps for spiritual preparation. Make it a habit to "wear" the armor of God daily, so that you’re prepared for whatever spiritual challenges may arise.

Conclusion

Ephesians 6:12 is a powerful reminder that as Christians, our ultimate struggle is spiritual. By understanding the nature of our true enemy and using the spiritual resources God has given us, we can face our battles with strength and victory in Christ. Remember, this verse calls us to stay vigilant, remain spiritually grounded, and rely on God’s power for every battle we face.