Ephesians 6:12
Verse
Context
The Full Armor of God
11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes.12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood - Ουκ εστιν ἡμιν ἡ παλη προς αἱμα και σαρκα· Our wrestling or contention is not with men like ourselves: flesh and blood is a Hebraism for men, or human beings. See the note on Gal 1:16. The word παλη implies the athletic exercises in the Olympic and other national games; and παλαιστρα was the place in which the contenders exercised. Here it signifies warfare in general. Against principalities - Αρχας· Chief rulers; beings of the first rank and order in their own kingdom. Powers - Εξουσιας, Authorities, derived from, and constituted by the above. The rulers of the darkness of this world - Τους κοσμοκρατορας του σκοτους του αιωνος τουτου· The rulers of the world; the emperors of the darkness of this state of things. Spiritual wickedness - Τα πνευματικα της πονηριας· The spiritual things of wickedness; or, the spiritualities of wickedness; highly refined and sublimed evil; disguised falsehood in the garb of truth; Antinomianism in the guise of religion. In high places - Εν τοις επουρανιοις· In the most sublime stations. But who are these of whom the apostle speaks? Schoettgen contends that the rabbins and Jewish rulers are intended. This he thinks proved by the words του αιωνος τουτου, of this world, which are often used to designate the Old Testament, and the Jewish system; and the words εν τοις επουρανιοις, in heavenly places, which are not unfrequently used to signify the time of the New Testament, and the Gospel system. By the spiritual wickedness in heavenly places, he thinks false teachers, who endeavored to corrupt Christianity, are meant; such as those mentioned by St. John, Jo1 2:19 : They went out from us, but they were not of us, etc. And he thinks the meaning may be extended to all corrupters of Christianity in all succeeding ages. He shows also that the Jews called their own city שר של עולם sar shel olam, κοσμοκρατωρ, the ruler of the world; and proves that David's words, Psa 2:2, The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, are applied by the apostles, Act 4:26, to the Jewish rulers, αρχοντες, who persecuted Peter and John for preaching Christ crucified. But commentators in general are not of this mind, but think that by principalities, etc., we are to understand different orders of evil spirits, who are all employed under the devil, their great head, to prevent the spread of the Gospel in the world, and to destroy the souls of mankind. The spiritual wickedness are supposed to be the angels which kept not their first estate; who fell from the heavenly places but are ever longing after and striving to regain them; and which have their station in the regions of the air. "Perhaps," says Mr. Wesley, "the principalities and powers remain mostly in the citadel of their kingdom of darkness; but there are other spirits which range abroad, to whom the provinces of the world are committed; the darkness is chiefly spiritual darkness which prevails during the present state of things, and the wicked spirits are those which continually oppose faith, love, and holiness, either by force or fraud; and labor to infuse unbelief, pride, idolatry, malice, envy, anger, and hatred." Some translate the words εν τοις επουρανιοις, about heavenly things; that is: We contend with these fallen spirits for the heavenly things which are promised to us; and we strive against them, that we may not be deprived of those we have.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Greek, "For our wrestling ('the wrestling' in which we are engaged) is not against flesh," &c. Flesh and blood foes are Satan's mere tools, the real foe lurking behind them is Satan himself, with whom our conflict is. "Wrestling" implies that it is a hand-to-hand and foot-to-foot struggle for the mastery: to wrestle successfully with Satan, we must wrestle with GOD in irresistible prayer like Jacob (Gen 32:24-29; Hos 12:4). Translate, "The principalities . . . the powers" (Eph 1:21; Col 1:16; see on Eph 3:10). The same grades of powers are specified in the case of the demons here, as in that of angels there (compare Rom 8:38; Co1 15:24; Col 2:15). The Ephesians had practiced sorcery (Act 19:19), so that he appropriately treats of evil spirits in addressing them. The more clearly any book of Scripture, as this, treats of the economy of the kingdom of light, the more clearly does it set forth the kingdom of darkness. Hence, nowhere does the satanic kingdom come more clearly into view than in the Gospels which treat of Christ, the true Light. rulers of the darkness of this world--Greek, "age" or "course of the world." But the oldest manuscripts omit "of world." Translate, "Against the world rulers of this (present) darkness" (Eph 2:2; Eph 5:8; Luk 22:53; Col 1:13). On Satan and his demons being "world rulers," compare Joh 12:31; Joh 14:30; Joh 16:11; Luk 4:6; Co2 4:4; Jo1 5:19, Greek, "lieth in the wicked one." Though they be "world rulers," they are not the ruler of the universe; and their usurped rule of the world is soon to cease, when He shall "come whose right it is" (Eze 21:27). Two cases prove Satan not to be a mere subjective fancy: (1) Christ's temptation; (2) the entrance of demons into the swine (for these are incapable of such fancies). Satan tries to parody, or imitate in a perverted way, God's working (Co2 11:13-14). So when God became incarnate, Satan, by his demons, took forcible possession of human bodies. Thus the demoniacally possessed were not peculiarly wicked, but miserable, and so fit subjects for Jesus' pity. Paul makes no mention of demoniacal possession, so that in the time he wrote, it seems to have ceased; it probably was restricted to the period of the Lord's incarnation, and of the foundation of His Church. spiritual wickedness--rather as Greek, "The spiritual hosts of wickedness." As three of the clauses describe the power, so this fourth, the wickedness of our spiritual foes (Mat 12:45). in high places--Greek, "heavenly places": in Eph 2:2, "the air," see on Eph 2:2. The alteration of expression to "in heavenly places," is in order to mark the higher range of their powers than ours, they having been, up to the ascension (Rev 12:5, Rev 12:9-10), dwellers "in the heavenly places" (Job 1:7), and being now in the regions of the air which are called the heavens. Moreover, pride and presumption are the sins in heavenly places to which they tempt especially, being those by which they themselves fell from heavenly places (Isa 14:12-15). But believers have naught to fear, being "blessed with all spiritual blessings in the heavenly places" (Eph 1:3).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,.... The Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions, and some copies, read "you", instead of "we". This is a reason why saints should be strong in the Lord, and why they should put on the whole armour of God, and prepare for battle, since their enemies are such as here described: not "flesh and blood"; frail mortal men, such as were wrestled against in the Olympic games, to which the apostle alludes. For this wrestling, as Philo the Jew says (e), concerning Jacob's wrestling, is not of the body, but of the soul; see Mat 16:17; and the meaning is, not with men only, for otherwise the saints have a conflict with men; with profane men, and wrestle against them, by bearing a testimony against their enormities, and by patiently enduring their reproaches, and conquer them by a constant adherence to Christ, and an exercise of faith upon him, which gets the victory over the world; and with heretical men, and maintain a conflict with them, by watching and observing the first appearance of their errors and heresies, and declaring against them, and by using Scripture arguments to confute them, and by rejecting the stubborn and incorrigible from church communion: yet they wrestle not against these only, but against principalities, against powers; by whom are meant not civil magistrates, or the Roman governors, though these are sometimes so called, Tit 3:1, and may be said to be the rulers of the darkness of this world, or of the dark Heathen world, and were in high places, and were of wicked and malicious spirits, against the people of Christ; yet these cannot be opposed to flesh and blood, or to men, since they were such themselves; and though they were in high, yet not in heavenly places; and the connection with the preceding verse shows the contrary, the enemy being the devil, and the armour spiritual; wherefore the devils are here designed, who are described from their power, rule, and government; see Gill on Eph 1:21, both in this clause, and in the next: and against the rulers of the darkness of this world; that is, over wicked men in it, who are in a state of darkness itself; and so Satan is called the prince, and god of the world, Joh 12:31. The Jews use this very word, the apostle does here, of the angel of death; who is called darkness (f); and the devil is called by them, , "the prince of darkness" (g); and mention is made by them of , "the darkness of the world" (h); from whom the apostle seems to have taken these phrases, as being in common use among the Jews; who also use it of civil governors (i), and render it, as here, "the rulers of the world", and say it signifies monarchs, such as rule from one end of the world to the other (k): some copies, and the Ethiopic version, leave out the phrase, of this world. It follows, against spiritual wickedness in high places; or wicked spirits, as the devils are, unclean, proud, lying, deceitful, and malicious; who may be said to be in "high" or "heavenly places"; not in places super celestial, or in the highest heavens, in the third heaven, where God, angels, and saints are; but in the aerial heavens, where the power or posse of devils reside, and where they are above us, over our heads, overlooking us, and watching every advantage against us; and therefore we should have on our armour, and be in a readiness to engage them; and so the Syriac and Ethiopic versions render it, "under", or "beneath heaven"; and the Arabic version, "in the air". (e) Leg. Allegor. l. 2. p. 96, (f) Vajikra Rabba, sect. 18. fol. 160. 1. & Shirhashirim Rabba, fol. 25. 4. (g) Pesikta in Kettoreth Hassammim in Targum in Gen. fol. 9. 4. Raziel, fol. 13. 1. (h) Zohar in Lev. fol. 19. 3. (i) Bereshit Rabba, sect. 58. fol. 51. 2. (k) Tanchuma & Aruch in Guidon. Diet. Syr. Chal. p. 169.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:12 Believers should not consider human beings to be their enemies. Instead, the opposition they face comes from the unseen world of spiritual evil, and Christ has authority over that realm (see 1:21-22).
Ephesians 6:12
The Full Armor of God
11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes.12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Dating Sermon
By Paul Washer23K1:34:25DatingISA 1:6MAT 6:331CO 13:11EPH 6:12PHP 1:62TI 2:22HEB 13:17In this sermon, the speaker discusses the issue of young men in today's society, referring to them as "mall waifs" who spend their time playing video games and hanging out at malls. The speaker emphasizes the importance of men working, striving, fighting, studying, and thinking. He also mentions the world's perspective on beauty and contrasts it with what the Bible says about beauty. The speaker then transitions to discussing the qualities of a godly husband, including laying down his life for his wife, having integrity and respect for her, and providing for her economically. The sermon concludes with a personal anecdote about an art exhibit the speaker visited in Lima, Peru, where he encountered a provocative image of a naked woman in a bathtub.
Soldiers of Christ Arise
By A.W. Tozer13K31:34WarfareEZK 33:32MAT 6:33JHN 14:15ROM 12:2EPH 6:122TI 2:3JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker criticizes certain leaders who he believes are leading young people astray by portraying the Christian life as a game. He argues that this mindset affects various aspects of Christian culture, such as music and magazines. The speaker also mentions that he will be speaking at a convention of religious writers and editors, where he expects to have a more challenging and confrontational discussion. He emphasizes the importance of being a good soldier of Jesus Christ and willingly embracing hardship for the sake of the faith. The sermon concludes with a reference to the story of John Bunyan's "Christian entering heaven" from "The Pilgrim's Progress."
Satan and Endtimes
By Leonard Ravenhill10K1:16:45SatanMAT 4:18EPH 6:12In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of David and Goliath from the Bible. He highlights how David, a young boy, faced the giant Goliath with only five stones in his pocket. The preacher draws parallels between David's courage and faith in God and the challenges faced by Christians today. He emphasizes the need for Christians to rely on God's power and grace, rather than their own abilities, to overcome the forces of darkness in the world. The sermon concludes with a reminder that we are living in critical times and need to be prepared to face the spiritual battles ahead.
Fresh Faith Book Reading Clip
By Jim Cymbala8.2K02:03Book ReadingMRK 10:15JHN 10:102CO 10:4EPH 6:12HEB 11:6JAS 1:61PE 5:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the diabolical work of Satan, who has no sympathy and seeks to rip people off every week. However, Jesus came to offer abundant life and can revive various aspects of our lives, including marriages and spiritual callings. The preacher emphasizes the need for vibrant heart faith and childlike trust in Christ, which can change the way we live, talk, and feel. Faith is described as total dependence on God, which becomes supernatural in its working. The sermon encourages believers to see beyond their circumstances and trust that God is with them. It emphasizes that faith is essential for pleasing God and is the foundation for Christian living. The preacher calls for believers to engage in spiritual warfare, fighting for their stolen property through faith and prayer.
Abundant Life
By Alan Redpath8.1K34:57Abundant LifeMAT 6:33JHN 3:16JHN 10:10JHN 14:6ROM 6:23EPH 6:121JN 5:12In this sermon, the speaker shares two personal stories to illustrate the importance of belief and commitment. The first story is about a football game where the speaker successfully kicks a goal, but a gust of wind causes the ball to miss. This is used as a metaphor for how the enemy (Satan) deceives and exhausts people, offering them glamorous but ultimately destructive things. However, the risen Lord offers abundant life as an alternative. The second story is about a man fishing in a lock, but when asked what he is doing with the fish, he simply replies "and round." This story is used to emphasize the need for belief and commitment to God, rather than being caught up in meaningless pursuits.
All to Jesus (Compilation)
By Compilations7.9K25:44CompilationMAT 16:24JHN 14:6ROM 8:61CO 6:18GAL 2:20EPH 6:12PHP 3:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on one thing in order to reach the mark set by God. He highlights the example of the Apostle Paul, who never looked back and never got involved in worldly pursuits. The preacher also mentions the idea that one must go through hardships and lose everything in order to become part of the bride of Jesus Christ. He criticizes the notion that Christianity is too difficult for the world and the church, stating that the real problem is dead fundamentalism. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the need to give Jesus Christ the right to be God in every aspect of our lives, 24/7, in order to truly experience salvation.
(The Law of the Holy Spirit) God's House - a Three Story Building
By Zac Poonen6.2K49:09God's LoveLaw Of The Holy SpiritBuilding the ChurchPRO 22:15MAT 5:9JHN 17:23ACT 2:42ROM 8:1EPH 6:12COL 3:14HEB 10:241PE 3:71JN 4:18Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of building a godly life, home, and church, illustrating that the foundation of our lives must be rooted in the understanding of God's immense love for us, akin to how He loves Jesus. He shares personal experiences of overcoming feelings of inferiority and the necessity of surrendering every aspect of our lives to God to prevent the devil from gaining a foothold. Poonen stresses that a strong personal relationship with God and a loving home environment are essential before one can effectively contribute to the church. He encourages believers to focus on building a community of faith that reflects unity and love, rather than merely individual holiness. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to the church as the body of Christ, where believers work together in harmony to fulfill God's purpose.
Turn the Tide
By Abigail Miller5.9K05:032CH 7:14PSA 51:10ISA 41:10EPH 6:12JAS 4:7This sermon emphasizes the need to stand strong against evil forces that threaten to corrupt society, highlighting the importance of turning to God for restoration and revival. It calls for a collective effort to defend against wickedness and uphold the virtues of God's kingdom, urging believers to actively engage in the spiritual battle for the future generations.
(In the Word) 01 - Spiritual Warfare_how We Are Decieved
By Milton Green5.9K1:19:43JHN 14:6ACT 10:34EPH 6:12COL 2:82TI 3:16JAS 4:72PE 1:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of relying on the Word of God rather than human traditions. They share a personal testimony about how the powers of darkness had controlled their life until they found freedom in Christ. The speaker encourages the audience to examine their thoughts and be open to receiving new revelations from God's Word. They also emphasize the need to surrender to Jesus and allow Him to lead them in all truth. Throughout the sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of the Word of God and the importance of aligning one's beliefs with it.
Soldiers Hymn
By B.H. Clendennen5.4K02:28Spiritual WarfareMAT 16:18ROM 8:371CO 15:57EPH 6:122TI 2:3JAS 4:71PE 5:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the idea that as believers, we are soldiers in a spiritual war. He encourages us to endure hardships and not be deceived by false theology. The preacher asserts that if we are not facing problems, it means we are not a threat to the devil and not in the will of God. He emphasizes the importance of fighting against the devil in every aspect of our lives, using prayer as our weapon. The preacher concludes by declaring that victory is possible through the power of the cross and encourages believers to stand firm and reclaim their cities for God.
The Challenge of Every Christian - Part 3
By Alan Redpath5.3K1:04:58ChallengeMAT 6:33JHN 8:36ROM 6:16ROM 14:7GAL 5:1EPH 6:12In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of preaching the word of God to a group of young people who were part of a gospel beat group. Despite initial resistance from the elders and trustees of the church, the decision was left to the new minister, who decided to listen to the group play. The speaker admits that he didn't personally like the music, but recognized the opportunity to reach these young people with the gospel. He emphasizes the importance of sharing the message of Christ with those who may seem far from God, and highlights the need for Christians to boldly proclaim the truth in today's society.
Life of David
By Alan Redpath4.8K44:26David1SA 24:12PSA 37:7MAT 6:33ROM 8:282CO 12:9EPH 6:12In this sermon, the preacher begins by referencing the story of Peter in the 12th chapter of Acts, where he was imprisoned and about to be beheaded. The preacher then transitions to the story of David and his men hiding in a cave while their enemy approaches. David's men urge him to take advantage of the opportunity to kill their enemy and end their troubles, but David refuses, saying it would be wrong to harm his master. The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance and following His will, even in difficult situations.
How You Can Walk in the Spirit
By Bill Bright4.3K33:26Walk In The SpiritPSA 100:4MAT 6:33ROM 8:28EPH 6:121TH 5:18JAS 2:221JN 4:4In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of saving his son from falling and relates it to how God saves us from spiritual falls. He emphasizes the importance of letting God control our lives and walking with Him daily. The speaker encourages living by faith and trusting in God's faithfulness, sharing a testimony of how God provided a miraculous solution to a problem. He emphasizes that Christianity is about knowing and relying on Jesus Christ, who is all we need, and encourages gratitude in all circumstances, citing the promise in Romans 8:28 and the command in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to give thanks in everything.
Plan of God for Church
By Alan Redpath4.2K57:54Plan Of GodMAT 6:33MRK 3:14LUK 9:23JHN 15:4ACT 1:8EPH 6:12JAS 4:7In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Mark 3:14, where Jesus chose twelve disciples to be with him, send them to preach, and give them power to cast out demons. The speaker emphasizes that the priority task of the Christian Church is not to simply enjoy spiritual experiences, but to engage in a battle against evil. The sermon highlights the importance of walking with God, witnessing to others, and warring against the devil. The speaker encourages Christians to strive for consistency in their faith rather than being constantly up and down in their spiritual journey.
All Authority
By F.J. Huegel3.9K47:22MAT 28:18MRK 11:24ROM 6:23ROM 8:37EPH 6:12REV 12:10In this sermon, the speaker recounts the story of General Wainwright, who was a dying man in a concentration camp. One day, a colonel from the Allied forces arrived in a little plane to deliver the news that the Japanese had been defeated and peace had been signed. This news revived General Wainwright, and he was able to get up on his feet again. The speaker then goes on to talk about the authority of the believer and how the victory of Jesus on the cross gives believers the power to overcome the darkness of the world. He shares an illustration of a missionary student in Costa Rica who experienced a transformation in a prison after realizing his authority in Christ. The speaker emphasizes that many Christians have yet to fully grasp this truth and encourages them to stand against the devil's schemes.
Unclean Spirits
By David Wilkerson3.9K1:01:46MAT 6:33MRK 1:21MRK 5:1LUK 8:26EPH 6:121TI 1:1REV 3:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the seriousness of backsliding and falling away from the faith. He refers to 1 Timothy 4:1-2, which warns about deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons that can lead people astray. The preacher acknowledges the presence of unclean spirits in the world and the negative impact they can have on people's minds and lives. He urges the congregation to stay rooted in the Word of God and not neglect their relationship with Jesus, highlighting the authority and protection believers have against evil spirits.
The Conflict of Two Wisdoms - Part 1
By Art Katz3.8K53:29Wisdom Of GodEZK 20:35MAT 6:33ACT 13:2EPH 6:10EPH 6:12HEB 4:121PE 5:8In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his personal journey of being stripped and exposed to the nations by the Lord. He emphasizes the importance of being broken and losing our humanistic perspectives in order to meet with broken and dejected people who have lost their orientation. The speaker highlights the danger of valuing temporal and transient things over eternal truths and the ultimate purpose of existence. He calls for a shift in focus towards the church being a demonstration of God's defeat of the powers of darkness, free from the influence of worldly culture. The sermon also raises the question of who will resist the forces of fear and intimidation, even in the face of suffering and death.
All Things Were Created Through Him and for Him
By John Piper3.8K44:41ROM 8:38EPH 6:12COL 1:16COL 2:15COL 3:3This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of Christ in creation, highlighting how all things were created by Him and for Him, including rulers and authorities, to magnify His glory. The speaker urges the audience to trust in Christ for salvation, emphasizing the invincibility of their salvation and the assurance of being hidden with Christ in God. The message encourages believers to live boldly for Christ in a world filled with deception and challenges, knowing that nothing can separate them from God's love.
The Closet, Our Test of Devotion
By Alan Bartley3.1K1:08:35PSA 100:4MAT 6:6LUK 11:1ROM 8:26EPH 6:12PHP 4:61TH 5:17HEB 4:16JAS 5:161JN 1:9This sermon emphasizes the importance of spending dedicated time in prayer and seeking God's presence in the closet, drawing from the experiences of Wilbur Chapman and insights on the challenges and distractions faced in prayer. It highlights the need for serious, intelligent, obedient, expectant, persistent, and faith-filled prayer, while addressing common hindrances like distractions, sleepiness, interruptions, and condemnation, urging believers to resist the enemy and claim the power of the blood of Jesus.
God Is Good (Compilation)
By Compilations3.1K05:50CompilationMAT 7:15MAT 24:30LUK 21:26ACT 2:1EPH 6:12PHP 2:92TI 4:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of leaving behind the old flesh and dedicating oneself to prayer, supplication, fasting, and spending time with the Lord. The preacher emphasizes that knowing God requires worshiping Him and magnifying His holy name. The sermon also highlights the urgency of taking a stand against the world that is heading towards destruction. The preacher warns about the presence of enemies of the truth and the cross, and the need for the church and preachers to be strong. The sermon concludes with the preacher reminding the audience of the imminent return of Jesus and the importance of being prepared for it.
God's Truth About Satan's Lies
By Russell Kelfer3.0K40:41Satan's LiesPSA 19:7PRO 30:5MAT 6:33ROM 13:1EPH 6:121TI 3:16HEB 12:62PE 3:10In this sermon, the preacher discusses the four things that Satan cannot stand: absolute truth, God-derived authority, understanding of the spiritual battle, and recognition of Satan's open and fierce battle since the cross. The preacher uses the analogy of a prisoner facing execution to illustrate Satan's desperation as the end approaches. The timeline of Satan's life is examined, highlighting his fall, conflict with Eve, and lies he spreads. The importance of rejecting Satan's lies and embracing the infallible Word of God is emphasized, along with the nine areas of conflict and the corresponding lies and truths discussed throughout the sermon.
The Kingdom vs. Patriotism
By Art Katz3.0K54:48American PatriotismMAT 6:33ROM 13:12CO 10:3EPH 6:12COL 1:131PE 2:17REV 11:15The video is a sermon transcript discussing the book written by John ML Young, a missionary in Japan. The speaker describes Young as an evangelical, fundamental Christian missionary who had a deep understanding of Christianity but may not have been familiar with the realm of the spirit. The speaker highlights Young's ability to critique and examine topics, noting that this is often lacking in spirit-filled individuals. The sermon emphasizes the conflict between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of the world, particularly in the context of Japan's Shinto militarism and the rise of nationalism.
There Is a Warfare
By Leonard Ravenhill2.9K1:01:51WarfarePSA 119:105PRO 3:5JHN 14:15ROM 8:282CO 6:4EPH 6:12JAS 1:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the various aspects of the Christian journey. He compares it to a fight, a race, and a stewardship, highlighting the need for believers to give an account of their actions. The preacher also discusses the concept of talents, explaining that they have a monetary value in scripture. He shares the story of Job and how he lost everything, but ultimately found hope and wrote a book about his experience. The sermon concludes with a discussion on the resurrection of Jesus and the impact it had on the world, emphasizing the personal encounter Paul had with Jesus. The preacher encourages the congregation to be open to surprises and shares some thoughts he previously discussed with others. He then directs the audience to 2 Timothy 2:4, urging them to consider the message in that passage.
The Mysteries of the Faith
By Art Katz2.9K1:27:56MysteryMAT 6:33EPH 3:3EPH 3:12EPH 6:12HEB 10:34HEB 11:26HEB 13:3In this sermon, the speaker discusses the influence of spiritual forces in various aspects of society, such as institutions, culture, business, and entertainment. The speaker shares a personal experience of baptizing Lutherans who desired immersion instead of infant sprinkling. While walking to the locker room after the baptisms, the speaker slips and reflects on the importance of living in freedom and not being bound by fear or material possessions. The sermon emphasizes the eternal purpose of God in Christ Jesus, which is to demonstrate His wisdom through the church to the powers of the air. The speaker also highlights the example of a girl who endured confinement without complaining, attributing her suffering to the sovereignty of God rather than human responsibility.
(Heavenly Life) Seated in the Heavens
By Zac Poonen2.8K56:38MAT 6:31MAT 6:33GAL 3:29EPH 1:3EPH 2:6EPH 6:12COL 3:2COL 3:4HEB 11:13HEB 12:26This sermon emphasizes the importance of being heavenly-minded in a world filled with changes and uncertainties. It highlights the need to focus on eternal values rather than earthly possessions, urging believers to seek God's kingdom first and live in a way that reflects heavenly principles. The speaker encourages a shift in mindset towards heavenly things, allowing the Holy Spirit to renew thoughts and actions to align with God's will.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood - Ουκ εστιν ἡμιν ἡ παλη προς αἱμα και σαρκα· Our wrestling or contention is not with men like ourselves: flesh and blood is a Hebraism for men, or human beings. See the note on Gal 1:16. The word παλη implies the athletic exercises in the Olympic and other national games; and παλαιστρα was the place in which the contenders exercised. Here it signifies warfare in general. Against principalities - Αρχας· Chief rulers; beings of the first rank and order in their own kingdom. Powers - Εξουσιας, Authorities, derived from, and constituted by the above. The rulers of the darkness of this world - Τους κοσμοκρατορας του σκοτους του αιωνος τουτου· The rulers of the world; the emperors of the darkness of this state of things. Spiritual wickedness - Τα πνευματικα της πονηριας· The spiritual things of wickedness; or, the spiritualities of wickedness; highly refined and sublimed evil; disguised falsehood in the garb of truth; Antinomianism in the guise of religion. In high places - Εν τοις επουρανιοις· In the most sublime stations. But who are these of whom the apostle speaks? Schoettgen contends that the rabbins and Jewish rulers are intended. This he thinks proved by the words του αιωνος τουτου, of this world, which are often used to designate the Old Testament, and the Jewish system; and the words εν τοις επουρανιοις, in heavenly places, which are not unfrequently used to signify the time of the New Testament, and the Gospel system. By the spiritual wickedness in heavenly places, he thinks false teachers, who endeavored to corrupt Christianity, are meant; such as those mentioned by St. John, Jo1 2:19 : They went out from us, but they were not of us, etc. And he thinks the meaning may be extended to all corrupters of Christianity in all succeeding ages. He shows also that the Jews called their own city שר של עולם sar shel olam, κοσμοκρατωρ, the ruler of the world; and proves that David's words, Psa 2:2, The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, are applied by the apostles, Act 4:26, to the Jewish rulers, αρχοντες, who persecuted Peter and John for preaching Christ crucified. But commentators in general are not of this mind, but think that by principalities, etc., we are to understand different orders of evil spirits, who are all employed under the devil, their great head, to prevent the spread of the Gospel in the world, and to destroy the souls of mankind. The spiritual wickedness are supposed to be the angels which kept not their first estate; who fell from the heavenly places but are ever longing after and striving to regain them; and which have their station in the regions of the air. "Perhaps," says Mr. Wesley, "the principalities and powers remain mostly in the citadel of their kingdom of darkness; but there are other spirits which range abroad, to whom the provinces of the world are committed; the darkness is chiefly spiritual darkness which prevails during the present state of things, and the wicked spirits are those which continually oppose faith, love, and holiness, either by force or fraud; and labor to infuse unbelief, pride, idolatry, malice, envy, anger, and hatred." Some translate the words εν τοις επουρανιοις, about heavenly things; that is: We contend with these fallen spirits for the heavenly things which are promised to us; and we strive against them, that we may not be deprived of those we have.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Greek, "For our wrestling ('the wrestling' in which we are engaged) is not against flesh," &c. Flesh and blood foes are Satan's mere tools, the real foe lurking behind them is Satan himself, with whom our conflict is. "Wrestling" implies that it is a hand-to-hand and foot-to-foot struggle for the mastery: to wrestle successfully with Satan, we must wrestle with GOD in irresistible prayer like Jacob (Gen 32:24-29; Hos 12:4). Translate, "The principalities . . . the powers" (Eph 1:21; Col 1:16; see on Eph 3:10). The same grades of powers are specified in the case of the demons here, as in that of angels there (compare Rom 8:38; Co1 15:24; Col 2:15). The Ephesians had practiced sorcery (Act 19:19), so that he appropriately treats of evil spirits in addressing them. The more clearly any book of Scripture, as this, treats of the economy of the kingdom of light, the more clearly does it set forth the kingdom of darkness. Hence, nowhere does the satanic kingdom come more clearly into view than in the Gospels which treat of Christ, the true Light. rulers of the darkness of this world--Greek, "age" or "course of the world." But the oldest manuscripts omit "of world." Translate, "Against the world rulers of this (present) darkness" (Eph 2:2; Eph 5:8; Luk 22:53; Col 1:13). On Satan and his demons being "world rulers," compare Joh 12:31; Joh 14:30; Joh 16:11; Luk 4:6; Co2 4:4; Jo1 5:19, Greek, "lieth in the wicked one." Though they be "world rulers," they are not the ruler of the universe; and their usurped rule of the world is soon to cease, when He shall "come whose right it is" (Eze 21:27). Two cases prove Satan not to be a mere subjective fancy: (1) Christ's temptation; (2) the entrance of demons into the swine (for these are incapable of such fancies). Satan tries to parody, or imitate in a perverted way, God's working (Co2 11:13-14). So when God became incarnate, Satan, by his demons, took forcible possession of human bodies. Thus the demoniacally possessed were not peculiarly wicked, but miserable, and so fit subjects for Jesus' pity. Paul makes no mention of demoniacal possession, so that in the time he wrote, it seems to have ceased; it probably was restricted to the period of the Lord's incarnation, and of the foundation of His Church. spiritual wickedness--rather as Greek, "The spiritual hosts of wickedness." As three of the clauses describe the power, so this fourth, the wickedness of our spiritual foes (Mat 12:45). in high places--Greek, "heavenly places": in Eph 2:2, "the air," see on Eph 2:2. The alteration of expression to "in heavenly places," is in order to mark the higher range of their powers than ours, they having been, up to the ascension (Rev 12:5, Rev 12:9-10), dwellers "in the heavenly places" (Job 1:7), and being now in the regions of the air which are called the heavens. Moreover, pride and presumption are the sins in heavenly places to which they tempt especially, being those by which they themselves fell from heavenly places (Isa 14:12-15). But believers have naught to fear, being "blessed with all spiritual blessings in the heavenly places" (Eph 1:3).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,.... The Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions, and some copies, read "you", instead of "we". This is a reason why saints should be strong in the Lord, and why they should put on the whole armour of God, and prepare for battle, since their enemies are such as here described: not "flesh and blood"; frail mortal men, such as were wrestled against in the Olympic games, to which the apostle alludes. For this wrestling, as Philo the Jew says (e), concerning Jacob's wrestling, is not of the body, but of the soul; see Mat 16:17; and the meaning is, not with men only, for otherwise the saints have a conflict with men; with profane men, and wrestle against them, by bearing a testimony against their enormities, and by patiently enduring their reproaches, and conquer them by a constant adherence to Christ, and an exercise of faith upon him, which gets the victory over the world; and with heretical men, and maintain a conflict with them, by watching and observing the first appearance of their errors and heresies, and declaring against them, and by using Scripture arguments to confute them, and by rejecting the stubborn and incorrigible from church communion: yet they wrestle not against these only, but against principalities, against powers; by whom are meant not civil magistrates, or the Roman governors, though these are sometimes so called, Tit 3:1, and may be said to be the rulers of the darkness of this world, or of the dark Heathen world, and were in high places, and were of wicked and malicious spirits, against the people of Christ; yet these cannot be opposed to flesh and blood, or to men, since they were such themselves; and though they were in high, yet not in heavenly places; and the connection with the preceding verse shows the contrary, the enemy being the devil, and the armour spiritual; wherefore the devils are here designed, who are described from their power, rule, and government; see Gill on Eph 1:21, both in this clause, and in the next: and against the rulers of the darkness of this world; that is, over wicked men in it, who are in a state of darkness itself; and so Satan is called the prince, and god of the world, Joh 12:31. The Jews use this very word, the apostle does here, of the angel of death; who is called darkness (f); and the devil is called by them, , "the prince of darkness" (g); and mention is made by them of , "the darkness of the world" (h); from whom the apostle seems to have taken these phrases, as being in common use among the Jews; who also use it of civil governors (i), and render it, as here, "the rulers of the world", and say it signifies monarchs, such as rule from one end of the world to the other (k): some copies, and the Ethiopic version, leave out the phrase, of this world. It follows, against spiritual wickedness in high places; or wicked spirits, as the devils are, unclean, proud, lying, deceitful, and malicious; who may be said to be in "high" or "heavenly places"; not in places super celestial, or in the highest heavens, in the third heaven, where God, angels, and saints are; but in the aerial heavens, where the power or posse of devils reside, and where they are above us, over our heads, overlooking us, and watching every advantage against us; and therefore we should have on our armour, and be in a readiness to engage them; and so the Syriac and Ethiopic versions render it, "under", or "beneath heaven"; and the Arabic version, "in the air". (e) Leg. Allegor. l. 2. p. 96, (f) Vajikra Rabba, sect. 18. fol. 160. 1. & Shirhashirim Rabba, fol. 25. 4. (g) Pesikta in Kettoreth Hassammim in Targum in Gen. fol. 9. 4. Raziel, fol. 13. 1. (h) Zohar in Lev. fol. 19. 3. (i) Bereshit Rabba, sect. 58. fol. 51. 2. (k) Tanchuma & Aruch in Guidon. Diet. Syr. Chal. p. 169.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:12 Believers should not consider human beings to be their enemies. Instead, the opposition they face comes from the unseen world of spiritual evil, and Christ has authority over that realm (see 1:21-22).