Wrestling. Ephesians 6:12. “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.” In this battle for the soul against the devil, we are reaching for mastery, straining spiritual muscles, and sometimes feel we are alone, yet we are not. One who intercedes with groanings dwells within this body where my spirit and soul reside. Our opposition is beyond man's nature and differs from humanity in conflict. Flesh and blood would match the tension and pressure – it would be a fair fight. But this is not the case in this wrestling match. The opposition claims its place as first in importance, first in demands, first in authority – it demands priority. Principalities seek to usurp the place God holds as the supreme authority over the responsibilities He has given to those who belong to Him. Do not walk away, ignore them, or turn your back – stand!
The demand for control continues without pause. We wrestle against powerful forces that seek to dominate us. They want you and me to submit entirely. These powers will never be satisfied with anything less than absolute authority. They overwhelm opposition with relentless pressure that never eases. But remember, as we wrestle, greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. Stand firm! Moral darkness surrounds us, with gloomy claims hidden by lies. There is nowhere in this world to escape the darkness of this age. Those who lead and make dark decisions stand against us to bring us under their control. These are the enemies we wrestle, the most experienced ones—stand firm! Invisible, yet all around and above, is the wicked, malicious evil from the unseen realm. Our only refuge is God Himself and the armor of God, which is always available to be put on. The only true safety is to have it all in place and to fight. Wrestle with your mind so that it triumphs over malicious, bitter thoughts. Stand with your body, soul, and spirit against the pressures of unseen wickedness!
By wearing the armor of God, we can stand with courage, honor, and dignity. “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but “mighty through God…” The position of a believer in Christ is far higher than those “principalities and powers” that exist in the realm of the heavens around this cosmos. It is in the third heaven, the Father’s house,” that we are seated with Christ “in heavenly places.” In our conflict with Satan, we are not told to run but to stand. It is God’s way for us to “resist the devil, and he will flee from you; draw near to God, and He will draw near unto you.”
The unity that is emphasized is a major theme of the Epistle to the Ephesians. Conflicts at home arise when there is no tolerance for differences. The unifying power needed to bind all members together—acting as a suit of armor forming a protective covering—is truth. Satan, the father of lies, understands that lies lead to the downfall of nearly any relationship. Whether it is the husband and wife, parent and child, or employer and employee relationship, when one lies to the other, a barrier of distrust is built that is very difficult to overcome. Whether it is God's truth or the truth we speak, when it is worn as a belt or girdle, it holds together what the devil is trying to tear apart.
Righteousness, like a piece of armor protecting vital organs, defends against ungodly practices of those opposing holy living. Integrity, honesty, ethics, and values help us endure unavoidable difficulties. The righteousness of Christ has been given to us, securing our position. The righteousness of life through our choices safeguards us in Christian living. Both truth and righteousness are essential in the "close in fighting" that seeks to defeat God's children in their home lives. These conflict areas can quickly enter into assembly life and affect the body of Christ. We must commit ourselves to truth in word and deed and to honorable, righteous living to stay safe from satanic power.