“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Ephesians 6:12-13
“Heavenly realms” or “heavenly matters” is a common phrase in Ephesians, which is concerned with the ultimate spiritual battle between God’s forces and the devil’s. Our real battle is not with human cultists, false religionists, atheists, agnostics, and pseudo-Christians, but with the demonic beings working through them, of which even the flesh and blood opponents themselves are sometimes unaware. Luther once said, “All our shelter and protection rest in prayer alone”.
“Day of evil” is a reference to end times, where evil forces battle against God’s children, who have been rescued from evil.
“Stand your ground” is encouragement to recognize that we are fully equipped and defended by God, and our mandate is to trust what He has given us for the battle.
In the modern world, the spiritual dimension of life is often overlooked. We view our problems – and try to solve them – in purely human terms. But the Lord wants to work in us by His Word and Spirit.
God’s blessings on your day…