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Bible In A Year | Read: 1 Timothy 3

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (Eph 6:12)

More Surrender > More Strategy 

In the beginning verses of Ephesians, Paul tells us we are blessed in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Eph. 1:3). So Isn’t it odd to know that the cosmic powers opposing us also reside in the heavenly places?

Clarity replaces confusion when we cling to this truth: God is the Creatorof everything and put all things under Christ’s feet. This knowledge produces awe and reverence. It also endows us with courage to engage in the battle for souls. The word in Greek for the collective group of rulers, authorities, cosmic powers and spiritual forces of evil is thronos (pronounced: throw nos). Thronos is defined as supernatural powers having some particular role in controlling the destiny and activities of human beings.

The Enemy’s work is evident; we live in a time of overwhelming darkness. News stories are saturated with tales of murder, destruction and degradation. The world is engulfed in evil, and we hear witness accounts of mass killings and devastation wrought by war-mongering leaders. One of the Enemy’s many tactics is using hatred and envy to tear at us and divide one another. In verse 6:12, Paul uses the image of a wrestling match–a metaphor for an intense struggle against an opponent. Our Enemy wants to pin us to the mat and destroy us mentally, physically and spiritually.

But we don’t have to worry because Jesus’ Kingdom is not of this world. Neither are we. His Word is a clarion call to courage and hope. Paul tells us our enemies are not physical– they’re not flesh and blood people, though Satan will sometimes use humans to accomplish his work.

When this happens, we can recall Jesus’ words about the way He tells us to deal with people. He says, “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love yourneighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike” (Matt 5:43-45).

Our weapons equip and empower us to overcome our adversary: For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds (2 Cor. 10:4).

Thought For Today

How effectively are you using the weapons of our warfare against our Enemy? What changes can you make in your daily rhythms to feel and act more equipped and empowered?

Action Steps

Bible: What is God showing me?  What am I going to do about it? 

Bless: Serve one person through word, action, or gift today.

Join us each morning as some C3ers discuss the daily readings from Made For More. – Wednesday’s Battleship or Cruise Ship.