For we wrestle not against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6.12)
Don’t you just hate long and laborious explanations? I want to get to the goods in a hurry. Save your verbose tirades about how something works and let’s just get to the plan. If I want to know all that other stuff I’ll Google it or ask my Facebook friends!
We live in the information age don’t we? We can research the minutia without lengthy preparatory narratives right? Well... I guess it really depends on the subject doesn’t it? Some times we need extra information to get the job done right.
Paul gets into a seemingly lengthy introduction to the believer’s armor in Ephesians chapter six. He starts out well with these words, “Finally my brethren be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil.”
Cool so far. So, Paul, just what is that armor? It is at this instant that Paul goes into a lengthy aside. Notice what he says in verses 12 and 13:
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. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Whoa! Why all of the seeming legalese here? Why not just cut to the chase? Let’s get to the list of goods that we need!
Here’s why. The “chase” is in the battle. The battle is against an invisible foe. Thus we need to know how serious it is and just what we’re up against. We dare not put on the gear in a haphazard manner. We need to recognize the difference between the innocent bystander and the injurious bad guy before we get on all of our equipment. So, let’s do a little breakdown of what Paul is telling us:
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood - I often get hung up right here. If I had my battle gear on I’d be killing the wrong “enemy”. Why? Because often that “enemy” seems to be the people around me. In the past I’ve talked about my disposition in heavy traffic, in long lines or on the phone with a “helpful” service representative. As I listen to the latest “hit song” for the umpteenth time my temper rises and I want to strangle someone with the phone cord.
Paul says, “No Mike! Don’t go there. That Indian is not the enemy! He/She is just doing his job. Your enemy is sowing discord in your mind. Focus! Know the enemy. If you’re seeing “flesh and blood” they are not the ones you’re fighting!
This is crucial information. It is not a digression or irrelevant comment. Properly interpreting what Paul tells us helps us to eliminate a lot of needless anguish and effort. We avoid wasting our energy on innocent people. Our attention is drawn from the chase by those flesh and blood dwellers all around us. They seem like ripe targets! They all look so guilty! So, if they are not the problem, who is? Paul will tell us tomorrow or today if you choose to read on. So let’s give it some more ink (or pixels) tomorrow. OK? OK.
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