Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers… I. HERE ARE PRESENTED BEINGS WHOSE ATTRIBUTES ARE VERY APPALLING. 1. Actual beings, possessing an angelic order of existence. 2. Beings deeply and fearfully characterized by evil. 3. Beings who possess wide power and authority over the world. II. THE BEINGS HERE PRESENTED ARE ENGAGED IN ACTIVE AND MALIGNANT CONFLICT AGAINST THE INTERESTS OF REDEEMED MEN. 1. Notice the manner in which that conflict is conducted. These principalities, etc., fight against the children of God through the medium of their own thoughts; as those thoughts may be influenced independent of external objects, or as those thoughts may be influenced by the thoughts and passions of other men; and by the various events and occurrences which are transpiring in this sublunary and terrestrial world. It is intended by this power and instrumentality to lead to principles, to actions, and to habits which are inconsistent with the maintenance of the Christian character. 2. Mark the spirit in which that warfare is conducted. It is precisely such as we might expect from the character and attributes of the principalities, the powers, and the rulers against whom we wrestle. It is, for instance, conducted with subtlety and cunning. We find that Satan is said to transform himself into an angel of light. Hence, again, we read of "the devices of Satan" and "the rulers of Satan" as being "the old serpent." It is, further, conducted in cruelty, Hence, we read of Satan as being "the adversary"; we read of his fiery darts; and we are told that he "goeth about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour." It is, again, conducted in perseverance. All the statements which are urged with regard to subtlety on the one hand, and cruelty on the other, show that there is one incessant labour, which is perfectly unvaried and unremitting on their part, to accomplish the great designs they have in view with respect to the character and the final destiny of the soul. 3. Observe for what purpose the conflict is designed. That there may be a failure on the part of the redeemed, in their character, their consistency, and their hopes; and this, under the impulse of one dark and fearful result, as bearing both upon God and upon man. As regards God, it is intended that the purpose of the Father should be foresworn; that the atonement of the Son should be inefficacious; and that the influence of the Spirit should be thwarted. And, as bearing on man, it is intended that his life should become bereft of honour, comfort, and peace; that his death should be a scene of agitation, pain, and darkness; that his judgment should he an event of threatening and bitter condemnation; that his eternity should be the habitation of torment and woe; and that over spirits, who once had the prospects of redemption, there shall be pronounced that fearful sentence, "Depart ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels." III. THE KNOWLEDGE, ON THE PART OF REDEEMED MEN, OF SUCH A CONFLICT, OUGHT, AT ONCE, TO BIND ON THEE THOSE PRACTICAL IMPRESSIONS WHICH ARE ESSENTIAL TO THEIR PERSEVERANCE AND VICTORY. 1. The nature of the means of preservation. (1) A constant and diligent attempt, in the strength of the living God, to live in practical conformity with the doctrines and precepts of the gospel. (2) Watchfulness. (3) Prayer. 2. The effect which these means, when used aright, will secure. That the Christian warrior, fighting against these mighty and invisible foes, shall, although faint, yet pursue, and although feeble, shall yet conquer. (J. Parsons.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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