In the well-known passage about spiritual armor (cf. Ephesians 6:10-18), the Apostle Paul lets the church know they are in a spiritual battle by warning of the powerful and deceptive strength of the principalities and powers.
We must remember that all things were made by Christ, “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him” (Colossians 1:16 KJV).
Robert C. Linthicum brings clarity in reconciling Colossians 1:16 and Ephesians 6:10-18,
“It is true that these spiritual authorities were created by Christ to be used by Him in ordering human and heavenly society. But they have now become corrupt and evil with a seduction that can take Christians captive and a strength that requires of us ‘the full armor of God.’”[1]
Thus, this passage lets the church know that the dangers posed “by these organized powers of darkness can be overwhelming—left on our own. Christians, however, are not alone. They are untied to the exalted Lord who defeated the forces of evil and now imparts his power and authority to the church.”[2]
Arnold continues, “Paul further defined and clarified God’s power by specifying various ways God bestows power on the church…and enumerated seven weapons. Five of these were objective endowments from God (truth, righteousness, the gospel, salvation, and the Spirit/word of God), and two stress our responsibility (faith and prayer).” And while the list is not exhaustive, it “represents the essence of all that is vital to waging successful warfare against the powers of darkness.”[3]
Of all that is listed above, prayer stands out as our chief weapon in this spiritual battle. Notice also that prayer has no corresponding physical weapon to illustrate its use (like a helmet and shield). Why? Prayer needs no natural illustration, no picture to assist in understanding its use; instead, prayer is its own image; it provides a self-definition and, because of such, is given prominence in this passage on spiritual weapons.
Because of the Fall, we are in a struggle, wrestling against principalities and powers, rulers and spiritual wickedness, who are out to destroy us. The battle is not always easy, but it can always be won through the strength Jesus promised to provide.
Ask the Father for that strength today; also, ask it for those in your church.
Memorize Psalms 18:39 (KJV) “For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.”
And rejoice that you are not alone in the battle!
