Intro: In Scripture,“God called the light “day” and the darkness “night.” And evening passed and morning came, marking the first day (Gen 1:5). It is easier to see life around and before us during the light of day, but much harder to see very far ahead during the darkness of night. If I am going to be outside when it is dark, I try to walk near the street lights or take a flashlight with me. I want to see my way clearly rather than stumble in the midst of the darkness. However, there is a darkness that can be experienced when a flashlight is of no help. We need the Light or Wisdom of truth!
Scripture teaches us Light and darkness are also described as unseen spiritual kingdoms. The spirit of Light has to do with Jesus, the Righteous One, and the spiritual knowledge or truth he brings believers who walk in the ways of the Kingdom of God. The spirit of darkness has to do with spiritual ignorance and represents the devil, the evil one and those who walk in the deceptive ways of the kingdom of the world. Human beings serve the spiritual kingdom of the Righteous One or the evil one; we cannot serve both.
If we are not aware of the ongoing clash around us between these two spiritual kingdoms, we may think we are battling people rather than wrong spirits. Although people who live in spiritual ignorance are not aware of what the Word of God has to say, believers should not consider other human beings to be their enemies. The opposition we face simply flows from the spiritual adversary people empower from the unseen kingdom of the world.
In our passage today, the Apostle Paul reminds us to be aware of this truth, because believers will wrestle with evil spiritual adversaries. Years ago, one of our sons was on a high school wrestling team. The young men never wrestled at a distance; nope, they were up close, grabbing, pushing, and using whatever leverage necessary to take their opponent down. Well, evil wrestles to drag us into the darkness, but Jesus is the Light and he is the One who makes us more than conquerors (Ro 8:36-37).
The Kingdom of God is a matter of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Ro 14:17). Believers are not ignorant of evil’s tactics; satan uses our old fallen nature to drag us away from the Light and into the darkness. So, stand in the righteousness of Christ, let your life be governed by the Prince of peace, use faith to call for Christ’s power, protect your mind against the lies of the devil by believing the Word of God (Eph 6:14-17). Christ knows the moves of evil and he has been made Wisdom for you!
Ephesians 6:10-13 NLT A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we [you] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for warning believers about the battles that begin in the spiritual realm. Although we do not need to fear the spiritual adversary, we must receive your wisdom for how to overcome every attack. We desire to serve your righteous Kingdom and bow to your rule over our lives. Help us to deny our old nature and empower a new one. In Jesus’ name. Amen.