At this juncture, we are driven by a situation where the world is shaken, controlled and being govern by the earthly world bodies. Living in a Land and Country of its own hidden agenda, implementing its forced ideologies in every situation wholly unaware by the people. At such times, whether we like it or not, the people living within are forced to follow its inevitable powers and policies being thrown into it.
What Bible says about the roles of Powers, Principalities and its forces? What are our responsibilities? What is our defence? Should we voice out for the right or wrong? How do we encourage our belief that the living God be our only Agenda?
Eph 6:12 “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities against the cosmic power over this present darkness against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
Cf. Eph 3:10; Col 1:16; Col 2:15; Eph 1:21
In Paul’s day, men strongly believe both in Demons and Angels. The titles of different grades of Angels that Paul uses are Principality, Power, Evil Forces and every name that is named. He further continued that not only in Israel nation but all nations of this age are being ruled by the evil principalities and power. These other nations believed implicitly in evil spirits who filled the air and were determined to work for men harm, world rulers and all evil spirits.
We as God’s people should not wrestle against flesh and blood but rather stand against the devices of these devils, fight against the powers, authorities, policies, against the world rulers of this darkness and against malicious evil spirit forces. According to Paul, the whole universe was a battle ground for God’s people.
The Christians do not only had to contend with the attacks of men but also contend with the attacks of evil spiritual forces which were fighting against God. One may not take Paul actual language of fighting evil forces literally, but our experience will tell us that there is an active power of evil surrounding us.
Ancient world believed in all kinds of angels and all kinds of spirit elements, many of which were out to ruin men. It was they, who were responsible for demon-possession and the like. They were hostile to men but Jesus conquered them forever.
Cf. Isa 14: 12-18; Ezekiel 28: 13-18; 2 Peter 2:4; Gen 3:14
Fallen Angels always disturb God’s plan and make plans with who are in power and rulers. As one can tell from the description in Ephesians, a great many of these angelic powers are in rebellion against God and have become evil. Fallen Angels includes a third of the angels who are with Satan have been cast out of heaven and are now fallen Angels. However they continue to exercise great influence on human events and believers are called to resist them and to spiritually defend themselves against these fallen beings.
Cf. Mat 17:24-27; Mat 22: 7-21; Roman 13:1-3; Mat 23:13
On the other hand, Jesus warns the rulers of Pharisees and Sadducees about their misrules and policies. Paul also warned Colossians, Ephesians, the devils, the evil spirits and their machineries which controlled its powers and thus destroyed the influences on God’s people and their policies.
Daniel 10:13 a “ But the princes of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me …”
John 7:7 (Rev 13:8) “The world cannot hate you but it hates me because I testify against it that its works are evil.” The intimidation is clear that the Holy Angels are sent forth on behalf of the heirs of salvation so demons are concerned on behalf of the world systems of Satan.
Daniel 10:20-21 Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? And now I must return to fight with the prince of Persia; and when I have gone forth, indeed the prince of Greece will come. But I will tell you what is noted in the Scripture of Truth (no one upholds me against these, except Michael, your Prince).”
Daniel fought against the Prince of Persia, Prince of Greece likewise there are countries where evil policies, evil forces are being misruled and led by the Princes. In addition to these are all the rest of the spiritual forces of evil, armies of evil spiritual beings that are arrayed against God and his people. We as Christians must fight against such forces and have faith like Paul and Daniel.
This deadly Pandemic and its rigorous news have been a rollercoaster ride and a challenging time for all believers. This time has been hard on all of us. While the horror of this pandemic conquered the whole world we cannot stay calm, we as leaders cannot be idle knowing the fact of all that’s written in the Holy Bible. Why did the Bible wrestle against the evil spirits, evil rulers and evil policies of this world? Should we live under the blanket of all these evil forces? Should we remain silent of God’s battle against these harm policies? Or should we stand together and work for God’s Glory? Men should realize the greatness of the Saviour, God has given.
Rev. Ikuto Jimo,
Rtd. WSBAK staff, Former Y/Secy