“The Reality of Evil” Ephesians 6
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Our Adversary is Strategic
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
Schemes: Greek methodeia Cunning arts, deceit, craft, trickery: “To follow up and investigate by method and settled plan…”
Our Adversary is Spiritual Our Adversary is Spiritual
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood …
Our Adversary is Organized
….but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world…
Three Terms Used: Rulers Powers Authorities
Rulers: Greek arche The first person or thing in a series, the leader The first place, principality, rule, magistracy
Authorities: Greek exousia The power of rule or government “ the power of him whose will and commands must be submitted to by others and obeyed”; jurisdiction. One who possesses authority; a ruler, a human magistrate; the leading and more powerful among created beings superior to man, spiritual potentates
Powers: Greek kosmokrator Lord of the world, prince of this age a) the devil and his demons
Our Adversary is Evil Our Adversary is Evil
…and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Evil: Greek poneria Depravity, iniquity, wickedness; malice; evil purposes and desires
Our Adversary is Patient Our Adversary is Patient
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Because of these Facts… In our Response… Because of these Facts… In our Response…
We must think Strategically
We must fight Spiritually We must fight Spiritually
We must organize ourselves Intentionally We must organize ourselves Intentionally
We must operate with Moral Clarity We must operate with Moral Clarity
We must respond Untiringly We must respond Untiringly