The Battle for the Kingdom

We aren’t fighting against human enemies but against rulers, authorities, forces of cosmic darkness, and spiritual powers of evil in the heavens. (Ephesians 6:12)

A quick look in just about any direction these days and conflict seems to be ruling the day. Whether we look to politics in our country or reflect on the larger world scene, we are clearly steeped in a struggle. Too often we are quick to single out individuals to whom we wish to assign blame, and perhaps at times that blame is warranted. And yet as Paul describes this struggle, he sees something that we often miss, as he writes to the church in Ephesus the Apostle Paul reminds us “we aren’t fighting against human enemies.”

Sometimes I think we are surprised when we realize that the Christian life isn’t always easy. We wrongly assume that with Jesus’ death and resurrection that all our worldly struggles will disappear. Paul doesn’t seem to be operating with this assumption, in fact, it appears he seems to assume quite the opposite. Here in Ephesians, as well as in his other writings, Paul assumes the norm before Christ’s return is that there will be struggle.

But what is the nature of this struggle, this battle? The battle is not just a battle of ideas or theologies or politics, but rather Paul describes it as a spiritual battle. In Paul’s words, “our battle is against rulers, authorities, forces of cosmic darkness, and spiritual powers of evil in the heavens.” Yet, I find it revealing that though Paul affirms there is a battle afoot, the primary weapons at our disposal in the conflict are defensive.

The belt of truth, the breastplate of justice or righteousness, the shoes ready to spread the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, and the helmet of salvation are, as NT Wright describes it, “all to enable [us] to remain safe under attack.” We don’t have time here to break down each of these defenses, but one jumps out to me that seems important to highlight, “the gospel of peace” (vs 15). Here the word “gospel” is interchangeable with the phrase “good news.” In the heat of this battle, we are called to be people who are continually seeking to be peacemakers.

This doesn’t mean we are passive, but instead that when we take up the “sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word” (vs 17) our goal isn’t necessarily to win for winning sake, our goal is to announce the Kingdom of God and the reign of Jesus Christ as Lord. Here, it is likely Paul is thinking of Old Testament passages like Isaiah 52:7, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of a messenger who proclaims peace, who brings good news, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God rules!’” (CEB).

It would seem on some level that peace, true peace, is the clearest evidence of the battle being won. This peace is not just an absence of conflict, but an inner divine peace with the creator of the universe. It is a peace with our fellow humans that reflects God’s abiding presence.

I don’t know about you, but I need to be reminded the battle I see around me is not only to be expected, but that it is a battle we have been equipped to fight. But I also need to be reminded the goal in this battle is not just that I and my team will win. The goal is that the message of peace, the message of God’s reign on earth would be received and that the “rulers, authorities, forces of cosmic darkness, and spiritual powers of evil in the heavens” be put on notice they are no longer in charge.

Will you pray with me?

Lord, as the old chorus goes, remind me, “the battle belongs to the Lord.” Remind me my battle is not primarily with human enemies but with “rulers, authorities, forces of cosmic darkness, and spiritual powers of evil in the heavens.” In this battle, help me be a soldier of peace, fighting for the Gospel of Peace, and the announcement of the reign of God. Lord, help me to recognize your victories over the darkness, and to not be overwhelmed by the struggle I see all around us. I pray with Isaiah, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of a messenger who proclaims peace, who brings good news, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, ‘[My] God rules!’”

Amen