1 of 1

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.

Paul reminds us that we have spiritual authority and blessings in the unseen or heavenly realms (1:3). God wants people to be delivered from the power of Satan and his forces (2:1-2).

The good news is that Satan and his forces have already been defeated and disarmed (Col. 2:15). Consequently, there's no need for believers to fear their spiritual enemy. While Satan still has the freedom to tempt and harass Christians, he has no direct authority over them. The armor of God pictures the protection Jesus gives us against demonic attack.

Spiritual warfare for believers, therefore, is fought in the mind, emotions and the will. Scriptural truth is our primary line of defense. That's why Paul frequently urges us to be renewed in our minds (Romans 12:1-2; Col. 3:1-3). The more our minds are filled with the truth of God's Word, the less susceptible we are to Satan's deceptions and temptations.

However, because Satan still rules the unbelieving world, we will, on occasion, have to confront Satan's work in people's lives (for example, Acts 13:9-12). To dislodge Satan's influence in someone's life, a supernatural encounter of God's power and truth may be required.

A sample from the best-selling Quest Study Bible. Copyright Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. www.Zondervan.com. To order, click here.

 1 of 1