Empowered in the Lord vs. the spiritual forces of darkness in the heavenlies (Ephesians 6:10-12 - Two sides of the spiritual battle)

 

Empowered in the Lord vs. the spiritual forces of darkness in the heavenlies (Ephesians 6:10-12 - Two sides of the spiritual battle)

Eph 6:10 "Be empowered in the Lord and in the might of His strength"

Eph 6:12 "Wrestling against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenlies"

 

Aspect	Being Empowered in the Lord  (God's Side)	Spiritual Forces of Darkness in the Heavenlies (Satan's Side)
Source of Power	• The power of Christ's resurrection • The surpassing greatness of God's power that raised Christ from the dead • Power that seated Christ in the heavenlies, far above all evil spirits in the air	• Evil forces that rebelled against God • Satan and the rebellious angels who follow him • Powers that rule the dark world
Position of Warfare	• In the Lord (not in ourselves) • Seated in the third heaven • Superior position over the enemy	• In the air (the heavenlies) • Position beneath us • Destined to be defeated
Organizational Structure	• Christ as the Head • The church as Christ's Body • Saints who love the Lord and are in His church	• Rulers • Authorities • World-rulers of this darkness • Spiritual forces of evil in the heavenlies
Method of Operation	• Through the strong will of the saints • Requiring strong exercise of will to be empowered • Warfare in the might of the Lord's strength	• Working behind flesh and blood • Using people to damage the church • Ruling over the nations of the world (like the prince of Persia and prince of Greece in Daniel)
Object of Warfare	• Not wrestling against flesh and blood • But against evil spiritual forces • Not fighting against people who cause damage	• Using flesh and blood as instruments • Controlling from behind and above people • Opposing God's purpose
Key to Victory	• Must fight in the Lord • By the might of His strength • Strong and exercised will • Recognition of the true nature of spiritual warfare	• Already overcome by Christ • Position beneath the saints • Will ultimately be completely defeated
Practical Application	• Not fighting in ourselves (when we are in ourselves, we fail) • Should not have weak will like jellyfish • Need thorough repentance (example of Saul of Tarsus)	• Appears to be human problems but actually spiritual forces • Rebellious angels following Satan against God • Ruling the world system from the air

 

This table clearly presents the contrast between the two sides of the spiritual battle in Ephesians 6:10-12. From the table we can see several important points: 

 The difference in the level of power: We rely on the great power that raised Christ and made Him far superior to everything, while the enemy, although organized, has been defeated by Christ and is below us.

  The correct understanding of the battle: The real battle is not with people, but with the evil spiritual forces behind people. This helps us to have a correct spiritual perspective when facing the difficulties of people, things and events.

  The key to victory: We must be in the Lord, not on our own. This requires us to use our strong will to gain strength, just like the example of Saul of Tarsus' repentance cited by Paul.

  The importance of position: We are sitting in the third heaven, above the enemy in the air, which gives us a strategic advantage to win.

  

*Please refer to the 2025 Memorial Day Blending Conference, the general topic: Preparation of the Bride, Chapter 6 The Bride as a Group Warrior