We Wrestle Not Against Flesh and Blood Meaning
Today we will talk about we wrestle not against flesh and blood meaning. Many Christians do not know what this means. It’s a concept that gets to the heart of spiritual battles we face daily, emphasizing that our struggles are not just physical but deeply spiritual. This statement, taken from Ephesians 6:12, captures the essence of our fight against forces beyond our immediate understanding. As we journey through this topic, let’s open our hearts and minds to the wisdom found in God’s Word. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word.
Understanding the Meaning
The phrase “we wrestle not against flesh and blood” originates from Ephesians 6:12, where the Apostle Paul writes, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” In the original Greek, the word for “wrestle” (παλαις) can also refer to a struggle, conflict, or contest. This indicates a close, personal, and intense battle, not just a casual disagreement or a fight. Paul is stressing the significance of acknowledging that our true opponents are not other people who may harm us, but spiritual forces that desire to lead us away from God.
In a historical setting, those in the early church faced a multitude of challenges, both physical and spiritual. They lived in a society often hostile to their beliefs and filled with various pagan influences. Paul reminds them that while humans may persecute them, their real struggle is against the evil forces of this world. These spirits are unseen, yet their influence can manifest in very tangible ways in our lives. Throughout scripture, we find numerous instances where spiritual warfare is highlighted, reflecting the necessity of being alert and prepared for these battles.
Let’s reflect on how we can relate this understanding to our daily lives. Modern Christians, just like the early believers, often lose sight of the spiritual nature of our struggles. When we face difficulties with others, it may be easy to become frustrated or angry with them. However, Paul’s message encourages us to look beyond the surface and recognize that the true battle often lies in the spiritual realm. This not only helps us to forgive and show grace to others but also equips us to seek God’s strength in overcoming these spiritual adversaries.
The Spiritual Nature of Our Struggles
When we say “we wrestle not against flesh and blood,” it brings to light the idea that not everything we face is merely physical in nature. The ‘flesh and blood’ refers to humans — those we see and interact with every day. The Apostle Paul is urging us to recognize a larger picture. For instance, in 2 Corinthians 10:3-4, he states, “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” Here, Paul introduces the idea that our tools for fighting are not found in physical means but rather in spiritual resources provided by God.
In ancient times, wrestling was a popular sport and a way to demonstrate physical prowess. However, the kind of wrestling Paul is referring to is much deeper. It signifies a close and intense struggle, suggesting a conflict that is not just fought with our hands but with our hearts and spirit. This emphasis helps us understand that our opponents include not just those who oppose us directly but also the unseen forces that sow discord, fear, and doubt.
The Hebrew perspective also adds depth to our understanding. The Old Testament frequently discusses spiritual warfare, such as in Daniel 10:12-13, where the angel explains that he was delayed due to battle with the princely authority of Persia. Knowing this helps us realize there can be real and fierce spiritual resistance that influences events around us. We are reminded, in Psalms 91:15, that God will be with us in trouble and will deliver us from evil. This highlights God’s role in our spiritual battles, assuring us that He fights alongside us. By staying close to God and seeking His presence, we can effectively combat spiritual opposition.
The Rulers, Authorities, and Cosmic Powers
In Ephesians 6:12, Paul talks about “rulers” and “authorities,” emphasizing the hierarchy of spiritual beings that influence our world. The terms he uses can describe different kinds of demonic entities, with rulers often indicating principalities and authorities suggesting governing spirits or fallen angels. These forces are organized and work together with a singular intent: to oppose God’s purposes and lead people astray. The term ‘cosmic powers’ reflects the vast and complicated nature of these spiritual enemies; they have a widespread influence reaching into the very fabric of society and culture, impacting everything from personal relationships to global events.
This reality can be unsettling. However, understanding this helps form a strategy when we face challenges. Instead of confronting issues with anger or frustration toward people, we can pray for God’s wisdom and intervention. We can follow Jesus’ example in Luke 22:53, where he acknowledges that the hour has come for the “powers of darkness” to act against Him. He faced evil forces not with violence but with prayer, surrender, and faith. This teaches us a vital lesson about our approach to battle: it requires spiritual rather than physical answers.
Moreover, knowing our real enemies can lead us to a more respectful and compassionate posture toward those we may consider opponents. They may themselves be under the influence of spiritual darkness unaware of the battles in which they find themselves entangled. As Paul urges us in Romans 12:12, we should respond to evil with good, allowing the love of God to lead our reactions rather than succumbing to frustration and anger.
The Armor of God
Following the revealing of our true enemies, Paul introduces the concept of the Armor of God in Ephesians 6:13-18. This spiritual armor is crucial for standing firm in the battles we face. Each piece—belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit—plays a specific role in protecting us and enabling us to carry out God’s work. Let’s break this down further.
The belt of truth holds everything together. Truth is essential in this age of misinformation and confusion. It empowers us to discern between right and wrong and to stand firm in our convictions. The breastplate of righteousness guards our hearts, protecting us from attacks that would threaten our integrity and moral guidance. The shoes of peace encourage us to pursue harmony and spread the gospel of peace, ensuring that wherever we go, we carry hope rather than strife.
The shield of faith plays a defensive role, catching the darts of doubt and fear thrown by the enemy. Just as a soldier would use their shield to protect themselves, our faith in God defends us against despair. The helmet of salvation reminds us of our identity in Christ, granting us confidence that we are secure in His love and grace. Finally, the sword of the Spirit—God’s Word—is our offensive weapon, allowing us to counter falsehoods and to speak life and truth into situations. This armor prepares us for engagement in spiritual warfare, reminding us that we are not left vulnerable.
Having this armor doesn’t mean we won’t face challenges. It indicates that we’re equipped to face them with God’s strength rather than our own. Furthermore, prayer is a crucial piece of the armor (Ephesians 6:18). Prayer connects us with God, aligns our will with His, and invites Him into our struggles. In this way, acknowledging our spiritual foes turns our focus from our circumstances to our Creator, who is greater than any challenge we may encounter.
Victory in Christ
Understanding that “we wrestle not against flesh and blood” provides context for the struggle but also leads us to the remarkable truth that victory is guaranteed through Christ. In Colossians 2:15, Paul declares that Christ “disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame by triumphing over them in him.” This victory means that while we are engaged in battle, we do not fight alone or without hope. Jesus has already claimed the ultimate victory over sin, death, and evil through His resurrection.
This assurance provides us comfort amid our struggles. Romans 8:37 reminds us that “in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” It’s essential to remind ourselves that our battles may be fierce, but they do not define us or determine our outcome. Our relationship with Christ provides an unwavering source of strength that empowers us in our spiritual journey and combats against those unseen forces.
As we experience trials or face difficulties with coworkers, family, or friends, recognizing these challenges within a spiritual framework can give us peace and purpose. Instead of allowing petty grievances to dominate our minds, we can focus our prayers on healing and reconciliation, both for ourselves and for those around us. In doing so, we may find that we’re not just fighting against opposition; we’re striving for a deeper understanding of love and grace. As we learn to love and forgive, we echo Christ, bringing light into the darkness.
Final Thoughts
In summary, understanding the meaning behind “we wrestle not against flesh and blood” invites us to recognize that our struggles have a spiritual dimension. Rather than focusing solely on the people around us, we are reminded that unseen forces are at play, guiding much of the discord we face. We are urged to prepare ourselves with the armor of God and stand firm in faith. Furthermore, we are blessed to know that we aren’t left to fight these battles alone; through Christ, victory is already secured.
This understanding can transform our approach to conflicts and challenges, prompting us to respond in love, compassion, and prayer. Instead of being overcome by frustration, we can choose to fight in ways that reflect our faith and reliance on God. Together, as we navigate spiritual warfare, we can encourage one another and keep our focus on the ultimate goal of spreading God’s love and truth into the world.
As we continue to explore the depths of our spiritual journey, let’s remember to seek God’s guidance and strength through every struggle. He is with us, equipping us to wrestle against the spiritual challenges we encounter and lead us into a life that overcomes for His glory.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4