If we "wrestle not against flesh and blood" with what or whom do we fight?

In response to a reader's question on another blog that I write...

Q: In Ephesians 6:12 it talks about “the rulers and authorities,” and the “spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Could you elaborate on this please?

A: Yes. Though my original post was focused on Peter’s failure to spiritually prepare for the sifting of the devil that would come on the night that Jesus was betrayed as found in Mark 14, I quoted Eph. 6:12 in support of the idea that the real battle is spiritual and we tend to under-estimate its intensity.

First let’s start by reading the whole passage—always a good idea.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. (Eph. 6:10-20)

These terms in question have historically been understood to refer to demons or fallen angels within the spiritual realm. Our increasingly naturalistic Western culture no longer gives much serious thought to a spiritual realm. As a result, there have been many theories that apply these phrases to political power structures, cultural influences, and thought processes. However, outside of our culture there is no such barrier to belief in a spiritual realm that surrounds us all the time. 

While it is (historically) true that,

 'Down the centuries the principalities and powers have assumed many disguises. Terrifying and deadly they are, sometimes sprawling across the earth in some gigantic despotism, at times narrowed down to one single impulse in the mind of one individual  man.  But  the fight is on. For believers fighting there is the certainty of struggle to the end. But there is also the assurance of victory.’” [1]

And while it may be true to see these powers surface structurally, in economics, politics, and religious controls, it is not enough to conclude that Paul was simple referring to a human element. We need to examine this concept theologically. The contrasting word “but” makes the distinction fairly obvious. If we look at this passage in its immediate context, the most natural understanding is the traditional one—that Paul was referring to spiritual (non-physical) beings opposed to the work and people of God. If we expand the context to his entire letter to the Ephesians we see that Paul used the “rulers and authorities” phrase two other times in 1:20-21 and 3:10. John Stott points out that all three uses make a point of using “heavenly realm” to differentiate from the worldly/earthly realm and “apply more naturally to supernatural beings than to structures, institutions, and traditions.” [2]  

In addition to our need to “be strong in the Lord” (v.10) and to “take up” the spiritual armor that God gives us to enable us to stand firm (v.13), we pray “at all times in the Spirit” (v.18), and “keep alert with all perseverance.” 

One last thought, about our having to face a very real opposition in the spiritual realm. Ephesians gives us a couple of other insights that provide perspective. Take a look and see…

• What have we been given “in the heavenly realm”? (1:3)
• What are we doing and who are we with “in the heavenly places”? (2:6)

In submission to Christ Jesus, filled by the Holy Spirit, and clothed in the armor of God, we are able to stand and resist the devil. When we do this, the devil must flee.

"But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." (James 4:6-8)

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[1] Gordon Rupp, Principalities and Powers, (1952), 2. Cited by John R.W. Stott, The Message of Ephesians (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1986), 268.

[2] John R.W. Stott, The Message of Ephesians (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1986), 273.