The second sin that was committed (after disobedience) was pride. Adam showed pride in his decision to disobey God by blaming someone else for what he did. In the same way, all the proceeding generations after him has done the same thing. Yes, even Christians blame people for sinning, but not because of pride. Rather, because of bad spiritual influences that, oftentimes, are not quickly recognizable.
In the depths of Ephesians 6:12 lies a profound truth that is often overlooked or misunderstood in our modern world. “For we do not battle against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers.” These words, penned by the apostle Paul, serve as a reminder of the spiritual warfare that surrounds us daily.
As Christians, it’s crucial to grasp the deeper significance of this verse. It speaks to the reality of unseen forces at work in our lives and in the world around us. It reminds us that our struggles are not merely physical or emotional but are deeply rooted in the spiritual realm.
One aspect of this spiritual warfare is the influence of demons and evil spirits. While it may be tempting to dismiss such notions as outdated or fantastical, the Bible is clear about their existence and their ability to influence human behavior. In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he writes, “For I do what I do not want.” This inner conflict that Paul describes is a testament to the spiritual battle raging within each of us.
As Christians, we must remember that some sins we see unbelievers committing are not of their own choice. But rather they are acting based on bad spiritual influences. This doesn’t absolve individuals of personal responsibility, but it does shed light on the complexity of human nature and the forces at work behind the scenes.
When we encounter injustice, cruelty, or immorality in the world, we must resist the temptation to simply attribute it to “human nature” or “social structures”. Instead, we should recognize the spiritual dimension at play and respond with prayer, discernment, and spiritual warfare. And then also recognize that the people we see committing these acts are all under the bondage of sin, and need to be saved by Jesus Christ.
The armor of God, described in Ephesians 6, provides us with the tools we need to stand firm against these spiritual forces. Through prayer, faith, and reliance on God’s strength, we can overcome the schemes of the enemy and walk in victory.
Ephesians 6:12 serves as a sobering reminder of the spiritual warfare that surrounds us. By recognizing the influence of demons and evil spirits and equipping ourselves with the armor of God, we can stand firm in our faith and resist the schemes of the enemy. Let us remain vigilant, prayerful, and steadfast in our commitment to follow Christ, knowing that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers.
Lazarevic Ministries 