The great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him (Rev. 12:9).
Understanding the Three Most Evil Strongholds
Satan is a deceiver who deceives the whole world.
Ephesians 6:12 is a verse from the New Testament. It states, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood. We contend against the rulers, against the authorities. Our battle is against the cosmic powers over this current darkness. We fight against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” This passage, written by the Apostle Paul, reminds believers that their true struggle is not against human opponents. Their true battle is against spiritual entities. These forces seek to deceive and corrupt the Church. In this article, we will examine how rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers have deceived the Church throughout history.
The Rulers
The term “rulers” in Ephesians 6:12 refers to malevolent spiritual beings. They hold dominion over certain areas or aspects of life. These rulers act in the shadows, influencing leaders, governments, and institutions to carry out their wicked plans. One of the most effective ways these rulers deceive the Church is by infiltrating its leadership. Throughout history, church leaders have sometimes succumbed to greed. They have fallen into corruption and sought power. This led to the distortion of biblical teachings and the exploitation of their congregations.
The rulers also manipulate societal norms and values, encouraging behaviors and practices that are contrary to the teachings of Christ. They promote secularism, materialism, and moral relativism. This creates an environment where the Church’s influence is diminished. As a result, its members are led astray. The rulers’ deception is subtle. It often masquerades as progress or enlightenment. This makes it challenging for believers to discern the true nature of their actions.
The Authorities
The term “authorities” in Ephesians 6:12 refers to spiritual beings that hold power and control over specific domains. These authorities are skilled at identifying and exploiting weaknesses within the Church. This leads to division among its members. It also causes discord and confusion. One of the primary ways they deceive the Church is by fostering doctrinal disputes and theological disagreements.
Throughout history, the Church has been plagued by schisms and conflicts over interpretations of scripture and religious practices. These disputes often result in the fragmentation of the Church and the weakening of its collective strength. The authorities use these divisions to sow doubt. This confusion makes it difficult for believers to preserve unity. They find it challenging to keep a steadfast faith.
Furthermore, the authorities’ prey on individual vulnerabilities, like fear, pride, and ignorance. By exploiting these weaknesses, they lead believers away from the truth and into spiritual bondage. The authorities’ deception is insidious. It often appears as legitimate concerns or righteous indignation. As a result, it is challenging for believers to recognize their true intentions.
The Cosmic Powers
The term “cosmic powers” in Ephesians 6:12 refers to spiritual entities that wield influence over the world’s systems and structures. These cosmic powers orchestrate events and circumstances that undermine the Church’s mission and hinder its growth. One of the most effective ways they deceive the Church is by manipulating global events and trends.
Wars, natural disasters, economic crises, and social upheavals are often used by cosmic powers. They disrupt the Church’s activities. These issues divert its attention from its spiritual mission. By creating chaos and instability, they foster an environment where fear and uncertainty prevail. This makes it difficult for believers to keep their faith and trust in God’s providence.
Additionally, cosmic powers exploit technological advancements and media platforms to spread misinformation and false teachings. In the digital age, the Church faces the challenge of discerning truth from falsehood. There is a vast sea of information available online. The cosmic powers use these tools to propagate lies and half-truths, leading believers astray and weakening the Church’s influence.
Conclusion
Ephesians 6:12 is a powerful reminder. The Church’s true battle is against spiritual entities. These entities seek to deceive and corrupt. By understanding the nature of the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers, believers can better equip themselves. This understanding helps them resist deception. It allows them to stay steadfast in their faith. Vigilance, discernment, and reliance on God’s strength are crucial to overcoming these evil strongholds. They guarantee the Church fulfills its divine mission.
May the love of God shine through us, bringing hope, healing, and transformation to those around us. Amen.
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 