What does it mean to wrestle not against flesh and blood?

The phrase "wrestle not against flesh and blood" is found in Ephesians 6:12, where the Apostle Paul writes, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (KJV). This verse is part of a larger passage in which Paul is urging the believers in Ephesus to put on the full armor of God so that they can stand firm against the schemes of the devil. To understand the depth and implications of this statement, we must delve into the nature of spiritual warfare as depicted in the Bible and its relevance to the Christian life.

Firstly, the phrase "flesh and blood" is a common biblical idiom that refers to human beings and our natural, physical existence. When Paul says that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, he is emphasizing that the true nature of our battle is not against other people. It is easy to misidentify our adversaries as those who oppose us, harm us, or hold different beliefs and values. However, Paul redirects our focus to the true source of conflict: spiritual entities that operate in the unseen realm.

In this context, "wrestle" conveys the idea of an intense struggle or hand-to-hand combat. The Greek word used here, "pale," refers to a wrestling match in which opponents try to overpower each other. This imagery underscores the personal and strenuous nature of spiritual warfare. It is not a distant or abstract conflict but a close and continuous struggle that requires vigilance and effort.

Paul identifies our true adversaries as "principalities," "powers," "rulers of the darkness of this world," and "spiritual wickedness in high places." These terms describe different ranks and types of demonic forces that operate under the leadership of Satan. Principalities and powers refer to high-ranking demonic entities, while rulers of darkness and spiritual wickedness indicate their malevolent influence over the world and their opposition to God's purposes. This hierarchical structure suggests a well-organized and strategic opposition, which seeks to undermine the faith and effectiveness of believers.

The Bible provides several examples and teachings that illustrate the reality of spiritual warfare. In the Old Testament, we see instances where spiritual forces are at work behind the scenes. For example, in the book of Daniel, we read about a spiritual battle that delayed the answer to Daniel's prayer. The angel who finally arrives explains that he was delayed for 21 days by the "prince of the kingdom of Persia," a demonic force, and was assisted by the archangel Michael (Daniel 10:12-13). This passage highlights the reality of spiritual opposition and the involvement of angelic beings in God's response to human prayers.

In the New Testament, Jesus' ministry is marked by numerous encounters with demonic forces. He casts out demons, demonstrating His authority over them and revealing the presence of a spiritual battle. For instance, in Mark 5:1-20, Jesus delivers a man possessed by a legion of demons, showcasing His power to liberate individuals from spiritual bondage. These accounts affirm the existence of spiritual entities and their impact on human lives.

Paul's exhortation to the Ephesians to put on the full armor of God is a practical guide for engaging in spiritual warfare. The armor consists of truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer (Ephesians 6:13-18). Each piece of armor represents a crucial aspect of the Christian life and our defense against spiritual attacks. Truth counters the lies and deceptions of the enemy, righteousness protects our hearts from sin, and the gospel of peace grounds us in the hope and reconciliation found in Christ. Faith acts as a shield against doubt and fear, salvation assures us of our identity and destiny in Christ, and the Word of God is our offensive weapon against the enemy's schemes. Prayer is the means by which we maintain communication with God and seek His guidance and strength.

Understanding that our struggle is not against flesh and blood also has significant implications for how we view and treat others. Recognizing the spiritual dimension of our conflicts can help us respond with grace and compassion rather than animosity and retaliation. Jesus taught us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). By doing so, we acknowledge that people are not the ultimate source of our struggles and that they, too, are in need of God's redemption and grace.

Moreover, the awareness of spiritual warfare calls us to a life of vigilance and dependence on God. Peter warns us to be sober-minded and watchful because our adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). This vigilance involves being aware of the enemy's tactics, guarding our hearts and minds, and staying rooted in our faith. It also means relying on God's strength rather than our own. Paul reminds us that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God for pulling down strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4). Our victory in spiritual warfare is secured not by our power but by God's might and the finished work of Christ.

Christian literature and tradition have long recognized the reality of spiritual warfare. Augustine, in his "City of God," speaks of the two cities—the City of God and the City of Man—representing the spiritual conflict between the kingdom of God and the forces of evil. Thomas à Kempis, in "The Imitation of Christ," emphasizes the need for spiritual discipline and vigilance in the face of temptation and demonic influence. More recently, C.S. Lewis, in "The Screwtape Letters," provides a fictional yet insightful portrayal of demonic strategies to undermine a believer's faith.

In conclusion, to "wrestle not against flesh and blood" means recognizing that our true battle is against spiritual forces of evil rather than other human beings. This understanding calls us to engage in spiritual warfare with the armor of God, to respond to others with grace and compassion, and to live a life of vigilance and dependence on God's strength. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's purposes and stand firm against the schemes of the enemy, assured of the victory that is ours in Christ Jesus.