“Standing Against The Powers”
Sermon Title: Standing Against The Powers
Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-12 ESV
Introduction
I don’t know if any of you are familiar with this book by C.S. Lewis - it’s a book called Screwtape Letters. It's about a senior devil instructing a junior devil in the art of temptation, and this senior devil named Screwtape writes letters to his nephew the junior devil, named Wormwood, talking about all the specifics schemes and tactics on how they can lead Christians into sin. Now, at the beginning of the book, Lewis gives a kind of an introduction and he explains two errors people have about demons, devils, and spiritual warfare. This is what he says:
"There are two equal and opposite errors into which humans can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They [the devils] themselves are equally pleased by both errors..."
- C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters
When we look around in the world, and even within the church, people are all over the spectrum on the issue of demons and devils and spiritual warfare. Some people think demons and devils and spiritual warfare is non-existent and belief in these types of things are for people of an unenlightened mind. But then on other side of the spectrum, we have people with unhealthy interests in them. And we all know that there are people obsessed with demons and dark things… right? (show pic)
So from people who deny the existence of demons and evil spirits, to people who not only believe but are very much invested in them - there's a wide spectrum of people who believe different things about evil spirits and demonic powers. But for us as followers of Jesus Christ, we must have a clear and solid understanding of the realities of the evil spirits and demonic powers.
Powers and Authorities
As I reflect on the Scriptures, I am continually reminded that we face an enemy intent on undermining all that is of God. The Apostle Paul frequently refers to this adversary as "principalities and powers" or "the authorities and powers." He identifies these as demonic forces that are both visible and invisible, both spiritual and physical, manifesting not just in disembodied forms but also within the structures of our world.
The Nature of Evil
When I observe the evils around us—child abuse, genocide, racism, terrorism, addictions, and exploitative capitalism—I see the work of these pervasive demonic powers. These entities are embodied in various structures: people, governments, corporations, churches, educational institutions, cities, and nations. While not all powers are inherently evil, Paul speaks of the fallen powers that have strayed from God’s order.
These demonic powers have two primary objectives: to isolate us from Jesus and one another, and to foster hostility and harm. They create divisions and stir up conflict, working tirelessly to draw us away from the peace and love we are called to embody in Christ.
Strength in the Lord
In Ephesians 6:10, Paul urges us to "be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power" because he understands the nature of our struggle. The powers of this world are too formidable for us to overcome on our own. Many who are passionate about justice mistakenly believe that organizing, protesting, or tweeting will solve our societal issues. While these actions are important, they miss the deeper, spiritual nature of the problems we face. We cannot combat spiritual battles with merely human tactics.
Understanding the Battle
Paul emphasizes that we must recognize the evil one’s schemes, which often trick us into believing that our battle is against flesh and blood. Instead of identifying the true source of our struggles, we tend to scapegoat individuals or groups, which is a form of spiritual laziness. Paul calls us to discernment so that we can see that our true battle lies against the powers and authorities ruled by evil.
We often find ourselves caught in a crossfire, unaware of the spiritual dynamics at play. If we remain spiritually oblivious, we risk becoming embroiled in conflict, harming ourselves and those around us. Remembering that "we do not wrestle against flesh and blood" (Ephesians 6:12) is essential; it must become a guiding principle for us.
Personal Level
In personal conflicts—whether with a spouse, friend, family member, or colleague—it's crucial to remember that they are not the enemy. Misunderstandings and emotional wounds can lead to discord, but if we approach these conversations with the understanding that neither party is the enemy, we can better navigate the challenges. This shift in perspective allows us to acknowledge the real spiritual battle behind the scenes, choosing unity over division.
Paul acknowledges that while we may feel anger, we must not sin (Ephesians 4:26). By recognizing that our struggle is not against one another, we gain the discernment needed to resolve conflicts in a God-honoring way.
Societal Level
On a broader scale, we must recognize the powers at work in our societies. These demonic forces often thrive unnoticed, hidden within systems and ideologies that marginalize and oppress. In Canada, for instance, recent reports highlight a rise in hate and violence against South Asian and Sikh Canadians, as well as increased discrimination against Chinese Canadians. These statistics reveal that the powers of darkness are active even in a nation often seen as peaceful.
A PressProgress article noted an alarming increase in hate targeting Sikhs due to far-right group influences.
A national survey from July 2023 revealed a threefold increase in physical attacks against Chinese Canadians.
These issues of racism, whether in Canada, the U.S., Europe, or Asia, are manifestations of the forces that seek to divide and harm us based on skin color and ethnicity. It is vital to name these issues, for only by doing so can we expose the lies perpetuated by the evil one, often cloaked as efforts to achieve a "greater peace."
By acknowledging and addressing these powers, we begin to take steps towards healing and unity, resisting the schemes of the enemy that seek to disrupt our lives and communities.
Wrongly Ordered Sexuality
As I contemplate the issue of wrongly ordered sexuality, I can’t help but recognize the demonic powers behind it. A staggering statistic reveals that at any given moment, there are 750,000 individuals worldwide looking to exploit children sexually. The devastation wrought by the porn industry on men, women, children, and families is undeniable. This degradation of sex and sexuality suggests a profound spiritual battle at work.
The Impact of Technology on Intimacy
While researching, I came across an article discussing Tinder, which many view as a hub for casual hookups. Titled "Tinder: The End of Intimacy and the Age of Addiction," it illustrates how technology and media have become tools for the enemy to exert its influence. Although online dating expands our options, it fosters a "next!" mentality that reduces meaningful connections to mere transactions. Instant gratification overshadows courtship and romance, leading to a culture where young men are often left anxious and unable to engage intimately.
Moreover, women are increasingly treated as commodities, with Tinder reducing them to objects for consumption. This superficial engagement offers no real joy or fulfillment, merely perpetuating a cycle of addiction with false promises of satisfaction.
The Devaluation of Sacredness
The exploitation of sex as a commercial tool is evident not just on Tinder but also on platforms like OnlyFans. The sacredness of sex, intended for couples within the covenant of marriage, has become trivialized. Additionally, the rapid and confusing changes regarding sexuality and gender orientation point to deeper, systemic issues influenced by powerful ideologies.
In Canada, Bill C-16 was passed in 2017, adding "gender identity or expression" as a protected ground under human rights legislation. This law compels acceptance of certain ideologies about gender identity, often at odds with individual faith and beliefs. While rejecting discrimination is vital, forcing acceptance of an ideology compromises God’s creation order.
Schools are also introducing "Gender and Sexuality Curriculum" using innocuous imagery to indoctrinate children about these issues. This insidious integration of demonic powers into our societal fabric makes the struggle for Christians increasingly daunting.
The Division and Hostility in Society
The evil one’s agenda is clear: to isolate us from Jesus and one another, while fostering division and hostility. Observing the current state of our society, it’s evident that this agenda is being fulfilled, as divisions grow deeper and hostility escalates.
Overcoming the Powers
So how do we, as Christians, overcome these powers? What strategies do we employ against those who seek to deceive, divide, and marginalize us? Borrowing from the Apostle Paul, I remind myself, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" The central truth is not whether we will defeat the powers; that victory was secured when Jesus died on the cross. The Gospel reveals that God was at work in Christ to triumph over these forces.
Throughout His life, Jesus consistently challenged the powers. He cast out demons, welcomed sinners, associated with the marginalized, healed the sick, and showed love to outsiders—all acts of rebellion against the oppressive powers of His time.
When Jesus died and rose again, He accomplished more than just our forgiveness; He dismantled the work of evil and the powers forever. Colossians 2:15 states, "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."
Living Out the Victory
Our task is to embody the reality of Jesus’s victory over the powers. We must manifest His triumph through our words and actions. To wrestle against these powers, we start by recognizing what Christ has already achieved for us. Acknowledging the victorious work of our Lord empowers us to engage with the forces at work in our world. In this acknowledgment, we find the strength to confront and challenge the powers that seek to exploit and divide us.
When faced with opposition, stress, and anxiety in my personal life, workplace, school, or even within my country, I must ask: how do I effectively engage the powers? I find clarity in three key actions.
1. Remain
The first step is to remain in Jesus. Paul emphasizes being strong in the Lord, which speaks to a profound union with Him. The power to resist evil is directly tied to my commitment to remain in Him. Practically, I can remain in the Lord through spiritual disciplines:
Prayer: Taking a moment from my busy schedule to pray allows me to connect with God and push back against the powers.
Sabbath Rest: Observing a day of rest to worship and reflect in God’s presence is a way to remain and regain strength.
Scripture Meditation: Engaging with God’s Word provides wisdom and anchors my life in His truth.
Fellowship: Gathering with fellow believers to share our lives reinforces our connection to Christ and strengthens our collective resistance against darkness.
2. Resist
Out of this position of remaining, I can then resist the powers. If I try to resist without remaining in Jesus, I risk adopting the wrong tactics—often mirroring the very powers I’m trying to combat. Paul’s instruction to don the armor of God is about choosing the right weapons.
Using isolation or violence to fight will only draw me deeper into the very powers I oppose. To effectively resist, I must stand firm in Jesus and utilize the spiritual weapons He provides, which I will explore more deeply in future discussions about the armor of God.
3. Remember
Lastly, I engage with the powers by remembering what Christ has accomplished. The reality of His death and resurrection is foundational. It reminds me that transformation comes not through my own strength but through God’s.
When the powers feel overwhelming, I must recall that while they may seem strong, God is infinitely stronger. The evil one may be active, but God’s activity is greater. I remember that Jesus’s sacrifice didn’t just secure my forgiveness; it dismantled the power of evil once and for all. Colossians 2:15 says, "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."
Living with Hope
In moments of struggle—be it at home, work, or within relationships—it's vital to remember what Christ has done. Even when the challenges appear daunting, I am reminded that the powers are defeated. The Kingdom is present but not fully realized yet; thus, I face real battles daily.
As I reflect on these truths, I find hope and confidence, knowing that in Jesus, I have access to a life that can push back against the darkness.
Reflection and Response
As the worship team prepares to lead us, I take this opportunity to reflect. We often sing of Jesus’s unrivaled power, yet I must ask myself: do I genuinely believe this? Do I trust that He has triumphed over the powers?
If I believe it, I am called to stand firm in His strength. The battles I face may be real, but I’m reminded that I don’t fight alone. My call is to remain in Jesus, resist darkness, and remember the victory already won for me.
When faced with division, deception, or destruction in my personal life or community, I am empowered to push back against darkness and bring forth His light.
As it is prayer Sunday, I invite anyone led to come forward after the benediction for prayer. Our intercessory team and officers are here to support me through any struggles, be they personal, familial, or related to work or school. Together, we can seek God’s help and strength in facing our battles.