Beyond Flesh and Blood: The Prerequisite for Higher Spiritual Warfare
One of the most profound truths in Scripture is that God reveals the hierarchy of spiritual conflict. Ephesians 6:12 is often quoted to emphasize the reality of unseen spiritual warfare, yet many overlook the order in which Paul presents this truth. Before speaking of principalities and powers, he first declares what our battle is not. "We wrestle not against flesh and blood." This statement is not merely a description of the enemy; it is also an indication of the spiritual maturity required of the believer. It suggests that those who are occupied with battles at the level of the flesh are not yet prepared for battles in the heavenlies. There is a progression in spiritual warfare. God does not entrust higher dimensions of warfare to believers who are still defeated by lower dimensions of temptation. The flesh is the first battlefield every Christian must conquer. Before confronting principalities, one must first confront pride, lust, anger, envy, greed, unforgiveness, bitter...