And having disarmed the powers and authorities …
Summary: Understanding Paul’s reference to “powers and authorities” requires that we understand the difference between the spirit and the flesh.
I find this particular passage very intriguing. In the context of the larger passage, Paul has just stated that Jesus took our “legal indebtedness” and nailed it to the cross. Then he turns around and says that, by doing that, he has “disarmed the powers and authorities…”
Who is he talking about?
He didn’t disarm the Romans. The Pharisees and Sadducees were still in power when Jesus died. Who did Jesus “disarm”?
In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul writes:
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12)
Paul draws a distinction between “flesh and blood” and all the other things he is talking about. He makes it clear that we are not fighting against “flesh and blood.” So, what kind of battle are we in then?
This is a hard concept for us to grasp. Mike Tyson famously said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.” It is hard to remember that our battle is not against flesh and blood when somebody made of flesh and blood punches you in the nose. (See John 18:22-23)
Yet, this is what we are called to do.
Jesus took on the powers and authorities of this dark world and overcame them. In that moment, when he gave up his life on the cross, it was not in defeat; instead, it was part of God’s plan. By allowing Jesus to be crucified, the power of sin was drained away. The authority of Satan to stand and accuse was removed (Revelation 12:10).
What is left is the pretense of power and authority.
Satan relies on bluster.
He makes promises that are lies and entices the weak-minded to serve his purposes. The crucial difference God wants us to understand is that people are not our enemies. The enemy has been disarmed. We have the Truth and the Light. It is our turn to stand with our Lord Jesus and share in his victory (Revelation 12:10-12).
Application: Do not fear what cannot hurt you.
Food for Thought: If the “powers and authorities” are disarmed, why does it feel like they can still hurt us?
“Happy New Year to all!”
If the “powers and authorities” are disarmed, why does it feel like they can still hurt us?
If we are to live in the freedom provided for us, the reality of Gods work for the salvation of all mankind must be fully received and applied in our individual lives. As we seek His will in our lives, we will find ourselves increasingly seeking and living in His will over our own.
What sources do we rely on for truth?
What activities occupy our time?
Are we Christ centered or self-centered?
1 Peter 1:3, “We have been born again to a living hope.”
Thank you, Ron!
Happy New Year to you and yours, too!
I kinda sorta feel like you are pointing to us as the source of our own problem. 🙂
Thanks for the great devotion and great comment by R2T2.
Another thought: those powers are disarmed and defeated by the work of the cross, but they are not yet destroyed. So the battle rages on even though the final outcome is clear. Someday the enemy will be destroyed and thrown in the lake of fire.
Revelation 20: 7 – 10: When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison 8and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—and to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. 9They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God’s people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them. 10And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
Romans 16: 20: The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
Rich,
“Someday the enemy will be destroyed and thrown in the lake of fire.”
Amen!!
Thank you!
Good thoughts this morning!
I would also say that your question contains a clue: feelings.
If the “powers and authorities” are disarmed, why does it feel like they can still hurt us?
“Feeling” like the “powers and authorities” can hurt us speaks to fear and anxiety. Fear of loss, fear of missing out. The anticipation of these things bring anxiety. In the end it is the enemy whispering to us that God is not who He says He is. His Word says different:
Matthew 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Chris,
Well said! You remind me of 2 Timothy 1:7 —
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (KJV)