"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual wickedness in heavenly places."

We are in a battle that's over our heads. Therefore, we need the whole armor of God. We are unable to stand on our might.

Always know the enemy is stronger than you. Take refuge in God, and walk by faith. Receive the power of the Spirit, and walk humbly. Acknowledge that you can do nothing.

Satan deceives, and he tempts. He leads us away from Christ. He doesn't want us walking with God in love and humility. He wants us living for ourselves, independent, and in our own strength. He hates faith and reliance upon the word. He wants unbelief, and a lack of love! He wants us violating the two commandments. 1 John 3:23, "And this is God's commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us."

Resist him steadfast. Rely on God to make you what he wants you to be. Rely on him to strengthen the new man.

First, "we don't wrestle against flesh and blood." Our enemies are not humans, and our warfare is not physical. We wrestle against spiritual wickedness in high places, leading us to sin. Our enemy is not the man out there, but the one in our own hearts. It's not what the world does to us, but what we do to it. It's not the slanderer or the homosexual. It's how we respond.

As a young unconverted man, I went to a festival where fornication and drunkenness were the norm. I went where sin reigned, having cast off the God of the Bible. A nice woman was there handing out free water. She wanted to talk about Jesus. Her love and the concern rebuked me. I didn't listen, but she did well in an evil environment, because she loved me, and wanted to help.

Let us love our enemies, and do good to those who mistreat us. We are loved by God, and wrath is upon them. We have the blessing that no man can take away. 1 Peter 3:12, "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” God always knows who's right and wrong. Therefore, let us WALK IN Humility. We've received everything by grace, and we are servants.

Let's love people, rather than use them. Let's help them, rather than pursue greatness. God's grace has made us new creations. Let us act like it, and resist Satan.

Secondly, we wrestle against "the rulers of darkness." These are high foes, and very slippery. Their cunning knows no end.

We must go to his word daily to live it out. It's not enough to know what is right. The Spirit must give us obedience. Therefore, seek power. Exodus 16:4, "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not.'" Don't rely on how much you know. Waste no time arguing. Get supernatural power to live godly, focusing on the love of Christ. We must not be proud about knowledge. The devil knows many things, and can't obey! Focus on faith and love. Get JOYFUL OBEDIENCE, and spiritual comfort [2 Corinthians 1:4]. Teach as one that's been taught.

In essence, we can't do Christianity in our own strength. We have no power. Be careful of Satan's hidden voice. He says, "You can do this," "God helps those who help themselves," and "Try harder." He says many other false and deceitful things. He disregards God's word.

Therefore, let us serve God with fear and trembling, confess our sins, and keep a clean conscience. Do not say, "It's OK to do evil, " or compare yourself with others. Live for God's glory. Don't use the gospel to promote yourself, or you squander your years, and please Satan.

Rely on Christ for your reward. Stay in the blood of the new covenant, so you can receive everything as undeserved. The Lord will reward us by faith alone.

Thirdly, these foes are in "heavenly places." We also have a higher power! We have one greater than the greatest enemy, and he defeats Satan. He gives us chastisement and conviction. He sends us sound teachers. He knows our frame and remembers we are dust. He never leaves nor forsakes us. He forgives our sin. He knows how helpless we are, so he feeds us.

Come to him. He won't let you down. He'll receive you with kisses, and give you help. Acknowledge your need, and he delights to provide. He shows himself glorious in our weakness. He delights to honor Christ, and to make us fruit bearing. John 15:8, "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples." He delights to give us joy.

God is a teacher. Take everything as good from his hand. Acknowledge his love, and pour out your heart. Psalms 62:8, "Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us."

Walk with him as your greatest friend, who sees everything, and hears your prayers. Bring him your faults and concerns. Stay in his love. Never deny his sanctifying love!

The grace of God will be with you, and Satan will be defeated. Romans 16:20," The God of peace will shortly crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you." You'll tread upon him shortly, reigning while he's in hell.

Fear no one but God, and honor him by faith. Look to him, and receive everything from his hand.