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Ephesians 3: 10 is a most remarkable verse so we quote it in full. "To the
intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be
known by the church the manifold wisdom of God."
Ephesians 6: 12 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world,
against spiritual wickedness in heavenly places".
Colossians 1: 16 tells us that all things were created by Him and for Him (the
Son). Principalities and powers are specifically mentioned.
Colossians 2: 10 says that Christ is the head of all principality and power.
Colossians 2: 15 "He disarmed the principalities and powers and made a
public example of them, triumphing over them in it" (R.S.V.).
In the R.V. of Eph. 6: 12, instead of "the rulers of the darkness of this world", it
reads "the world rulers of this darkness". Stuart Allen in his book Letters From Prison,
page 109, makes very interesting observations on the activities of the spiritual world.
Space does not permit us to quote his remarks.
We must conclude this article by referring to the "mighty power inworked" and "the
mighty power worked out". The mighty power which was wrought in Christ when He
rose from the dead, is the mighty power "in-worked"; i.e. it is the resurrection power and
is to us-ward who believe (Eph. 1: 19, 20). Another verse which speaks of the power that
works in us is Eph. 3: 20:
"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think,
according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ
Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."
The mighty power that "worketh in us" should be balanced by the "mighty power
worked out". The A.V. of Eph. 6: 13 does not make this clear. It reads ". . . . . that ye
may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand". The phrase is the
Greek katergazomai and should read literally "having worked out all". It appears also in
Phil. 2: 12 where we read "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling".
We are engaged in a great conflict. A great power is ours by faith, the resurrection
power, and it is by God's help that we are enabled to stand, despite the pressure we
experience. We have the power and we have the spiritual armour.
We are not instructed to attack the enemy or to advance into his territory. We are just
told to stand. If we experience the battle of the evil day, we are to withstand and having
worked out all, to stand.
We may experience many assaults of the enemy, and we need wisdom when we are
under pressure resulting from the "wiles of the devil". Our stand must be to safeguard
the truth committed to us and to hold fast the form of sound words. May we receive
strength so that we may stand firm whenever the truth is being attacked.