Let's begin this part of the study by defining the word "Powers." It's mind blowing.
The Greek word translated as powers has a variety of interesting meanings, and there is no reason why all or most of them could not be applied to the spiritual foe Paul describes, in Ephesians, as "Powers."
The word is derived from a family of words that denote "right"-- as in rights and privilege.
The word also has a "public" connotation. We see this in its use throughout the New Testament with reference to public officials.
"Token of Control" and "Potentate" are found in its list of meanings along with "ability" and "competency."
When the meanings of mastery, force, superhuman, freedom, and influence, are added to the above descriptions, a horrifying picture emerges of superhuman beings who are very privileged and have the right and freedom (along with amazing ability and competency) to control through influence, mastery, and force?
This is why it is so important to be trained in, and to become skillful, in the art of spiritual warfare.
Without the armor of God, we are no match for these powerful beings. But we are promised in Ephesians chapter six and 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 that we have weapons that are mighty through God....
The Greek word translated as powers has a variety of interesting meanings, and there is no reason why all or most of them could not be applied to the spiritual foe Paul describes, in Ephesians, as "Powers."
The word is derived from a family of words that denote "right"-- as in rights and privilege.
The word also has a "public" connotation. We see this in its use throughout the New Testament with reference to public officials.
"Token of Control" and "Potentate" are found in its list of meanings along with "ability" and "competency."
When the meanings of mastery, force, superhuman, freedom, and influence, are added to the above descriptions, a horrifying picture emerges of superhuman beings who are very privileged and have the right and freedom (along with amazing ability and competency) to control through influence, mastery, and force?
This is why it is so important to be trained in, and to become skillful, in the art of spiritual warfare.
Without the armor of God, we are no match for these powerful beings. But we are promised in Ephesians chapter six and 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 that we have weapons that are mighty through God....
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