it says in verse 12 that we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and so on. Is it not flesh and blood (people) that runs these principalities?
You're right that Satan is the god of this World, but Almighty God our Father is also the Creator of this World & mankind. Ultimately, we have to answer to God not to Satan for the condition of our hearts & quality of our lives. If Satan created us, then I agree, God is out of the picture & praying to Him would be useless. So, if we're so burdened to pray for the world, & specific sinners particularly, then this must be a good thing which is in harmony with the Purposes of God who created us.
Sheila, when we look at this chapter in Ephesians from verse 10, we see the apostle Paul speaking about the Devil (v11). So when he speaks about "flesh & blood" you have understood this correctly, that it refers to people. So the contrast to this fight is found in the spiritual realm, the part of the invisible world of spirits that our human eyes cannot see.
The mention of "principalities, powers, rulers of darkness & spiritual wickedness" are all terms referring to this spirit world of evil. And we know that the god of this world is the devil ( 2 Cor 4:4, Jn 12:31, 16:11) for he rules for now, capturing the hearts of many, seducing & causing them to believe in his lies. He's have a wild time with mankind & knows that his days are numbered when he, his wicked demons, & all who reject the Lord & His Christ, will one day be locked away forever - all sin will have gone & we will return to the beauty & perfection which was in Eden.
You mentioned specifically 'principalities'. A principality is an area, whether small or large, that is ruled by a prince. My earlier Bible references speak of this 'prince'. He has ruined God's creation with sin & suffering & has a host of angels (demons) that do his bidding. He wreaks havoc over the world, yet so many are blissfully unaware of his presence & power & believe this is a normal life we live. But those who have put their trust in God & attend to His Word are Satan's prime targets & we need to remain vigilant, putting on the whole armour of God (vv 13-18) & defeat him daily in the Lord's Power. We can't get away from it - we are in a fight - the battle will be long - but the end is victory through Jesus Christ ( 1 Cor 15:57).
I would like to add something to your initial question: Is it not flesh and blood (people) that runs these principalities?
The answer is yes. Satan the devil has a 'seed', in both the spiritual and physical realms. Remember the conversation Christ had with Satan in the wilderness. Satan displayed for Christ all the kingdoms of this world and offered them to Christ in exchange for one act of worship. He also stated that he has the authority to give it to whomever he chose.
Thus, we should be aware that this world we live in today is ruled by Satan and he puts in positions of power whomever he chooses. Also he is called 'the god of this world'. ( 2 Cor 4:4) Therefore, the need for the 'spiritual armor' The Most High encourages us to wear for protection in this world - Satan's world.
Now, your second question: So is it useless to pray for this world?
The answer is yes and no. Yes, we constantly pray that those we have occasion to speak with might 'hear' our words and withdraw from this wicked world. As Christ said: We are no part of the world, as he was no part of the world. So yes we should pray that some might join us in turning our backs on this dying wicked world we live in today. It is doomed and will be replaced by the Kingdom of God. ( Dan 2:44)
On the other hand, NO, we do not pray for Satan's continued dominion over the earth. He and his 'seed', visible and invisible must be removed to make room for the Kingdom we were taught by Christ to pray for. Amen.
The mention of "principalities, powers, rulers of darkness & spiritual wickedness" are all terms referring to this spirit world of evil. And we know that the god of this world is the devil ( 2 Cor 4:4, Jn 12:31, 16:11) for he rules for now, capturing the hearts of many, seducing & causing them to believe in his lies. He's have a wild time with mankind & knows that his days are numbered when he, his wicked demons, & all who reject the Lord & His Christ, will one day be locked away forever - all sin will have gone & we will return to the beauty & perfection which was in Eden.
You mentioned specifically 'principalities'. A principality is an area, whether small or large, that is ruled by a prince. My earlier Bible references speak of this 'prince'. He has ruined God's creation with sin & suffering & has a host of angels (demons) that do his bidding. He wreaks havoc over the world, yet so many are blissfully unaware of his presence & power & believe this is a normal life we live. But those who have put their trust in God & attend to His Word are Satan's prime targets & we need to remain vigilant, putting on the whole armour of God (vv 13-18) & defeat him daily in the Lord's Power. We can't get away from it - we are in a fight - the battle will be long - but the end is victory through Jesus Christ ( 1 Cor 15:57).
I would like to add something to your initial question: Is it not flesh and blood (people) that runs these principalities?
The answer is yes. Satan the devil has a 'seed', in both the spiritual and physical realms. Remember the conversation Christ had with Satan in the wilderness. Satan displayed for Christ all the kingdoms of this world and offered them to Christ in exchange for one act of worship. He also stated that he has the authority to give it to whomever he chose.
Thus, we should be aware that this world we live in today is ruled by Satan and he puts in positions of power whomever he chooses. Also he is called 'the god of this world'. ( 2 Cor 4:4) Therefore, the need for the 'spiritual armor' The Most High encourages us to wear for protection in this world - Satan's world.
Now, your second question: So is it useless to pray for this world?
The answer is yes and no. Yes, we constantly pray that those we have occasion to speak with might 'hear' our words and withdraw from this wicked world. As Christ said: We are no part of the world, as he was no part of the world. So yes we should pray that some might join us in turning our backs on this dying wicked world we live in today. It is doomed and will be replaced by the Kingdom of God. ( Dan 2:44)
On the other hand, NO, we do not pray for Satan's continued dominion over the earth. He and his 'seed', visible and invisible must be removed to make room for the Kingdom we were taught by Christ to pray for. Amen.
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