Ephesians 6:12 The Rulers of the Darkness of this World

Paul urges us to wrestle or pray against the rulers of the darkness of this world. Just what does he mean by 'rulers of the darkness'? We'll go to Strong's Concordance to find out.

The Greek word 'rulers' is defined as 'lord of this world' or 'prince of this age'. Obviously Paul is talking about the devil. The Greek word for 'darkness' is defined as 'of darkened eyesight or blindness'.

Let's compare this to another verse of scripture. Paul clarifies the verse in Ephesians by this statement to the Corinthians. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4--(KJV) But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

To put the two verses together, Paul says that we should be wrestling against the satanic powers that blind people's minds from seeing the Truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. John echoed the same thing in his gospel, chapter one and verse five, 'And the light shines in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not'.

Look at what Jesus says in the fifth chapter of Matthew. Verse 14, 'You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Verse 16, 'Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.'

There are a lot of us Christians that have no problem letting our light shine to everyone around us. Yet, they seem to turn a deaf ear. The light of the gospel of Jesus Christ shines into this world through billboards, church signs, ads in the paper and on TV. The gospel is being preached to them and they are----blind to it.

As I mentioned before, Paul was a great soul winner when the term soul winner wasn't cool. He went to the city of Athens and waited for Silas and Timothy to join him. Athenians worshipped every thing BUT Almighty God. There were over 30,000 standing idols to various gods all around the city. Athens was a city of learning. Universities were there. The people were considered the be the most learned and the deepest thinkers. Yet, in all of their genius and brilliance, they did not know the True and Living God. And they were not looking to know the True and Living God.

While Paul was teaching the resurrection in the market place, these learned men of Athens overheard him and wanted to know more. Eventually a thriving church sprang up. Why? Because Paul wrestled with the powers of the darkness of this world that had blinded their minds against the truth. He used that same technique everywhere he went. He bound the power of darkness that had blinded them and commanded the darkness to loose the minds of the unbelievers.

Listen closely. Bold and strong prayers bring a bold and strong move of the Power of God in a place. But, we haven't seen that in Savannah or heard about it anywhere else......yet. Why? Because the eyes of men and women have been blinded by the powers of darkness. Their minds have been blind to the truth of God. Am I talking about sinners? No. I'm talking about Christians. When is the last time you've heard a preacher preach about wrestling AGAINST the powers of darkness of this world that blinds people from seeing the light of the gospel? You've tried everything else under the sun, why not try this?

Lift your hands to Jesus and let's go! Father, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, we are ready for an all out move of the Power of God where we live. We're tired of waiting for someone else to start something so we want to start at the only place we know how. And that's on our knees praying Your Blood Sworn Word back to You. By the authority of the Word of God, we collectively bind the powers of darkness over our city. We command that those powers of darkness loose the minds of the sinners that they will be able to see the glorious gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Help us to let our light shine before all mankind so they can sense the Love of the Savior and be drawn into a personal relationship with Him. We bind those unclean spirits that roam our streets and try to cause havoc among the people. We demand you, satan, that you cease and desist your operations against the children of God. Father, we ask you for a heart-changing revival in our communities. Let Christians of every color and every background break down dividing walls and join their hearts together to praise the Living God. Help us to clean up this city, one sinner at a time. In the sweet name of Jesus, Amen.

It would be wonderful if....at some point in time.....and at some place.... say like Forsyth Park....or where ever...saints of every color and nationality.....just.....kinda......stumble upon each other....and meet...and maybe ask the question to each other like the old saints used to do....."How's your faith, Brother."  And then just let God be God.

Like the Apostle Paul said, "Pray without ceasing."