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 hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done, to stand. Ephesians 6:12-13 NKJV
Paul uses the term heavenly places at least three times in Ephesians. He speaks of heavenly places in 1:3 and 3:10. In John MacArthur’s commentary he described heavenly places as being the entire realm of spiritual beings. In Susan Heck’s book, With the Master in Heavenly Places she does an in-depth study of the book of Ephesians and lists the blessings promised to us as we spend time in the heavenly places.
When I used to read this particular Scripture passage, I found it a bit confusing to think of wickedness in heavenly places. But then I read Frank Paretti’s books, This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness. They are fictional books which do a wonderful job of explaining the evil that exists in heavenly places including even some of our churches.
We like to think evil exists somewhere else. We like to think by avoiding certain places, we can avoid evil. I can assure you, however, evil is all around us.
1 Peter 5:8 tells us to be sober and alert for the devil is like a roaring lion prowling around seeking someone to devour. In John 10:10 Jesus said, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” A lion prowling around to devour us sounds a little scary. A thief breaking into our home to steal from us, kill us and destroy our home is not a pleasant thought.
To not be aware of the evil that exists all around us is naive. The Bible tells us to be alert and be aware. If you continue reading in Ephesians 6:14-18 it lists the armor God provides for us and encourages us to put it on daily. We must daily prepare ourselves against evil forces by suiting up and being ready for what comes our way.
The question you must ask yourself is are you in a heavenly place? What do I mean by this? Well, I mean do you live with a heavenly mindset? Do you focus on God and the heavens above? Do you see earth as a temporary residence, and heaven as your permanent dwelling place?
Psalm 91 is my favorite Psalm. It begins by telling us if we choose to live in the shelter God provides, we will live in the shadow of the Almighty God. It goes on to mention all types of circumstances where God protects us. If we understand and see heaven as our permanent home, we know that the best thing that can happen to us is we can go home. If we have surrendered our life to Christ death is a reward. It brings us into heaven to spend eternity with our Lord and Savior.
If you live looking forward to going home to heaven, you are in the heavenly place. Please don’t be naive, however, because evil exists in heavenly places. This is why it is so important to choose to live in the shelter God provides. It’s important to stay focused on Him and trust in Him to bring you through trials and tribulations.
In John 16:33, Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
My friend you don’t have to go in search of evil. You can’t avoid it. It’s all around us. Some of us are just blind to it. But heed the words of Peter. Be sober and alert. It’s there. Pay careful attention to how James tells us to deal with it in James 4:7 when he said, “Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
Have a great day!