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A Wrestling Match
Ephesians 6:12 says, “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 high places.”
In the text, the word “struggle” actually means “to wrestle.” Many times we find ourselves wrestling with our adversary, doing as Jude 3 says, which is “contending for the faith.” One scripture that shows our demonstration of wrestling is founded in 2 Corinthians 4:8, 9, which says, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.” Adam’s Commentary gives some further insight as to what the Apostle Paul was actually referring to:
1. WE ARE TROUBLED ON EVERY SIDE, YET NOT DISTRESSED
We are hedged in (pressed) on every side – troubled … in every way, but not cramped or crushed
• This word shows the wrestler trapped by an opponent’s move no matter where he turns
2. WE ARE PERPLEXED, BUT NOT IN DESPAIR
We suffer embarassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair
• This word shows the wrestler puzzled by his opponent’s skill and not knowing what to do
3. [WE ARE] PERSECUTED, BUT NOT FORSAKEN
We are (persecuted and hard driven,) pursued, but not deserted – to stand alone
• This word shows the runner out in front, but being pursued closely by his opponent.
4. [WE ARE] CAST DOWN, BUT NOT DESTROYED
We are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed
• This word shows the wrestler thrown down by his opponent but rising to continue the fight
• J.B. Phillips translates 2 Corinthians 4:9 – “we are knocked down but not knocked out!”
• For the Roman gladiator who was knocked down in battle, the final “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” came only from the emperor. God has the final say over your life!
No matter what match you are fighting or the race you are running, God is still in control. Do not quit or give up, but endure hardness as a good soldier. Keep fighting and keep persevering because there is a crown of life waiting for you!