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.

Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)

 

In Acts of the Apostles, we see that Paul had numerous opportunities to address the leading political figures of his time. However, you will notice that he never discusses state affairs or public issues with them other than the gospel of Jesus Christ. It does not imply that he is unconcerned about the extreme wealth and social status disparities that existed during his lifetime. Rather, Paul chose to take the conversation to a completely different level.

Paul's preaching and writings reveal the spiritual forces of evil that keep humanity oppressed and enslaved. We are not fighting human foes, but spiritual enemies who seek to steal, kill, and destroy the beauty and wholeness of God's creation, which He calls good. Let me give you an example. While most laws are intended to respect, protect, and uphold human dignity and rights, some contain hints of dark overtures. They are unjustly created to increase the power of those who enact the laws by depriving those who are subjected to them of their strength.

However, we are on the victorious side of this spiritual warfare. The finished work of the Cross has already destroyed the power of dark spiritual forces (cf. Colossians 2:15), and our mission is to carry out the victory Jesus won for humanity on the cross.

Although the Kingdom of God is not political, it has implications for our secular systems and structures. Instead of retreating behind the four walls of a church, Christians bear political responsibility and obligation. We are to raise our voices in prayer for our national leaders and government (1 Timothy 2:2), that God will open their eyes to the gospel, and we are to join in Jesus' cry of injustice and violation of rights (Luke 4:18-19). In doing so, we fulfil both our spiritual and civil obligations.