In Ephesians 6:12 God 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.” Here we see a figure of speech in action; the repetition of “against” emphasizes each of four things we do wrestle against. 

 

I have always loved to do word studies. God can show you so much when you take the time to look at the details. In order to understand this verse better and then act accordingly, we will take the next four issues to study each of these things: and learn the way God defines them.

 

Principalities, at first glance notice that it is plural. There is more than one principality. This is the Greek word arche. Arche is translated the following in the King James Version: 

Beginning    40

Corner           2

First               1

First estate    1

Magistrate     1

Power            1

Principality     1

Rule               1

Here we see there are 55 occurrences of the Greek word arche. As we begin to examine these we will gain an understanding of what it means.

 

Beginning:

Matt. 19:4,8; 24:8,21

Mark 1:1; 10:6; 13:8, 19

Luke 1:2

John 1:1,2; 2:11; 6:64; 8:25,44; 15:27; 16:4

Acts 11:15

Phil. 4:15

Col. 1:18

II Thes. 2:13

Heb. 1:10; 3:14; 7:3

II Pet. 3:4

I John 1:1; 2:7, 13, 24: 3:8, 11

II John 5, 6

Rev. 1:8, 3:14; 21:6; 22:13

 

Corner

Acts 10:11; 11:5

 

First, first estate

Acts 26:4

Heb. 2:3

Jude 6

 

Magistrate

Luke 12:11

 

Power

Luke 20:20

 

Principality

Rom. 8:38

Eph. 1:21; 3:10; 6:12

Col. 1:16; 2:10, 15

Titus 3:1

 

Rule

Mark 10:42

 

Arche refers to the position of power, rather than the authority or effectiveness of that power. The Devil and his horde have received arche in Adams transgression. Christ has freed us from this power, but the world and the unsaved are still under this rule.

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The winter garden is the easiest and most productive of the seasonal gardens in our area. The time to plant is now, September and October planting gives plenty of time to enjoy your harvest. Be careful, however, because some seeds will not germinate if the soil is to warm. Swill chard and spinach both need cool soil for germination.

 

The first step is to ask God to bless your efforts. Without His blessings all your work and money will be in vain. God is the giver of life!

 

Before you prepare your soil, calculate the amount of time you will be able to spend on your garden per week. For a small 10’ by 20’ garden, you can anticipate about 2 or 3 hours of work per week (I didn’t include harvesting time in this, because I classify harvesting as fun). 

 

The very best method of breaking the soil is by tiller. You might consider either purchasing, renting or borrowing from a friend or neighbor. It a tiller is not an option to you, prepare yourself to make friends with your spade, you’ll be spending a lot of time together in the next few days.

 

If you want to invest the money, the best gardening method for this area is a raised bed. Our weather is unpredictable, and our insects are ravenous. To raise your garden, lay treated landscape timbers single or double height to border the area you want to fill. Fill with a combination of compost, fertilizer and dirt, (and mulch if your soil is rock). Turn with a spade or tiller. Wonderful!

 

In the winter garden, the plants which produce maximum yield are as follows, listed from easiest to not easy; collard greens, mustard greens, kale, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, swiss chard, and spinach. Plant seeds in rows according to package directions, being sure to water them daily until they are established. 

 

Expect the best, and next time we’ll talk weeds.