The entities mentioned in Ephesians 6:12 are spiritual forces of evil that exist in the heavenly realms. Let's look at the verse:
For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world's rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 WEB
These entities are organized into ranks and have different roles. They are part of Satan's hierarchy of demons, which opposes God and His people. They include:
1. Principalities: These are high-ranking demonic spirits that exercise authority over lower-ranking demons. They are responsible for influencing and controlling societies, cultures, and nations.
2. Powers: These are demonic spirits that have authority over specific geographical areas or spheres of influence. They are often referred to as territorial spirits.
3. World's rulers of the darkness of this age: These are demonic spirits that influence and control the world's systems, such as politics, economics, and entertainment. They promote sin and rebellion against God.
4. Spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places: These are demonic spirits that operate in the spiritual realm, which is unseen to the human eye. They are responsible for spiritual warfare and attacks against believers.
These entities are real and powerful, but they are no match for God. As believers, we have authority over them in the name of Jesus Christ. We are to put on the whole armor of God to stand against their schemes and to pray at all times in the Spirit.
Therefore put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace; above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints Ephesians 6:13-18 WEB
We pray that you would be strengthened in the Lord and in the power of His might. That you would put on the whole armor of God and stand firm against the schemes of the devil. We pray that you would be aware of the spiritual battle that is taking place around you and that you would trust in the Lord's power to overcome it. We pray that you would be a light in the darkness and that you would bring the good news of the gospel to those who are lost. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, who is the only way to salvation.
And it was so, when Jesus had ended these words, that the multitudes were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes. Matthew 7:28-29 WEB