IV.
As you spend time with this Scripture, think about Paul’s statement that,

“… after he has destroyed every ruler and every authority and power…. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.”

Other than “death” what “ruler and … authority and power” might Christ need to destroy?

V.
1 Corinthians 15:20-28 (NRSVue)

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. For since death came through a human, the resurrection of the dead has also come through a human, for as all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ. But each in its own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, after he has destroyed every ruler and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “All things are put in subjection,” it is plain that this does not include the one who put all things in subjection under him. When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to the one who put all things in subjection under him, so that God may be all in all.

VI.
It would seem that Paul is writing about any “ruler and … authority and power” that we would see in a negative light; otherwise why would they need to be “destroyed.”

What rulers, authorities, and powers do you think need to be destroyed by Christ?

How would things be different for us if those rulers, authorities and powers did not have such command over us?

Thinking about your own life, what ruler or authority or power do you contend with the most often? In what circumstances does it prevent you from experiencing God’s reign in your life?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}