In Ephesians 6, the Apostle Paul says "we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." But are the forces of evil he's referring to simply metaphorical and abstract, or are they real?
The life and ministry of Jesus shows that these forces are very much real and directly affect everyday life. In this teaching, we see Jesus preaching Good News, but also demonstrating and advancing the Kingdom of God through delivering the oppressed and healing the afflicted. Because of the battle won by Jesus, he now has the authority to take back territory for the Kingdom of God.