Spiritual Weapons
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…” 2 Corinthians 10:4,5 ESV
The language of spiritual warfare can be found in much of Paul’s writing. In Ephesians he used the metaphor of military armor to describe the resources for victory in battle against “….the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” In Timothy he challenges believers to “endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy 2:3)
Paul makes it clear to the Corinthians that he is not depending on the “flesh” for the work he is doing. He has already declared his sufficiency in Christ, now he focuses on the nature of the “weapons of our warfare.”
Paul says the “weapons of our warfare….have divine power to destroy strongholds.” A stronghold is a city or territory that is in firm control of an opposing army. The battle to conquer a stronghold may take weeks or months. The fights are costly and long. But Paul understands spiritually those “strongholds” are often in the minds and hearts of those who oppose Christ and those who struggle in their obedience to Christ.
Truth is a powerful spiritual weapon. Jesus said, “the Devil is the father of lies.” (John 8:44) Embracing those lies can control an individual and keep a person from the victory and abundant life Christ has provided.
Knowledge found in Christ and obedience to Christ are the two powerful spiritual weapons that Paul says can bring spiritual victory. Arguments and opinions. You can find them in every arena of life. Stephen accused the Pharisees of being like their fathers who, “always resisted the truth.” (Acts 7:51)
To believe human arguments, logic and opinions is relying on “the flesh.” Freedom and security is found in the “knowledge of Jesus Christ” and holding to that. This is why Peter closes his letter with, “But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” (2 Peter 3:18)
Paul says, “every thought” must be brought into obedience to Christ. We must believe the truth found in Christ and we must obey and do what Christ has commanded. Paul then says we are, “….ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.”
Much of Paul’s discourse with the Corinthians is focused on their obedience in doing what is right. He is letting them know he will use spiritual authority to “punish…disobedience” when their obedience is complete. It is easy to point to the disobedience of others and to overlook our own failures to obey. Paul let’s us know that spiritual strength comes from holding to the truth and obeying the truth. Those are powerful, stronghold-destroying weapons.
Prayer for today….. Lord help us not be taken captive, but to take “thoughts captive” to the knowledge and truth You have given. Then we can stand firm and secure against the enemy of our souls.