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Paul in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 writes, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty IN GOD for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the KNOWLEDGE OF GOD, bringing every thought into captivity to the OBEDIENCE OF CHRIST.”
This is really awesome dear friends. Paul is writing to Christians, Christians who, like us, are tempted to think in a worldly manner and to employ worldly methods in an effort to accomplish God’s purposes. Paul reminds them, and us, that we are different; we live in a different kingdom, God’s kingdom, ruled by King Jesus, and that our weapons are NOT like those of the world. We have spiritual weapons — and it is those spiritual weapons that are needed for the spiritual warfare that surrounds us all.
Most people think of carnal worldly weapons as things like guns and swords, but Paul was referring to the world’s manipulative and deceitful practices.
In Ephesians 6, Paul listed the spiritual weapons he used: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. When the voices around us all shout “Do something! Act! Smear your opponents! Tell lies, bully, coerce, manipulate,” we instead rely on these spiritual weapons — and that takes faith in God. Paul reminds us they are mighty in God; they work!
David Guzik, author of the Enduring Word Commentary, points out that Christians often rely on and admire carnal weapons for the Christian battle.
The belt of truth? Nope. Use manipulation.
The breastplate of righteousness? Nope. How about the image of success.
Shoes of the gospel? Nope. Use smooth words.
Shield of faith? Nope. How about the perception of power.
The helmet of salvation? Nope. How about lording it over others.
The sword of the Spirit?Nope. Use human schemes and programs.
Remember, these Corinthian Christians had the strongholds in their own minds. They made the arguments against God’s mind and methods. They held on to every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. We miss it if we think the love of manipulation, the image of success, smooth words, the perception of power, lording over authority, and human schemes and programs are just problems among unbelievers.
The carnal, human way is to overpower, dominate, manipulate, and out-maneuver. The spiritual, Jesus way is to humble ourselves, cease being “I” centered, and let God demonstrate His resurrection power through us.
When we fight with our spiritual weapons, we cannot be defeated; in fact we — COME ALIVE!
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