Scripture:
II Corinthians 10:2-5 NKJV
[2] But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. [3] For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. [4] For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, [5] 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,
Observation:
Paul’s letter of correction to the Corinthians may have seemed a little abrasive in some places. But every word was written in the love of Jesus, and Paul wanted them to know that. His first statement was to clarify that his intentions were not to operate from his flesh and, in fact, were the exact opposite of that. Although it may appear that way to some Paul, knowing what he would be facing when he got there was not your average encounter, and he would have to stand firm and be bold. However, it was only as required, and not everyone needed the same approach. The war he faced was not against a man, and therefore, his weapons could not be physical weapons. The battle was different and would have to be approached differently. He goes into greater detail about this battle in Ephesians chapter 6 when he is talking about the armor of GOD. The war Paul fought was spiritual, and physical weapons would only help the enemy advance his cause of hatred dissension, and division. A spiritual war could only be fought with spiritual weapons. At this point, Paul wanted those in Corinth to know that the spiritual weapons, although you could not see them physically, had some amazing abilities. In fact, the capabilities of the weapons that needed to be used would leave the enemy standing there wondering how the heck that just happened. They would be spiritually disarmed. Their strongholds battered down, standing there dumbfounded. With a heart full of love for the person a short time before had wanted to harm due to the difference of opinion. Taking their thoughts and rearranging them to be in obedience to Jesus without laying a hand on them at all. Taking their arguments away and installing true biblical understanding.
Application:
Picture this you are in the army that was told to march around the city following the band, saying nothing. Or maybe you are 1 of 300 men who were told to grab a clay pot and a torch and surround the camp of your enemy waiting for the sign… all through the Bible, the LORD painted a picture. That picture is one that most of us have a hard time understanding. Although GOD has placed a worrier spirit inside of us, the war HE has given us to fight is not a physical one. How many times have you been mad at someone and reacted out of your emotions only to find out that you made the wrong decision? I know I have done it also, and honestly, the situation always ends up worse when I do that. I’m sure you have experienced the same thing. But what would happen if rather than reacting physically or emotionally, we used the weapons GOD supplies us with? I know I know it’s hard to think of love as a weapon, but it is. I mean, look at how Jesus disarmed those who nailed him to the cross. At HIS death, a Roman soldier admitted HIS innocence without a single sword being drawn. I don’t know if you understand the stronghold that was shattered at that moment. But that’s huge and does not need to be overlooked. That brings me to a question. Is the word of GOD enough? For me, the answer is simple…YES, it is. In fact, it’s the only offensive weapon I need, especially when that’s the means in which I find my armor for the battle. Knowing and standing on GOD’S word means that GODsword is placed tightly in the hand of a worrier. Who knows how to plant the shoes of peace firmly because the belief in truth is fastened tightly as well? Having faith in the shield of faith in the fact that if HE is for me, no one can stand against me. My point is this. Next time you are offended or someone, do you wrong think about the real war you are in and the influence that is responsible for the offense and use the right weapons to fight the war you face. If you really want to see victory, it’s the only way.
Prayer:
Father, we know that the war is real, and conventional weapons will not help. We have to fight this the way that you have laid out. Running away will not help. We must stand and fight with the weapons you have provided, and when we do, you will show up. Let our worship be our weapon knocking down the walls as we shout our war, cry that YOU ARE LORD. Make our enemy flee as we kneel off bended knee offering up prayers for their soul. You are our shield. You are our protection. Because you are for us, no one can stand against us. We want to fight effectively. We know that you have given us a worrier spirit for a reason. We do not want to use it incorrectly. Show us the right weapons to use and how to use them without cutting off the ears of those who oppose you. The war is yours. The victory is ours when we fight the battle the way you intended from the start. We are on our knees in submission to your plan. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.