Scripture:
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 ESV
[3] For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. [4] For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. [5] We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,
Observation:
I feel like it’s my responsibility to prepare us for the battle that is to come. So, let’s look at what the scripture says about it. In the second letter to the Corinthians, Paul makes a clear distinction between how people who follow Jesus handle the hard part of life and those of the world do. He states yes, we are made of flesh, but we can not react from our flesh. He knew it would not be easy to put aside the flesh, but it is very necessary. First and foremost, Paul wants us to understand that the war we are in is not won by allowing our flesh to rule our decisions. It’s a spiritual war, and you can’t fight a spiritual war by using fleshly tactics. You have to be a good soldier and know your enemy. Paul is very clear that our weapons are different. Our warfare is different. The weapons that have been provided are mighty… able to destroy strongholds… fight against high and lofty thoughts, divinely powered, and absolutely nothing can stand against them. With the weapons provided, we can pull down strongholds, redirect our thinking, and overcome any enemy. Taking thoughts captive and bringing them under the authority of Jesus Christ.
Application:
From what I understand, there was a book written about the art of war. But before any other book was put together about it, GOD’S divinely inspired word was put together. To be good at war you must first know your enemy, and because our enemy is not fleshly it could be a little hard to study him. However, a spiritual war can not be fought with earthly weapons. Now, let’s take a look at how the enemy works. Have you ever had a disagreement with someone who makes your blood pressure go up, and you want to react by doing something physically to them? The enemy wants us to react. He wants us to get all emotional. Because he knows if he can get us feeling a certain way. We will make a wrong decision. Listen, I have to tell you the best example we have for this is in the garden. Right before they came to get HIM. Jesus was struggling, and stressing, and HIS emotions were so overwhelming that HE was sweating blood. HE was fighting a war, and although there were physical signs of that… the war was not of the flesh… it was spiritual. HE had to set down HIS emotions. The weight of sin was heavy. But it had to be carried to the cross. If Jesus had made an emotional decision at that point, we would still be looking for a savior. We can not fight this battle with our flesh. It will never work. Let me ask you this. Why do you think the enemy wants to get you all up in your emotions?… because he knows if he can get you feeling a certain way about something, he can get you out of character, and if he can get you out of character you will react out of your flesh. This is why the art of war has to do with studying your enemy. Satan has studied you for years he knows what will get you. That’s why the belt of truth is the first piece of armor mentioned in Ephesians 6, knowing the truth that is inside the word of GOD will keep us grounded when the attacks come, and they will come. If you don’t know the truth, you will believe a lie. Study it. Know who GOD says you are… because you are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus. Victorious already. Don’t lay down defeated. Stand up courageous. GOD is building an army. One that fights on our knees. Pick up GODsword and get in the battle. Knowing that the weapons are the words HE left for us. It’s HIStory. The gospel is the power of Christ unto salvation.
Prayer:
Father, we know that this is a war like no other. Teach us how to fight. Show us how to weld the weapons you gave us, and not so that we are cutting off ears, but so we lop off the head of the enemy. He has no authority over us unless we give it to him. Let us see his tactics and keep our armor tight. The battle belongs to you. All we have to do is show up with the armor you provide. The spiritual war is real… the battlefield is in our minds. Help us to take the thoughts captive and act rather than react. Write upon our hearts your living word so that as we stand for we know our position is of victory. We have already won anything else, is a lie from the enemy. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.