“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:4–5)
Paul wrote to the Corinthians, again defending his
apostleship and standing up against those who opposed the doctrine of Christ, comparing
the trials and hardships he faced in ministry to warfare. As ministers of
Christ, believers engage in battles that aren’t hand-to-hand but spiritual,
battles against sin, the god of this world, our thoughts, and like Paul, false
teachings. If we enter any conflict relying on our strength and wisdom, defeat
is sure; victory depends on our following God’s instructions and the leading of
His Spirit. The Word of Truth and God’s power tear down strongholds—fortified places
of error and sin—and take captive every thought, reasoning, purpose, and wicked
plan that raises itself against God’s authority. “Every high thing” that needs
to fall includes pride, self-confidence, and stubbornness to yield to God’s
leading, enemies that believers must take as prisoners and bring them to Christ,
our Savior.
When the Word of Truth goes forward, the lost can choose to accept
or reject the Savior God sent to rescue all; believers decide whether to return
to the covering of God’s care—truth sets the captives free if they let it. In
this battle against evil and unseen forces, our Father didn’t leave us
defenseless; we have His armor (Ephesians 6) but must put it on to be protected
and effective in the Lord’s work.
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Thank you for sharing your thoughts.