No More Hiding

 Unlike soldiers who undergo training to withstand flesh and blood adversaries, the apostle Paul declares that Christians face warfare against evil spiritual forces (v. 12). For that reason, we need a different battle strategy—God’s weapons, power, and wisdom: “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4). Paul doesn’t mention here what weapons he is referring to, but in Ephesians 6:13–18, he says to equip ourselves with the whole armor of God and prayer.

Satan’s goal is to keep people from faith in Christ and obedience to God’s Word. When believers yield to his cunning temptations, strongholds form, and only God’s power can loosen sin’s grip.  And if the weapons of our warfare are mighty through God and can pull down strongholds in our lives, where are they? Why are they often unused? Are you embarrassed by being a Christian? Are you clinging to life’s pleasurable sins instead of tearing them down? Are you unfamiliar with the weapons available through Christ or how to effectively use them?

We live in a chaos-filled world—spiritual weapons are necessary to combat the raging forces of wickedness. So, take up the armor of God and wear each piece with confidence: Believe God when you pray. Read and claim God’s Word, living in the assurance of and proclaiming your salvation. Stand boldly in faith, carrying the Gospel message. Speak God’s truth; know it, believe it, wrap yourself in it, and walk righteously. When you put on and stand in this full armor of God, trust His weaponry. Only then can you break life’s strongholds by His grace and power as He changes lives and defeats the enemy. God is honored by your faithfulness.