War Prisoners

Paul sometimes compared the trials he faced in ministry to warfare, not hand-to-hand battles, but spiritual as he contested those opposing the Gospel of Christ. As God’s ministers, we, too, engage in struggles against sin, the god of this world, our thoughts, or false teachings like Paul. If we enter any conflict relying on our strength and strategies, defeat is sure. The Word of Truth and God’s power tear down strongholds—fortified places of error and sin—and take captive every thought, reasoning, opinion, purpose, and wicked plan that raises itself against God’s authority. Our pride, self-confidence, stubbornness, and “every high thing”—anything contrary to God—are enemies of the cross that we must take as prisoners to the obedience of Christ, our Savior.

When the Word of Truth goes forth, people without Christ can choose to accept or reject the Savior God sent to rescue all, and straying believers decide whether to return to the covering of God’s care—His truth tears down strongholds and sets captives free if they let it. In this battle against evil and unseen forces, our Father didn’t leave us defenseless; we have God’s armor (Ephesians 6) but must put it on to be protected and effective in the Lord’s work. 

“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)