Sunday Morning Podcast March 13, 2016. Bro. Dave Goble.
TEXT: 2 CORINTHIANS 10:1-7
1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
2 But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5 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;
6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ’s, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ’s, even so are we Christ’s.
What is the purpose of our spiritual weapons of warfare? It is for the need to train our minds, for the obedience to Christ. In verses 1 and 2, Paul speaks about being both bold and meek. It was important that he set an example of both meekness in their presence toward the body of Christ, and that also from afar he be bold with the instruction of God. In the location of this congregation, there had been much opposition to the gospel. The opposition was more than a physical one, for it also affected the saint’s mental, or spiritual battles. This made it necessary (as also today), to be soldiers for God. “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11”
Paul names what these pieces of needed armor are, (in Ephesians 6:14-17). Having our loins girded with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness (for holy living), and feet shod with the preparations of the gospel of peace. Faith’s shield to quench the fiery darts of the wicked. The helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit which is the word of God. (paraphrased). Paul’s letters are not only instructive on how to not walk after the flesh, but how to use the spiritual weapons of warfare. It is to help us cast down every thought or action that would exalt above, or against, God. A further spiritual weapon necessary for victory, is to always pray. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Ephesians 6:18
If allowed, our fleshly ideas will war against (control) the spiritual territory of our life. It’s our fleshly ideas that will keep us captive to the enemy of our soul. Personal thoughts, ways and wisdom, are actually as spiritual walls that need to be broken down. Personal wisdom is in opposition to God’s wisdom. Our ways (self) can only be conquered using spiritual weapons of warfare. It is through Salvation that God tears down the strongholds of our flesh. So that even tho we are still in the flesh, we no longer need to war after it. What will be the evidence, (or fruits) of our using God’s weapons to conqueror the flesh? “22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5. Are we keeping our minds captive to the gospel …and not the flesh?
By the weapons of our warfare. By praying always…