2 Corinthians 10
There is a subtle movement going on in the world today and if we Christians are not careful, we will be easily misled.
Some deviant teachings are very clear when they are clearly not Scriptural.
But even some clear abominations of the Lord are now also gaining acceptance and tolerance among more liberal minded Christians. More and more Christians are preaching homosexuality as an acceptable lifestyle and choice.
Some preach spiritualism connected to eastern philosophies and new age thinking. Some embrace the power of the universe and see no contradiction with their Christian faith.
Indeed, if one is not careful and discerning, one can get drawn into them without even realizing it as the wiles of the devil are just so devious. And whether we know it or not, if we are one of them, we have been used by the devil to derail the church. And we lose our joy and freedom in the Lord.
That’s why today’s passage is so relevant to us today. We can understand why Paul was so worked up about this and the example he sets for us on how he goes about dealing with it is something for us to think about as well…
Bible Passage: 2 Corinthians 10
Just see how Paul starts off today…
1 Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you. 2 But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.
~ 2 Corinthians 10:1-6
Paul was no paper tiger! Although he may sound very impressive when he writes.. his appearance did not bring the same fear to his detractors. It’s true that Paul was meek and gentle … just like our Lord Jesus Christ. But like Jesus, when it was needed, he could be stirred up to action – just like Jesus did when He chased out all those people who were abusing the temple of God.
Paul made mention of the weapons he had at his disposal. And these weapons are what we need today as well!
It is a spiritual battle. And to fight this spiritual war we need spiritual weapons!
Many of the people of the world solve problems by coercion, compromises, peer pressure, manipulation and demonstrations that often lead to outbreaks of violence and riots. The people of the world know no better… and despite using these methods throughout history, the world is no better today.
Well, then, what are our weapons?
Paul makes it clear what the weapons are not….
Christians should not be using the ways of the world to fight. We have other weapons, he says. They are mighty, they are powerful, they accomplish something. They will “destroy strongholds” of evil, he says.
So what are these weapons?
The answer is not found in this passage 🙂
But like Paul, I know that you know them already. Scattered in Paul’s letters are the weapons he uses to tear down strongholds. What are they?
I’d just share a few and maybe you can all share the weapons you have discovered as well…
TRUTH
The wonderful thing about the Word of God is that when we see the world through the Holy Scriptures, we will see life the way it really is. The truth will indeed set us free – free from the deception of the world and the lies of the deceiver.
That is why we need to read the Bible daily. We need to listen to sermons constantly. We need to allow the Word of God to dwell in us richly… so that we are renewed in the Spirit and be able to discern right and wrong.
LOVE
And, everywhere in Scripture, the Word of God links truth with love, “speaking the truth in love…” (Ephesians 4:15).
Love is a powerful weapon.
Love helps you to have a different perspective of things… When you attempt to understand people who are struggling with difficulties, and you treat them with love and respect – as someone in trouble and that they need your help…. you will be able to find the strength and courage to fight for them … and to help them.
There are many more weapons…. Tell me what else. 🙂
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PS
Though this may not count as weapons prima facie, may be they taken as the characteristics which a servant of God must have:
– mighty in God (在神面前有能力 ie mighty in the presence of God) (2 Cor 10:4): God is holy and His people must be holy too. Like Isaiah’s mouth was fifthy and God cleansed him with burning coal. And Joshua’s fifthy garments was taken away, ie his iniquity removed from him, and clothed with rich robes from God.
– receive authority from Him (2 Cor 10:8):
every child of God has recieve authority from God to fight the devil. This authority is both for our own sanctification and protection against the roaring lion. More importantly, this authority is for the edification and not destruction of others. “But i have not receive any of this authority!” Yes, all of us have. We are all given the authority to speak the truth in love to cause the growth of the body of Christ in love (Eph 4:15-16) (note this is done in the presence and connected to the head- Christ)
A friend who knows Lord Jesus for many years feel that there is no much progress in the walk with God.
Do we really know Lord Jesus?
Are we reconciled to God that we can stand in HIs presence?
Do we use the power from Lord Jesus that we can attest that we are alive in Him?
All the more for children of God.