Paul is defending his ministry, authority, and calling. Some people in and out of the local assembly were questioning Paul’s qualifications. He lists the accusations, then responds to them defending himself. This should have been obvious from Paul’s conversion, ministry, authenticating signs and wonders, wisdom, preaching, etc.
He takes a short break from this topic to mention that our warfare and weapons are not fleshly. The carnal weapons could be such things as philosophy, religion, anger, retaliation, threats, bullying, etc. They could also be weapons as spears, swords, clubs, etc.
Our weapons are not spears, swords, and clubs but God’s assisting grace and the tools He has given us.
His weapons accomplish 3 things:
Warfare
We are in a spiritual fight. A spiritual fight is any fight that is against any enemy of God–false religion, paganism, lies, slanders, disrespect, accusations of seeking power and authority, trying to destroy the believer’s faith, false Jesus in culture and media, giving substitutions instead of “real” Christianity, taking advantage of believers to take their money, etc.
Do we sometimes feel like Job? Job 14:13-14 (LITV) Who will grant that You would hide me in Sheol; You would conceal me until Your anger turns back; that You would set a limit for me and remember me? 14 If a man dies, will he revive? All the days of my warfare I will wait, until my change comes.
The word “change” can be understood as renewal, so it possibly referring to the resurrection. Job was verbally wishing that he could die and go to Sheol (Paradise since he is a believer) and be hidden from God’s wrath (he didn’t know the full story yet, that his trials were caused by satan’s wrath) until God’s wrath was over.
The Christian life is full of spiritual warfare. 1 Timothy 1:18 (LITV) This charge I commit to you, my child Timothy, according to the prophecies going before concerning you, that you might war the good warfare by them.
When we pray, our mind is often flooded with other ideas which might draw our attention to them instead of praying. It is a battle we win because of God’s assisting grace.
When we read and study our Bibles, it is similar.
When we are worshiping God together in the assembly, it also happens.
Our lives experience this spiritual warfare often.
It sometimes overflows into physical suffering/affliction/troubles/stresses/pains, etc.
We must be faithful.
As faithful servants of Jesus Christ: 1 Corinthians 4:2 (LITV) Moreover, it is sought among stewards that one be found faithful.
As physically suffering: Revelation 2:10 (LITV) Do not at all fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw you into prison, so that you may be tried; and you will have affliction ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
As living a Christian life: Romans 12:12 (LITV) in hope, rejoicing; in affliction, enduring; in prayer, steadfastly continuing;
As serving the Lord in whatever we do: 1 Corinthians 15:58 (LITV) So that, my beloved brothers, you be firm, immovable, abounding in the work of the Lord always, knowing that your labor is not without fruit in the Lord.
As in waiting and ready for our Lord’s return: Matthew 24:44-46 (LITV) Because of this, you also be ready, for in that hour you think not, the Son of Man comes. 45 Who then is the faithful and wise servant whom his Lord has set over His household, to give to them the food in season? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his Lord shall find so doing when He comes.
Weapons
The weapons we have our listed in part in Ephesians 6
Ephesians 6:10-18 (WEB) Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace; 16 above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints:
Truth–about ourselves, about God, about His word (Scriptures), about accusations, about life, etc. This is reality.
Righteousness–fulfilling the Law of Christ (Galatians 6:2) in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds. This is holiness.
Prepared with the Good News of peace–the Gospel (our sinful nature and acts (Romans 3:23 and 6:23), our conviction initiated by the Holy Spirit (John 16:8-9), our need to respond to God’s call by asking for God’s forgiveness (Luke 18:13), and trusting in the finished work (John 19:30) of our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7)–the substitute bearing our sins (Hebrews 9:28)). This is sharing the Gospel.
Faith–believing and trusting God in all things. Our lives speak louder than our words. We may be slandered and falsely accused by we, and especially God, knows our hearts. This shows our life.
Salvation–not only when we first believe but also recognizing and hoping for deliverance (2 Corinthians 1:10). This shows deliverance.
Word of God–having read, studied, lived, and memorized. The words of God are faithful and true (Revelation 3:14, Revelation 19:11, Revelation 21:5, and Revelation 22:6. This shows our written authority.
Prayer–Let us come boldly (Hebrews 4:16). This shows our communion with God.
Winning the battle
This is how the Lord Jesus won His battles. First in temptation–He experienced a temptation that no other human could have resisted (Matthew 4:1-11). Second in death–He suffered a death that no human could bear, for He carried the sins of humanity (1 Peter 2:24). Thirdly in life–He was resurrected (John 10:18, Ephesians 1:19-21, and Philippians 3:21).
He overcame the world (John 16:33), thus He can assist us (Hebrews 2:18).
Philippians 1:2 (WEB) Grace to you, and peace from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.