2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (WEL) For even if we do live according to the flesh, we do not make war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons we use for war are not of the flesh, but mighty through God to even pulling down strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every high, self-exalted opinion against the knowledge of God, and taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, 6 Having a readiness to punish all disobedience after your obedience is complete.
V3 For even if we do live according to the flesh, we do not make war according to the flesh.
Live according to the flesh is our life on Earth in our physical bodies. Christians are not to use force or persecution to convert others or remain faithful. We use other methods of teaching, answering questions, apologetics, warnings, etc. Spiritual warfare starts with prayer for wisdom, truth, holiness, love, and the assisting grace of God.
Comments:
(Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible) “Outward force is not the method of the gospel, but strong persuasions, by the power of truth and the meekness of wisdom. Conscience is accountable to God only; and people must be persuaded to God and their duty, not driven by force. Thus the weapons of our warfare are very powerful; the evidence of truth is convincing.”
V4 For the weapons we use for war are not of the flesh, but mighty through God to even pulling down strongholds.
We need God’s blessing on our efforts. We may feel we flubbed up when presenting the Gospel or answering a question, but the power of God can still bring light to those still in darkness. No matter the strength of the opponent, God can still bring conviction. Compare John 1:4 and Hebrews 4:12.
V5 We destroy arguments and every high, self-exalted opinion against the knowledge of God, and taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
To know the truth, we must interpret the words of the Holy Spirit (the Bible) in their plain, normal sense. Any other method will distort and twist God’s words. The distorting may be from a different type of hermeneutics, redefining words to fix our pet beliefs, or explaining passages away with reason and logic. The Bible is the only source of 100% truth.
We must know, thus we must read, study, and live the teachings of the Bible.
We must apply God’s truth to our lives.
We must answer questions with God’s words as a primary conviction but also by our preaching and answers.
We must always want and strive to do God’s will with His assisting grace.
We must rely on the guidance and help of the Holy Spirit to give a wise and truthful answer to questions.
No answer can be greater than the Word of God.
V6 Having a readiness to punish all disobedience after your obedience is complete.
This is church discipline.
Disobedience has consequences. One consequence is stunted spiritual growth as people rely on foundations other than the Bible itself.
Comments:
IVP Bible Background: “Rulers generally executed vengeance on those who had rebelled against them after the war was finished (e.g., 2Sa 12:31). Paul may mean that the believers must work harder to make up for time lost through disobedience.”
Bible Knowledge Commentary: “His approach to this particular confrontation in Corinth was twofold. First, it was necessary that the Corinthian church express their subjection to Christ by demonstrating loyalty to His representative, Paul (2Co 5:20; cf. 2Co 7:15). In this way, their obedience would be complete. Second, when Paul was sure they had repudiated his opponents (cf. 2Co 6:14-18), he could then deal directly with the false apostles, knowing that the church supported him. He was ready to punish their acts of disobedience to Christ. The word “punish” (ekdikēsai) could more forcefully be translated “avenge” (cf. 1Co 3:17). In other contexts, it describes the wrath of God directed against the enemies of His people (Num 31:2; Deuteronomy 32:43; Rev 19:2).”
We learn:
- The importance of God’s weapons in our spiritual warfare.
- The importance of God’s strength and ability in our witnessing and answering.
Questions:
- Do you know what the weapons of spiritual warfare are?
- Do you use them or do you argue and shout down someone?