THE WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE
2 Corinthians 10:3-5

         To help us better understand what is involved in serving God acceptably, the writers of the Bible often made reference to concepts their readers were familiar with.  Jesus often spoke in parables to give a better understanding of the spiritual kingdom.  Paul made analogies to farming, athletics and even soldiering (one text lists all 3 – 2 Timothy 2:3-6).  Concerning our struggles with Satan and evil, analogies were often made to warfare.  Paul wants us to understand that we are at war with the devil and his forces.  But it is not a physical war with tanks, airplanes, spears and swords.  Rather it is a spiritual war with spiritual weapons.  In fact there are numerous passages that address the weapons we are to use.  In 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Paul wrote, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 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, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.”  For a few moments let us consider these “weapons” we are fighting with.

First, consider our text.  We have already noted that these weapons are not the physical weapons of warfare, either today or in times past.  In fact considering the nature of the battle we are engaged in, physical weapons are useless.  History records attempts to physically force religion on others, with very little if any, real success.  While such tactics may have caused many to say out of fear that they believed, they did NOT bring “every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ”.  In other words they did not truly convert anyone.  The so-called “holy wars” of past history and even today (i.e. Jihad) are NOT pleasing to God, but instead are contrary to His will.

However that does not mean that our weapons are not powerful. Our text says they are mighty.  In the war we are engaged in, they are the ONLY weapons that will work.  In Hebrews 4:12 we read, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a Discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”    Here we are told that God’s word is sharper than any sword, even able to cut both ways.  While the physical sword can cut a physical body in pieces, God’s word can pierce the heart.  It can with the accuracy of a surgeon, extract the man of sin while leaving that which is good and right wholly intact.  It can help you determine not only what to do but why you do it.  In our text, we are told that these weapons can

• Pull down strongholds.  Not physical towers and walls, but the walls of sin and doubt that take hold of our lives when Satan rules.  Often before one can be taught the truth, he first needs to be untaught that which is false.  Walls, sometimes very strong ones, need to be torn down.
  To serve God, you have to be willing to cast off “every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us” (Hebrews 12:1-2).  We are given assurance by Paul that God’s weapons can help us do this.
• Cast down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.  Not only will these weapons tear down spiritual walls, they will also answer the critic and the skeptic.  Sometimes those opposed to God and His ways will present “arguments” to oppose the truth.  At other times, a voice within wants to oppose that which you know you ought to do encouraging compromise, procrastination and even rejection of the truth.  Our weapons, when properly and well used, can overcome and defeat such rationalizations.
• Bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.  The ultimate goal of the Christian is to put God first in all things, whether word or deed.  One cannot say that he has perfected his spiritual life until every thought is directed toward that which is right and good.  

What is the weapon we are to engage in battle with?  First and foremost it is the word of God.  Hebrews 4:12 described the word of God as a two edged sword.  As Paul describes the Christian’s armor in Ephesians 6:17, he speaks of, “the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God.”  Paul spoke of the gospel as “the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.  For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written ‘the just shall live by faith.’” (Romans 1:16-17).  Consider the effect of God’s word as we engage in battle.  If we want to serve God, how can we know which “strongholds” need to be pulled down?  How can we know what will draw us closer to God or push us away from Him?  The answer is through God’s word.  When one calls into question what we believe, how can we know what to answer?  Through God’s word.  Peter said, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;” (1 Peter 3:15-16).  If our thoughts are to be on that which is good, how do we know what to think about and how to get there?  Again, the answer is God’s word.  Paul tells us, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy -- meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8-9.  It is through God’s word that we learn the things that are pure, true, praiseworthy and such.  Truly, that is the best weapon we have as we engage in battle against Satan and his forces.

That is why it is important that Bible study be an integral part of our lives.  It is not enough to listen to the preacher, and perhaps a Bible class teacher a couple of hours a week.  In military service soldiers are expected to regularly practice and use their weapons.  The more proficient one is with his weapons, the better his chance of winning the battle.  We need to use God’s word regularly and become as skilled as possible with it if we are to “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12).  We need a daily diet of truth to be adequately nourished.  Paul exhorted Timothy to, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15).   Paul was impressing upon the need to know and use God’s word.

In addition to the word of God, there are other “weapons” that we have at our disposal.  There is the avenue of prayer through which we invoke God’s strength.  There are brethren, our fellow soldiers, who are there to fight along our side.  There is the “gospel armor” that we are to don to protect ourselves with.   Paul said that when we are adequately clothed with the “whole armor of God” we will be able to “withstand in the evil day and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:10-17)

God has provided us with everything we need to fight for His cause.  How effectively are using the weapons He has provided you with?  Think about it.

TATJR