“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” (2 Corinthians 10:4 (NIV)
Weapons of the World
The apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Corinthians, who were living in a city that was influenced by many worldly philosophies, cultures, and values. He was defending his ministry and authority against some false apostles who were boasting about their credentials, appearance, and eloquence. He also wanted to correct some of the problems and divisions that were affecting the church.
The weapons of the world are the methods and strategies that people use to gain power, influence, and success in this world. They include things like human wisdom, rhetoric, appearance, wealth, status, violence, and deception.
They are often based on pride, selfishness, and greed. They are designed to exalt oneself and to oppress others.
Why Are the Weapons of the World Ineffective?
The weapons of the world are ineffective because they are not able to deal with the real enemy and the real battle that we face as Christians.
Our enemy is not flesh and blood, but the spiritual forces of evil that are behind the systems and structures of this world. Our battle is not against people, but against the lies, temptations, and accusations that the enemy uses to keep us from knowing and obeying God.
The weapons of the world are also ineffective because they are not able to withstand the judgment and wrath of God. These are temporary, fragile, and futile.
All will perish and be destroyed when God comes to establish his kingdom and his righteousness.
What Are the Weapons of Our Warfare?
The weapons of our warfare are the methods and strategies that God has given us to fight the good fight of faith; including things like the Word of God, prayer, faith, love, grace, truth, and the Holy Spirit. They are often based on humility, service, and sacrifice. They are designed to glorify God and to bless others.
The weapons of our warfare are effective because they have divine power to demolish strongholds. A stronghold is a fortified place that the enemy has built in our minds and hearts to keep us from experiencing the freedom and victory that God has for us.
It can be a false belief, a sinful habit, a negative emotion, or a harmful relationship. The weapons of our warfare can expose, confront, and overcome these strongholds by the power of God.
How Do We Use the Weapons of Our Warfare?
Christians use the weapons of our warfare by relying on God and his resources, not on ourselves and our abilities. We need to recognize that we are not sufficient in ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God. We need to acknowledge that we are not wise, strong, or righteous in ourselves, but we have the wisdom, strength, and righteousness of God in Christ.
Use the weapons of our warfare by resisting the enemy and his schemes, not by conforming to the world and its standards. We need to be alert, sober, and vigilant, knowing that the enemy is prowling around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Christians put on the full armor of God, which includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-18
The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. They are the weapons that God has given us to fight the good fight of faith.
Use them with confidence and courage, knowing that God is with us and for us, and that he will give us the victory.
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