2 Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;).
This is such a difficult concept to grasp, because we live in the flesh and we deal with fleshy concerns, yet we can feel the ongoing spiritual battle raging inside and around us. If we could better understand this truth: we are first spiritual beings and then of the flesh. Our actions stem from our thoughts which are constantly at war with our conscience. Either our thoughts are guided by the Holy Ghost or, instead, by the influences of the opposing side led by Lucifer himself. If we protect ourselves with God’s armor, we will find the strength to stand valiantly and courageously for truth and righteousness at all times and in all places. We will be able to cast “down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)
The most difficult part of bringing those disobedient thoughts and actions into our control is that the enemy is subtle in his deceiving tactics. In fact, Paul warns that “Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14) Satan corrupts the simplicity that is in Christ! (2 Corinthians 11:3) He may start with getting us to make comparisons: “they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves,” (2 Corinthians 10:12), then follow that with the lie that our outward appearance determines who we really are.
The truth is we are all special, important, and uniquely different. The important thing is to always remember that we are “Christ’s, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ’s, even so are we Christ’s.” (2 Corinthians 10:7)
We must dismiss the lies and kick the enemy out of our minds, so that we can hold tightly to truth, “For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” (2 Corinthians 8:13) Giving ourselves to the Lord, and taking God’s will upon us. (2 Corinthians 8:5) As we devote ourselves to the Lord’s will we are embraced by his love, “Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.” (2 Corinthians 8:7)
His grace is available to all, and sufficient for all, “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich,” (2 Corinthians 8:9) Christ’s grace allows our weaknesses to become strengths as we turn our hearts to the Lord’s will and subsequently to the needs of others. We can also be ministers of Christ to help free others from Satan’s grasp and help them to put on the armor of God, changing their darkness to light and truth that only Christ can provide.
2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
The war is won once we choose to bind The Enemy with the power of Christ, and then help others bind The Enemy from their lives as well. It’s the ripple effect of choosing to put Christ at the helm of our lives. As we strive to “be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” (2 Corinthians 13:11)
“Do not squander them! Be sober! Take “the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall … quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” Then “fight the good fight of faith.” And when you have done all, “stand” still and “see the salvation of the Lord.” I assure you that His salvation will come, delivering you and yours from every evil.” -James J. Hamula
-Sherri Jorgensen
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