Spiritual Warfare

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

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,

The contemporary version puts it this way

We live in this world, but we don’t act like its people or fight our battles with the weapons of this world. Instead, we use God’s power that can destroy fortresses. We destroy arguments and every bit of pride that keeps anyone from knowing God. We capture people’s thoughts and make them obey Christ.

The Spirit of God through Paul wrote in the book of Romans 8: 12 -14

Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

In this realm that we are in at the present moment, we are being encouraged not to live according to the dictates of our flesh, for to do so means death - separation from God.

We are to be spiritually minded and focus on the things of the spirit which brings us life and peace - Romans 8:6

There is a lot of darkness in this realm. The word of God says this in 2 Corinthians 4: 3-4

But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

The god of this age who is Satan or the Devil has used an evil spiritual force to blind people to the reality that Jesus Christ is God. And there is a real spiritual warfare in the invisible realm between Satan and God. Satan is attempting to blind people from receiving the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ,

But God has given us the key to destroy these strongholds in the invisible realm through the WORD of God, Prayer, Praise and Intercession. And this is what the book of 2 Corinthians verses 4 - 5 is saying to us.

WHAT IS A STRONGHOLD?

- A stronghold is anything in our lives that is not bringing glory to God.

- Every lie of the enemy is a stronghold.

- Anything that is not allowing us to see the truth of God's WORD is a stronghold.

- Unbelief is a stronghold.

- Fear is a stronghold.

- Not trusting in God is a stronghold.

- Doubt is a stronghold.

- A stronghold is a satanically energised argument designed to destroy us or to block God's kingdom purpose in our lives.

- A stronghold can be as simple as having the false inner belief that God will not do the things that He has promised.

- Sin or living in sin is another stronghold.

- Pride is a stronghold.

Since the weapons of our warfare are not carnal which means they are not physical weapons, they are not of the flesh. We are to come against every lie of the enemy with the WORD of God.

The book of Ephesians 6: 10- 18 gives us a list of how we can stand against the wiles - schemes, devices, lies of the devil.

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints."

- First, we are to be strong in the LORD and in the power of His might