Spiritual Warfare

Spiritual Warfare

2 Corinthians 10:1-6

By John Yohe

Preached 1-16-05

1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:

2 But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. 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;) 5 Casting 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; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

(S) Faithfulness to the Word of God and obedience to the Holy Spirit will lead us to Spiritual Victory.

Original meaning: Paul was writing to the church at Corinth. The devil was fighting hard to destroy this work that Paul had begun. In this chapter, Paul was addressing those discrediting the resurrection of Christ, along with the authority ship of himself by the means of distortion of the Gospel. This ‘another gospel’ as Paul refers to it in 2 Corinthians 11:4, was being believed by those in the church causing strong holds (or arguments) and vain imaginations (or pretences) to happen. Paul calls for War, but how is he going to fight?

1. He recognizes the type of was he is fighting. v.3

A. This is not a war of the flesh.

B. There is a Spiritual war going on.

Ill. Have you ever had problems with distractions while having your devotions?

(S) Faithfulness to the Word of God and obedience to the Holy Spirit will lead us to Spiritual Victory.

2. He identifies the enemy. Ephesians 6:11-12 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

A. Satan likes to see brothers against brothers.

B. We must be quick and sensitive to realize who is behind the arguments encouraging one another.

Ill. Don’t attack your brother! Realize that Satan is fighting. A house divided against itself will fall. A church divided… A friendship divided… A family divided … A marriage divided…

(S) Faithfulness to the Word of God and obedience to the Holy Spirit will lead us to Spiritual Victory.

3. He uses the proper weapons. v.4-5

A. Our weapons are not wimpy, but mighty!

B. They are mighty through the power of God.

Ill. Ephesians 6:13-18 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 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, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

(S) Faithfulness to the Word of God and obedience to the Holy Spirit will lead us to Spiritual Victory.

4. The results of the war. v.5-6

A. The strong holds are pulled down.

B. Our thoughts are brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

I. Perfect love instead of fear.

II. Assurance instead of doubt.

III. A sound mind instead of confusion.

IIII. Clearness instead of disillusion.

(S) Faithfulness to the Word of God and obedience to the Holy Spirit will lead us to Spiritual Victory.