It is worth noting, as we finish our course this week, that while we have been dealing with the thoughts and arguments of mankind, there is more to what is behind these contemporary issues. Paul writes, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.”
We must remember that we are in a spiritual battle.
Paul stresses the identity of the battle as spiritual and wants to make sure that the Corinthians are ready to fight. David Garland in his commentary on 2 Corinthians helps us to understand this even further…
“He notes that while Paul does not elaborate on the weapons at his disposal, he does emphasize their effect and likens his opponents to mutinous resisters holed up in the city of Corinth and miscalculating that their ramparts and battlements will protect them. Everyone in the ancient world knew, however, that the advantage was always on the side of the attacker with his siege engines and not with the fortified city. No matter how well defended cities might be, they would eventually fall to the resourceful and determined general. How much more is this the case on the spiritual level when “the city” is up against God’s weaponry. Human bulwarks and parapets, no matter how high and lifted up, can never withstand God’s power.”
In the end, we need to approach ministry to others with the knowledge we are warring not against people but against principalities and powers. Above all we must remember that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to pull down strongholds. We must know that the Greater One lives in us. He is our Mighty Warrior!
Consider the devotion above and post your response to the questions below.
- How can ministry leaders make sure they are focused on the correct battle?
- Why is it so essential to make sure we are operating in God’s power every day?
- What are some practical ways we can encourage the people around us to be mindful of the battles we face?
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