2 Corinthians 10

“For though we live in the body, we do not wage war in an unspiritual way,  since the weapons of our warfare are not worldly, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments and every high-minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive to obey Christ.”  2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (HCSB)

The Biblical directive for believers to be “in the world, but not of it” is impossible to accomplish…apart from the direction and power of the Holy Spirit. We are, after all, only human.  

If we were fighting against the flesh using fleshly weapons, we would be doomed from the beginning. Just as a kingdom divided could never stand, so the flesh cannot overcome itself. All flesh is sinful, so all purely fleshly means of warfare and rescue always fall short of God’s standard. The flesh seeks compromise, whereas the Lord demands obedience and diligent adherence.

Far superior to fleshly weapons are Godly ones. Perhaps we should review the “armor of God” in Ephesians 6. They are the Belt of Truth, Breastplate of Righteousness, Sandals of the Gospel of Peace, Shield of Faith, Helmet of Salvation, and Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

Interestingly, the only offensive weapon listed is God’s Word, as revealed by His Spirit. The ministry of the Spirit is to reveal God’s Word, but the power of the Spirit is the Word itself.

I recall counseling a friend who was going through a season of moral compromise. My friend told me he wanted to honor God but that his flesh was just too weak to fight off temptation. I asked how often he read God’s Word. He said he didn’t think reading the Bible was very important.  

I believe daily Bible reading is more than necessary; it is essential! We are in a constant state of spiritual battle. The enemy comes at us all day, every day. It even attacks us in our sleep!!

“Prepare plans by consultation, and make war by wise guidance.” Proverbs 20:18 (NASB)

How can we enter the spiritual battlefield without seeking and adhering to the Lord’s advice? Merely reading the Bible will not produce victorious living. Application does. It is what you do with the Word revealed that makes the difference. For that, we need God’s Spirit to reveal the truth, direct us on how to apply it, and empower us to employ it, standing strong through to the end!