The Christian Combat • 2 Corinthians 10:1-6

Review & Overview

Sally & Pastor Clark are in Arizona performing a wedding for the granddaughter of Clark’s high school friend.

1. Previous Study’s Review

The book of 2 Cor. deals with 3 major areas:

1. The Philosophy behind Paul’s Ministry: chp.1-7 - Where Paul explain how ministry is to be operated, how it is to be conducted.

Paul explains his motivation behind why he does what he does.

2 Cor 5:14 - …the love of Christ compels us...

2. The Giving in Light of Paul’s Ministry: chp.8-9 - Here Paul reminds the Corinthians that they wanted to give monetarily to the poor church in Jerusalem.

Paul taught several principles & promises regarding biblical giving.

That section is important of course because many pastors abuse the concept of giving.

2 Corinthians 9:7 NKJV

7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

2. Current Study’s Overview

This brings us to chps.10: as we begin the final section of the Book dealing with The Defense of Paul’s Ministry. Read...

Paul concludes this epistle by defending his apostolic authority and his credentials.

Because Paul’s 1st letter to Corinth was very confrontational... he exposed the fact they were Divisive... Sexually Immoral... Unethical... Idolatrous... problems in the Worship Services... they were messed up...

So he wrote 1 Cor. to straighten them out... but there were many who were Critical of Paul for that...

There was a rebellious minority that questioned his Motives & Authority for writing that letter... so here in chp.10-13 Paul deals with it...

As you saw in our quick reading of today’s scripture. Paul Addresses his accusers and makes it clear that he doesn’t war over these sort of things in a fleshly manner but in the power of the Spirit.

And it’s interesting that as technology advances so does our strategy for war and the weapons of our warfare get better and more sophisticated.

ILLUSTRATION (Meaning of One Kiloton): Did you know a1 kiloton (KT) bomb is equivalent to 1,000 tons of T.N.T.

A one megaton (MT) bomb is equivalent to 1,000,000 tons of T.N.T.

The bomb of Hiroshima was a 20-KT bomb.

The largest bomb ever to explode was from the Russians in the 1960’s which was the hydrogen bomb. It was a 100 MT bomb.

The force of that explosion was so powerful that measured pressure pulses from this bomb went around the world two times.

Let me put that into perspective. All the explosives used on both sides in WW II were less than 3 megatons!

To equal a 100-MT bomb, you would have to drop a 20-KT bomb (like the one on Japan) every day of the year for 13 years.

Scientists are discussing bombs of 10,000; 20,000, or even 1,000,000 megaton bombs.

ILLUSTRATION (Stones & Spears): The Albert Einstein, whose initial research made the atomic bomb possible, was asked by friends what new weapons might be employed in World War III.

He shook his head, and after several minutes of meditation, said, “I don’t know what weapons might be used in World War III. But there isn’t any doubt what weapons will be used in World War IV.”

“And what are those?” a guest asked.

“Stones and Spears,” said Einstein.

The title of today’s message is: The Christian Combat

Because tho the weapons of the world are mighty in man, for the Christian the weapons of our warfare are mighty in God.

If your taking notes today, we want to look at 3 A’s:

1. The Accusation vs.2b

2. The Appeal Vs. 1-2a

3. The Approach Vs. 3-6

1. The Accusation Against Paul Vs. 2b

in chp.7:8-16 we know many believers in Corinth accepted Paul’s Authority... because their Godly sorrow produced repentance unto salvation...

But there was a small group of Corinthians who were critical of Paul & questioned his Authority... they said he was walking in the flesh... that he had fleshly motives for writing those things...

Now, according to Gal 5:19-21 the works of the flesh are evident: Adultery, sexual immorality, hatred, murder, etc.

Galatians 5:19–21 NKJV

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

I don’t believe Paul’s accusers were accusing Paul of the typical fleshly desires a new Christian struggles with.

Walking according to the flesh here refers to several things in light of the totality of this epistle.

If your taking notes there are at least 4 things as to what walking according to flesh means here...

1.1 Walking According to the Flesh Meant Not Acting Authoritatively

Some were saying that Paul was a hypocrite because when he was present with them he was kind & gentle.

But when he was a way he was bold & authoritative only through the letters he sent.

They were saying Paul was too meek and he was weak. Look at...

2 Corinthians 10:10 NKJV

10 “For his letters,” they say, “are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.”

But what they didn’t understand was, Paul embraced his weaknesses he argued that they highlight the power of Christ working through him

He said, “when I a weak, then I am strong”.

But it didn’t mean he wasn’t authoritative or bold.

2 Corinthians 11:21 NKJV

21 To our shame I say that we were too weak for that! But in whatever anyone is bold—I speak foolishly—I am bold also.

1.1 Walking According to the Flesh Meant Not Acting Authoritatively

Was Paul bold? Did Paul have authority? He did, in fact

In Act 13 on Paul’s 1st missionary journey he runs into a man named Bar-jesus who was a sorcerer.

When this man was seeking to turn people away from the faith Paul filled w/ the Holy Spirit said to him, “…you son of the devil, you enemy of righteousness, you shall be blind for a time”.

And a dark mist fell on him and went blind.

Paul was bold, Paul had authority, it’s just a different kind of authority. It’s a God given authority a spiritual authority.

And you know when it comes to authority within the church I think of the disciples there in Matthew 20:20

Where James & John were seeking to sit on the right and left hand of the kingdom of God, places of authority.

Matthew 20:25–27 NKJV

25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—

1.1 Walking According to the Flesh Meant Not Acting Authoritatively

You see the concept of authority within the kingdom of God is completely opposite to the world.

And unfortunately, sometimes worldly authority sneaks into the church.

People through worldly and fleshly tactics climb the ladder within the church and begin to legalize the church, they put a burden on the people, and treat the people harshly.

But Paul makes it very clear and he tells us 2 things about Spiritual Authority. Look at Vs. 8a

2 Corinthians 10:8 “8 For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed—”

1. Spiritual Authority is not earned it is given by God:

Matthew 20:23 “...but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.””

Notice, why the Lord gives authority to some people? Look at Vs. 8b

2. Spiritual Authority is for edification:

Authority within the church is to edify to build people up NOT to tear people down, not to destroy.

ILLUSTRATION: About old church

APPLICATION: In a position of authority it is a lot easier to tear down than it is to build up.

1.2 Walking According to the Flesh Meant Not Experiencing Visions & Revelations

2 Corinthians 12:1 NKJV

1 It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord:

Talk about acts 16 where God gave him a vision to go to Corinth. It was a result of a vision why this church even existed. But Paul didn’t boast of that...

1.3 Walking According to the Flesh Meant Not Performing Mighty Works

2 Corinthians 12:11–12 NKJV

11 I have become a fool in boasting; you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you; for in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though I am nothing. 12 Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds.

1.4 Walking According to the Flesh Meant Not Being a Person Through Whom Christ Spoke

2 Corinthians 13:3 NKJV

3 since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you.

So in essence, we have Paul’s battle the war that he is in. Which was not only against the false teachings and practices that had infiltrated the community but also against the divisive and undermining influence of the false teachers themselves.

2 Corinthians 11:2–3 “2 For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.”

Paul is and will not fight this battle with fleshly resources, which is why it looked like Paul was weak. Because he was relying not in his own strength but on God.

Paul is calling them to discern and to encourage them to reject false teachings, he is exhorting them to remain faithful to the true gospel that he had preached to them.

APPLICATION: So I think we have a warning here: Be aware of people who exalt themselves at the cost of others, be aware of people who exalt themselves by talking down on others.

Be aware of people who exalt themselves with fleshly resources. It’s important for us to discern true authority and leadership.

It’s important for us to discern between a person who makes boastful claims and negative comments about others and a person who is empowered by the Holy Spirit.

2. The Appeal by Paul Vs. 1-2a

Paul deals with this accusation of him walking according to the flesh by pleading and begging the church - He give the church his appeal.

But notice here in Vs. 1 how he appeals...

2.1 How He Appeals Vs. 1

When Paul wrote 1 Cor. he was absent from them so he was very bold - But it wasn’t because he was a hypocrite.

He did this on purpose, he did not want to be bold and authoritative in person but through his letters.

1 Corinthians 4:21 NKJV

21 What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?

2. The Appeal by Paul Vs. 1-2a

So it’s easy to see why his critics accused him of walking in the flesh...

But I love how Paul responds to his critics... his accusers... his attackers...

He doesn’t attack back, he pleads with them how, by the Meekness & Gentleness of Christ...

You know Jesus’ meekness & gentleness was a stumbling block to the Jews because they were looking for someone with worldly power.

They were looking for a conqueror, a deliverer, to overthrow Rome.

Their idea of who the messiah was, was twisted. So when they saw Jesus meek and gentle they were stumbled by it.

Meekness: prah-o-tas, 9, mild, even-tempered

Meekness is not weakness

Being able to control your emotions is a sign of a strong person.

A good church leader is a meek person who doesn’t seek revenge when wronged... he mild when responding to his critics... to his accusers...

Gentleness: epi-ki-ah, 2, moderate, lenient...

When it’s used of someone with authority like Paul it carries the idea of not exercising your power or authority even though you have it...

What a beautiful picture of Jesus, who does have all authority? Winds, seas, demons, diseases obey him.

Talk about Pilot situation

John 19:10–11 NKJV

10 Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?” 11 Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”

Matthew 28:18 NKJV

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

And yet...

Matthew 11:29 NKJV

29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

APPLICATION: How important it is that we all respond to those who come against us & attack us with the meekness & gentleness of Christ...

Matthew 5:44 NKJV

44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

2. The Appeal by Paul Vs. 1-2a

2.2 What He Appeals Vs. 2a

Paul is pleading and appealing them to repent and to get right with God...

Because he did not want to drop the hammer on them...

Paul’s attitude was that of Jesus...

2 Peter 3:9 NKJV

9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

the Lord’s attitude toward us is one of longsuffering...

ILLUSTRATION: We do this with our kids too. Sometimes I have my wife take care of them.

3. The Approach of Paul Vs. 3-6

Paul deals with this accusation of him walking according to the flesh 1st by pleading and begging the church..

2nd he deals with it by his approach: He deals with it in the Spirit.

3.1 Paul’s Approach Involves Recognizing The Battlefield Vs. 3

As humans we all walk in the flesh... in these physical bodies we have legs & feet & that’s how we walk...

TALK ABOUT THE FLESH: The thing you look at in the mirror is an earth suit.

So we all walk in the flesh... but as Christians we don’t walk or live our lives by the power of the flesh.

To wage war according to the flesh means to carry out ministry or live this christian walk with human resources and not with the power of God.

APPLICATION: The same is true regarding the war we’re in... we’re all in a war, a battle... it’s a spiritual battle...

Ephesians 6:12 NKJV

12 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.

3.1 Paul’s Approach Involves Recognizing The Battlefield Vs. 3

The problem comes when we try to fight this battle in the flesh... in our own power or strength...

That’s right where the enemy wants us to be... using our fleshly resources to fight a spiritual battle.

Can I remind you all that we are all in a war. And according to Ecclesiastes 8:8 “…there is no release from that war...”

ILLUSTRATION: About when I saw 9/11 twin towers got hit. The Day was eerie...

We have 3 major enemies that may be the root of our daily struggles in life:

1. The Flesh...

Galatians 5:17 (NKJV)

17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.

APPLICATION: Unfortunately, some of us are allowing the lust of the flesh to quench the Spirit of God.

2. The Devil...

Ephesians 6:11 NKJV

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Ephesians 6:16 NKJV

16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

APPLICATION: Some of us are not standing against the wiles and the schemes of the devil - Some of us are being ensnared and trapped like a little bird in the schemes of the devil.

3. The World...

John 15:18–19 NKJV

18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

ILLUSTRATION: Talk about great oak situation...

3.2 Paul’s Approach Involves His Weapons Vs. 4a

So the weapons we have for fighting this battle are Mighty in God... not in our flesh...

We see this example throughout scripture...

Eph.6:10 be strong in the Lord & the power of His might...

2 Tim.2:1 be strong in the grace of our Lord J.C...

Col.1:11 be strengthened with all might according to His glorious power...

Zechariah 4:6 …Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord...

It’s in God! - No weapon formed against you shall prosper!

Warfare Greek - strateia; Strategy...

How are we strategizing against our enemies? In the power of the flesh? or in God?

So what are the weapons of our warfare that should be used to strategize against our enemies?:

1. The Word of God:

Hebrews 4:12 NKJV

12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

APPLICATION: Some of us are neglecting the most powerful weapon in our arsenal!

Pop off regarding the word discerner...

Question #1: Do you know why was Eve deceived? Because she did not accurately know the word of God.

Satan comes to her and said, “Did God say? Did God really say that!?” You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

Genesis 3:3 NKJV

3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ”

Genesis 2:16–17 NKJV

16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

Question #2: Do you know how Jesus overcome the devil’s temptations? By using the word of God accurately.

Satan used the word of God out of context on Jesus and Jesus corrected him.

Satan used the same tactics he used on Eve: Lust of the flesh, Lust of the eyes, & pride of life.

Genesis 3:6 (NKJV)

6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.

2. The Armor of God:

Ephesians 6:11 NKJV

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Romans 13:14 NKJV

14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

because He is the whole armor of God...

3. Prayer to God:

1 Thessalonians 5:17 NKJV

17 pray without ceasing,

Ephesians 6:18 NKJV

18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

Prayer is not tradition, it’s not for an audition / Prayer is where find God’s ambition, it’s a time for submission / Prayer is a battlefield where we get ammunition.

4. Praise & Worship to God:

In acts 16 Paul and his team experienced a demonic attack, they were beaten, bloody, thrown in prison, their feet were fastened in the stocks, they couldn’t move

Acts 16:25–26 NKJV

25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.

They were fighting back. Put yourself in their situation for a moment, imagine the atmosphere.

You just witnessed a demon possession

You are beaten, bloody

You feet are physically locked & fastened so you can’t move around.

Not only is it dark but there must have been a spiritual darkness looming in their midst.

So what did they do in spite of all that??

“Instead of allowing the atmosphere and circumstances to invade them, they decided to invade the atmosphere of darkness with the presence of God”

Praise & worship are spiritual weapons that we need to be using for this war we are all in.

3.3 Paul’s Approach Involves The Purpose for the Weapons Vs. 4b-6

1. For Pulling Down Strongholds Vs. 4b - Pulling Down: 3, to destroy, demolish... Stronghold: only here, speaks of a wall, a fortress, or castle...

Strongholds are deeply ingrained beliefs or thought patterns that stand in opposition to the knowledge of God.

They are like fortresses in our hearts, built brick by brick from our experiences, from trauma, our culture, and even our own reasoning.

They lead us to interpret life through a lens that supports these beliefs, rather than through the truth of God’s Word.

We must be vigilant because the enemy seeks to fortify these strongholds, using them to whisper lies and sow doubt about the goodness and faithfulness of God.

ILLUSTRATION: Imagine a beautiful, lush garden full of vibrant flowers, fruit-bearing trees, and chirping birds. This garden represents our minds and hearts, created by God to flourish.

However, over time, walls have been built around this garden. These walls are made of strong bricks, each one representing a stronghold—a deeply ingrained belief or thought pattern that is contrary to God’s truth.

Some bricks are made of pride, making us believe we don’t need God’s guidance.

Other bricks are formed from past hurts, leading us to doubt God’s goodness and faithfulness.

And some bricks are shaped by worldly wisdom, enticing us to rely on our own understanding rather than trusting in the Lord.

These walls may provide a sense of security, but in reality, they keep us confined and separated from the fullness of life in Christ.

They block the light of God’s truth from fully illuminating our hearts so that the beautiful garden within is hindered from reaching its full potential and begins to die.

APPLICATION: But the good news: God didn’t leave us powerless. He has provided us with weapons to tear down these walls.

As we wield these weapons, as we pray, communicate the bible, the bricks start to crumble, and gaps begin to appear in the walls.

And through these gaps, the light of God’s truth begins to seep in, nurturing the garden within.

The flowers bloom brighter, the trees bear more fruit, and the birds sing louder. The garden starts to thrive as it was always meant to.

Josh.6: Jericho, they marched around once a day for 6 days. 7 times on the 7th day, 13 total.

APPLICATION: Point: we can’t do it in & of ourselves... we need God’s help... but praise the Lord we have it... like the Israelites...

2. For Bringing Thoughts Into Captivity Vs. 5 - Casting down: is the root word from Pulling Down in vs.4. to destroy, demolish...

Arguments: 2, thoughts, ideas, philosophies that are against God... & anything or anyone who exalts themselves higher then God...

The world is continually putting thoughts into our head that are well, less then Godly…

With God’s strength & might we can bring them into captivity... cast them down... throw them out...

APPLICATION: For some of you it is your thoughts that have you captured, when you are the one to capture your thoughts!

Romans 8:5 “5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.”

Philippians 4:8 “8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

1 Corinthians 2:16 “16 For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.”

Philippians 2:5 “5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,”

3. For Punishing all Disobedience Vs. 6 - It was God’s Might & Strength that empowered Paul to patiently wait for the Corinthians to repent...

And when they did there was a clear line drawn in the sand between those who got right with God & those who did not... & for those who didn’t repent... they get punishment...

APPLICATION: And what a picture of Jesus Christ. Though He is meek & gentle and has given all of humanity window of time for us to repent and get right w/ God.

But one day, He will come back and punish all disobedience.

2 Thessalonians 1:7–9 (NKJV)

7 ...when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,

In closing, our journey in this world is filled with battles, not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this present darkness. We are in a spiritual warfare, and our adversary, the devil, is relentless.

But fear not, for we are not without defense. God has equipped us with armor and weapons not of this world, but powerful through God.

Let us, put on the full armor of God, that we may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

And let us remember that the war is already won! We are just fighting the remaining battles while we wait on the Lord.

So let us fight the good fight, and finish the race, and keep the faith!

ENDING......