throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:5 WEB
We fight spiritual battles with prayer, scripture, and heavenly petitions. The weapons of spiritual warfare come from God and Paul is familiar with their use. In this section of his second letter to the Corinthians, he uses his skill with words and intimate knowledge of God to counter claims that he and his close associates walk in the flesh. In addition, he answers challenges to his integrity and effectiveness as a leader.
Addressing the accusation of his walking in the flesh, Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 10:3-4, “For though we walk in the flesh, we don’t wage war according to the flesh; for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds. WEB” With this, Paul maintains that though human, he fights in the spiritual realm for the truth of God and not worldly things.
Attempting to undermine Paul’s status as an Apostle, some members of the church in Corinth call Paul a hypocrite. His critics claim that his letters are well crafted and strong. But in contrast, they say when he visits, he is weak, and his speech is despised. Paul takes this assault seriously.
Paul Asserts His Integrity
To those who say that he is weak, Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 10:11, “Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such are we also in deed when we are present. WEB” With these words, Paul declares his integrity. In addition, he emphasizes his role in building up the church in Corinth. Humble as he is in the obedience of Christ, Paul knows the contribution he made there and does not sell himself short.
Paul then focuses on common ground. He calls to attention those who claim to belong to Christ saying that he and his associates also belong to Christ. Cutting off the dissension of his self-promoting criticizers, Paul returns the faithful to proper focus on the gospel and obedience to Christ. He says of these braggarts in Corinthians 10:18, “For it isn’t he who commends himself who is approved, but whom the Lord commends. WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the guidance we receive from your word. Thank you for the examples of godly men who lived in obedience to Christ. Help me to serve your will with humility and grace. Give me wisdom to respond to criticism in a way that is pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Full of Glory
