2 Corinthians 10:1-6

2 Corinthians 10:1-6

And I myself – Paul – appeal to you all through the humble submission and gracious forbearance of Christ.  I am gentle in once case when I am with you all, but while being absent I am firm in the face of danger into you all.  And I plead to be courageous while I am not present by a confidence that I consider to have to defy possible danger upon some who consider us as while walking according to the flesh.  For while walking in the flesh we do not wage war according to the flesh.  For our weapons of our warfare are not of this fleshly world but empowered by God for the dismantling of strongholds while dismantling the logical reasoning and every prideful thought that is lifted up against the knowledge of God and while taking captive every thought into the obedience of Christ and while being prepared to punish every disobedience when your obedience should be completed.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

If we read these words carefully, we find between the lines one of the accusations that Paul’s adversaries held against him.  They accused Paul that he was able to speak boldly in letters from a distance but when he was in person he wasn’t able to be so bold.  Paul is being accused of being stern from a distance but being spineless in the flesh.  However, I find that this is actually an attribute to be desired.  Paul’s theology was solid.  Anyone can give sound theology from anywhere.  But when you are present in the company of people often there can be greater understanding and compassion offered.  In fact, I truly find this to be Christ’s example.  Jesus was bold and brash a few times – primarily only when confronted or corners by the religious elite.  But in most circumstances Jesus sought humble servant leadership among the people.

Are you a humble servant leader?  What do you think about people who are humble leaders in person?

Second Thought:

because of this, Paul’s accusers also accused him of walking according to the flesh.  I find this amazing.  I can’t believe that anyone could think that the author of a vast array of the New Testament could actually be walking according to the flesh!  These people assumed that because they were empowered and brash that they could accuse Paul of whatever they wanted.  It is amazing to see how people with power live out of their power.

How do you use power in your life?  Are you quick to judge and push other people down?  Do you use your power to empower others?

Third Thought:

This is one of my favorite passages about spiritual warfare.  Paul tells us that our weapons are not of this world.  We are not out winning battles.  We are out dismantling the strongholds of our opponents.  We are out challenging the preconceptions of the world.  We are out giving new thoughts to the world.  We are not fighting physical battles.  We are fighting mental battles of thought, perception, belief, and spirit.  Yes, God can fight the physical battles – He is God.  But where we truly see the beautiful presence of God is when the emotional and spiritual barriers of someone in this world crumble in order to receive God and change their worldview to be humble before God.

Are you engaged in spiritual warfare?  What spiritual battles are you fighting and God is winning in your life?

Passage for Tomorrow: 2 Corinthians 10:7-12