I would sincerely encourage you to read blogs 1-4 concerning this topic, if you have not done so already.
These scriptures must not be taken lightly! Before we continue, let’s “unwrap” what is being declared in 2 Cor. 10:3-6.
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when our obedience is fulfilled.”
First, what is the definition of “flesh”? The following definition is found in the American Dictionary of English Language – Noah Webster 1828. Note: I find scriptural definitions in this dictionary to be much more meaningful/ reliable than current “modern” dictionaries which tragically omit scriptural references! It would be most interesting to learn just when dictionaries began to omit Biblical references!
* Flesh – “The body, as distinguished from the soul”, men in general; mankind.” As declared in Genesis 6:3 “My spirit shall not always strive with man forever for he is indeed flesh. . .”
* The carnal mind – “For those who live to according to the flesh set their minds on things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. A carnal mind is an enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors – not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.” (Romans 8:5-14)
* “Carnality – ‘The flesh lusts against the spirit.’” (Gal. 5:17)
* “Corrupt nature – ‘Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God’” (1 Cor. 15:5) and “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.” (2 Cor. 10:3-4)
* “Sin” and the scriptures are replete with the dangers of sin – for sure, a huge part and parcel of the corrupt nature and, definitely, a humongous cause of sorrow/grief! Is man’s behavior related to himself in the flesh? If so, obviously, he is not walking in the Spirit of the LORD! Thankfully, the LORD has provided His children with spiritual ways for dealing with sin in our lives, thankfully! Consider Psalm 32:5 which declares “I acknowledge my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,’ and You forgave the iniquity of my sin.” The footnote referencing this verse notes that “Transgression means rebellion”. (New Spirit Filled Bible)
* “Weapons/Warfare – Struggles with spiritual enemies”. Concerning spiritual warfare, I highly recommend a study of Ephesians 6:10-18 which discusses the putting on of the “Whole Armor of God”. May I strongly recommend a book which deals with daily readings concerning spiritual warfare: THE CHRISTIAN IN COMPLETE ARMOUR by William Gurnall, a minister who wrote in the 1600s. (Moody Press).
Written in the publishers’ preface of Gurnall’s book was this “The stage whereon this war is fought is every man’s own soul. Here is no neuter in this war. The whole world is engaged in the quarrel, either for God against Satan, or for Satan against God.”
We are told by Paul in Ephesians 6:10-18, that we are to “put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil”. Always keeping in mind “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh and that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty in the pulling down of strongholds” (2 Cor. 10:3,4)
Please keep in mind that we are to “put on” the full armor and keep it on, 24/7! Warriors do not take their armor off during warfare! We saints are in warfare 24/7! Some saints believe they can take it off when they go to bed and put it on when they wake up! It has been declared that we are to “maintain a battle stance against this satanic structure” (Kingdom Dynamics – New Spirit-Filled Life Bible)
* Strongholds – “Anything opposing God’s will” and resides where? In the mind! How so, you ask? As I have declared often, we are told in the scriptures that we are to “take every thought captive (my emphasis) to pulling down of strongholds” (2 Cor. 10:5) and “. . . casting down every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought (again my emphasis) into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.” (2 Cor. 4-6)
Do we have control over our thoughts where the warfare begins? We had better, or we are in serious trouble!! This could be an entirely new way to “thinking” for many believers!! Consider this. . .” who is the author of many of our thoughts. . . the “deceiver”– Satan himself. It is crucial that we seek the “gift of discernment” as just who is talking to us in our minds! (Hebrews 4:12)
“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.”
As Christians, we must seriously consider such choices as:
· Constantly focusing on our sorrows and reaping the consequences AND REAPING THE CONSEQUENCES as mentioned in the definition above.
· Focusing on the faith of God, not in God and His promises, by searching for the appropriate promises throughout the scriptures.
· Please consider coming before the Holy Spirit who BATHES us with His perfect peace – Jehovah Shalom for the LORD is peace, and such a blessing!
· "Bringing every thought captive to the pulling down of strongholds” as stated previously.
· "Casting (flinging is the correct translation) all our cares upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
· Choosing to walk not "According to the flesh, but according, to the Spirit ". (Romans 8:1)
· Seeking out sincere Christians for comfort, support and wisdom.
This requires us to be “still and know the salvation (being set free) of the LORD who is with you. . .” (2 Chron. 20:17) If we are not “still” in His presence, we will not experience His peace . . . for He is also our comforter as well. Consider Jesus as He was getting ready to ascend to the Father, the disciples were so much in “sorrow” that He declared "And I will pray to the Father and He will give you another Helper, (Holy Spirit) that He might abide with you forever." (John 14:16) Jesus was also addressing “some of His disciples” concerning His ascending to the Father "Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy." (John 16:20)
You must remember that this scripture is just one of many, many of His promises and He stands on His promises which do not return to Him void, and thus so must we stand on His promises!
Note that when the Sorrow/grief blogs have been completed, there will be a follow up blog concerning Spiritual Warfare.
To be continued in Blog 6.
Be abundantly blessed, O LORD God Almighty,
Be abundantly blessed
