For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God .
2 Corinthians 10:3-5a NIV
When the topic of spiritual warfare comes up it seems like it is usually because someone feels like they are under attack from Satan or his demons. But the conflict we are engaged in is much more than just a defensive struggle. The picture Paul paints here is the offensive side of the battle.
The world wages war with physical weaponry: planes, ships, tanks, guns, and bombs. But those have no value in the spiritual conflict we are a part of. Instead, we have spiritual weapons that have the power to demolish strongholds.
The only spiritual weapon mentioned in the Scripture (Eph. 6:17) is a sword; the sword of the Spirit, the word of God. How do we wield this weapon effectively? First of all, it requires training; how can I really use it if I don’t know what it contains. Practice with it daily, both reading it and applying it. And recognize that it is the Holy Spirit’s sword. Seek the owners advice in how and when to apply the sword. He knows best how to use it.
A stronghold is something that people depend on for safety, like forts of old. Spiritual strongholds are the arguments and pretensions that people use against the knowledge of God. Skillful use of the Spirit’s sword will demolish these strongholds, making them ineffective.
Learn to use the Spirit’s sword effectively and go on the offensive. But do it in love.
How do we understand what love is? In this context, I picture a husband and father going to war to stop the murdering thief who would destroy home and family. Does not love compel him?
Love is patient and kind. It also protects. It is never passive, timid or fearful. It is stronger than death.
I am not a fan of war. But I do agree that it is right to defend against aggressors, whether nations or individuals.
I so appreciate you saying that we do everything in love. I want to add that we do everything in love, through love and for love. The enemy will flee when we express our love for God when we put our trust in Jehova Sabbaoth, the commander of the heavenly armies. As I trust in his promises, He will fight my battles.
The importance of love cannot be overestimated. But as we fight against our real enemies, we need more than love. To stand against the spiritual wickedness in our world we need to be fitted with the armor of God (Eph. 6:10-17).
I thank God i got explanation i needed in pulling down strongs. Is quite commendable.
Good. I’m glad it was useful to you.
am very grateful! its truly helpful! God continue blessing you!
I’m glad. Thanks.
Very good the best form of defence is to attack. we have weapons like the blood of Jesus, the word sword, spear, the stone of offence etc. When it comes to warfare it does not have to do with love Jesus never pet them at the temple He threw their tables upside down saying my Fathers house is a house of prayer, not a den of thieves.
So dealing with the enemy must be aggressive, technical and violent because a stronghold is a place of power, a stronghold is a fortress, a place of strength, a stronghold is a place that is difficult to attack and very easy to defend. Praying to destroy or pull down a stronghold is not an easy task.
Yet Jesus also told us ‘“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.’ in Matthew 5:43-54. Even as we fight to demolish strongholds, we need to act in love.
Definitely true David, we have to be aggressive to destroy strongholds, something the Lord is teaching me, we have not been given a spirit of timidity. “The kingdom of God suffers violence and the violent take it by force. Faithful believers press through the Narrow gate and difficult way to Gods Kingdom.
Yes. And, as I told David. We need to do everything in love. All too often we are mean spirited. We should instead follow Jesus example. He gave his life for those who were killing him as much as he did for me. He conquered, because of love.