The Gospel According to Paul: Weapons of Choice. Message Magazine’s Online Devotional for Sunday, May 20, 2018
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“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh” (2 Corinthians 10:3).
Desperate Times
When human beings become desperate and don’t have answers to life’s difficult questions, we sometimes resort to human means for help. One of our most desperate struggles, especially in these last days, is war. There are terrorists all over the world with one goal in mind. They wish to put fear in the hearts of those whom they hate. With suicide bombs, shoulder-launched grenades, and other war implements, they seek to destroy life. In desperation, world leaders seek to combat war with war. The weapons of choice strike with intensity, and destroy the target. Because of hatred and war, many people all over the world lose their lives needlessly.
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). In context, these verses are addressing arguments launched against the true gospel of Christ. When faced with the opposition of those who do not love the gospel, God’s word to us is that we do not fight as they fight. We are lead by the heavenly Captain of our souls. Everyone who opposes Captain Jesus Christ will certainly suffer defeat. Nothing can stand in His way and remain in tact.
Choose Your Weapon
Though bombings and artillery fighting was probably not on the apostle’s mind when he wrote these verses, we can glean a valuable principle from his words. Whenever we are faced with evil opposition, whether it is nation against nation or in our personal lives, the weapons we choose will determine the outcome. If we choose human weapons, destruction and more opposition will surely result. When we choose spiritual weapons, the Lord fights our battles and in the end, strife will cease forever.
When the persecution of life assails you, look to Jesus. We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but devils. How can we fight devils by human means? We cannot see them unless they manifest themselves. Even then, we cannot defeat them in our own strength. If we ever hope to stand against unrighteousness and evil, we must be fully covered with the armor of God, Jesus Christ.
Cover Me
Let us be covered by Jesus, the way, the truth, and the life. Let us be covered by Jesus, our righteousness. Let us be covered by Jesus, the focal point of the gospel, and Prince of peace. Let us be covered with Jesus, the Author, and Finisher of our faith. Let us be covered by Jesus, the One who is our redemption. Let us be covered by Jesus, the living Word of God (Ephesians 6:11-17). It is only when we are covered by Him, and fight the good fight of faith that we will conquer evil.
I’m not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, are you?
