2 Corinthians 10:4 (ESV) -- For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.

More is happening around us than meets the eye. A common framework the New Testament uses to describe life in this world is “warfare.” We understand human warfare because there has been quite a bit of fighting and battles on earth throughout our history. The 20th century was one of the bloodiest centuries in human history because of the amount of wars that took place. But there is an ongoing spiritual war happening too. And we are in it. 

Our passage today points us to the fact that the weapons of our warfare are not like those in human conflicts. This is a spiritual battle. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 10:4, “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.”

The weapons of our warfare are not flesh. We cannot fashion weapons out of steel to defeat spiritual enemies. Satan and demons are not vanquished and defeated by guns, knives, swords, or bombs. No, the weapons of our warfare are from above. God provides us the weapons of our warfare. The Word of God, prayer, fasting, the Holy Spirit in us, and ultimately the ascended Christ who reigns from Heaven over all things. We must learn to rely upon these “weapons” of warfare. 

The power to win victory is found in God. This divine power destroys strongholds. We can experience victory over the darkness no matter how dark it is. There are wicked foes that stand against us, but greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world. When Jesus walked by the two men possessed by demons in Matthew 8, it tells us everyone was terrified of them. But not Jesus. He walked straight up to them. We must remember that true power rests with God. And we have the weapons He supplies to give us victory. Look to Him today. Take up the weapons of divine power.

Reflection & Journal: 

- Why is the imagery of warfare so helpful in understanding the spiritual struggle around us?

- What are the weapons of warfare? How do we use them?

- How does today’s devotional challenge you and help you walk faithfully?

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