Fighting the Enemy

GETTING STARTED

My kids love to watch superheroes come alive on the big screen. They love to cheer for those heroes who have been transformed by some man-made technology or superhuman ability into a self-contained superhuman, able to defeat any super villain. As Christians, we are no superheroes, but we often act as if we are by trying to defeat the enemy in our own strength. In this passage, Paul’s opponents were those who opposed his apostolic ministry. As you read, notice the unique way he engaged in battle.

  • How do you engage in spiritual battle in your life? Who or what is the source of your strength?

READ THE WORD: 2 CORINTHIANS 10:1-6 (ESV)

10:1 I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!— 2 I beg of you that when I am present I may not have to show boldness with such confidence as I count on showing against some who suspect us of walking according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. What did Paul’s opponents suspect of him? Did he deny the accusation (vss. 2-3)?
  2. Paul contrasted walking in the flesh with waging war according to the flesh (vs. 3). What do you think he meant by this?
  3. What must we do with the arguments and opinions raised against the knowledge of God (vss. 5-6)?
  4. What was unique about the weapons that Paul used against his opponents (vss. 4-5)?
  5. Consider how false teachings oppose the truth found in God’s Word. What strategy do you use to identify false teachings? How can you submit them to the truth of what God has revealed in his Word (vs. 5)?

RESPOND TO GOD

Paul’s opponents accused him of being bold on paper but timid in person, and they questioned his claim as an apostle of Christ. Paul responded to this false teaching by explaining that his strength was from God alone. Even today, false teachings or thoughts can build walls that keep us from finding our way to Christ. The enemy can use these “strongholds” to discredit our walk with God and keep us apart from him. Paul’s words remind us that when we shine the truth of God’s revealing Word on these false thoughts and teachings, the Spirit of God can work through us to obliterate arguments raised against the knowledge of God. 

  • Ask God to reveal any false teachings or thoughts that keep you separated from him.