---

I. THE ENEMY AGAINST WHOM THIS WARFARE IS DIRECTED.

1. That enemy is Satan.

2. The position of these hosts of darkness.

3. The kingdom of Satan is represented as fortified by numerous strongholds.

(1) Of these some are intellectual. There is the stronghold of —

(a)  Wilful ignorance (2 Corinthians 4:4).

(b)  Infidelity, in which revealed truth is scornfully rejected and bitterly reviled.

(c)  Prejudice, under which multitudes refuse the doctrines of Evangelical religion.

(d)  Superstition and idolatry.

(2) There is the stronghold of moral depravity in every heart. When every other fortress is broken down, man finds a refuge here.

II. THE WEAPONS WITH WHICH THIS WARFARE IS PROSECUTED.

1. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal — neither force nor intrigue. False religions have been thus propagated; but Christianity repudiates all such aid.

2. What those weapons are, Paul has stated in Ephesians 6. Now these weapons, though not carnal, are nevertheless mighty.

(1) For defence.

(2) For conquest. For the overthrow of Satan's kingdom, and the disenthralment of the human race from his iron yoke, we need no other weapons.

(3) In their source — "God"; not any skill, or strength, or courage in us.

(a)  It is God who summons us to this glorious conflict.

(b)  He equips us for the contest.

(c)  He is graciously present with us by His good Spirit, inspiring us with Divine energy, and giving us the victory.

III. THE TRIUMPHS WE ANTICIPATE.

1. The total downfall of the strongholds of Satan.

(1) The stronghold of ignorance. The darkness which for so many centuries has covered the earth shall be dispelled. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

(2) The strongholds of superstition and idolatry. The truth as it is in Jesus shall be universally triumphant.

(3) Those earthly governments which obstinately withstand Christianity. The kingdoms of the earth will become the kingdoms of our God and of His Christ.

2. The casting down of imaginations, and of every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God — bold speculations, sophistical reasonings, false philosophies, which either deny His existence or distort His character and misinterpret His will. Now such things are made high things by learning, genius, rank, wealth, and popular applause. But the things which promote the knowledge of God have for the most part been low, humble, obscure. But these matters will be reversed. The knowledge of God will make its way.

3. The subjugation of human hearts to the sceptre of Jesus.

(W. Horton.)

---

---

KJV: For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

WEB: For though we walk in the flesh, we don't wage war according to the flesh;