2 Corinthians 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) I. THE WARFARE. It is — 1. A moral warfare. It is the cause of truth against error; of knowledge against ignorance and superstition; of liberty against vassalage; of holiness against sin. Its object is that the kingdom of darkness may be overthrown and the kingdom of Christ established. 2. A necessary contest. It is not optional. We must conquer or be conquered. 3. An arduous conflict. It cannot be maintained by an idle show on the parade, but only by actual and persevering service. Our enemies are — (1) Numerous. We wrestle not against flesh and blood. (2) Ever on the alert. We cannot with safety reckon on any cessation of hostilities. 4. A most momentous struggle. In it are involved interests the most solemn and interminable. II. THE WEAPONS. 1. Every Christian is a soldier, and he puts on the whole armour of God (Ephesians 6:11, etc.). Those engaged in this warfare fight according to prescribed laws. Wherever they go they erect the standard of the King of kings. They fight and conquer by their faithful preaching, holy living, works of faith, and labours of love. 2. These weapons are not carnal. Men are not to be dragooned into Christianity. Errors are not to be cut to pieces by the sword. 3. But though they are not carnal, they are real and powerful. How mighty — (1) Compared with those used by the warriors of this world! What can they do? — they can wound the body; but the soul defies their power. But here are weapons which can take hearts prisoners, and carry them away in delightful captivity. (2) Compared with the weapons of those who oppose themselves to Christ — the jests of impiety — the subtleties of sophistry, the feathered arrows of sarcasm. When by the means of these has ever error been wrung from the heart? 4. Whence arises this might? Let us take care not to attribute too much to our weapons. They are mighty through God. He furnishes and accompanies the right use of them with His presence and His power. III. THE ISSUE. 1. The pulling down of strongholds. The enemy, after having been worsted in open conflict, flee to the strongholds; but we are to lay siege to and destroy the foe in their very fortresses. And what is any unregenerate heart but a stronghold? Men are under the influence of the spirit that worketh in the hearts of the children of disobedience. Is he not fortified there by ignorance, by pride, by corrupt passions, by unbelief? 2. "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing," etc. The allusion here is to those engines which are employed to destroy walls and towers of defence. The terms apply to "philosophy, falsely so called." How many high things are there still in the world which must be cast down! 3. The captivity of every thought to the obedience of Christ. (1) The enemy has been pursued, his fortresses have been thrown down, his citadel has been taken, and every individual within has been carried away in triumph. The whole man with all his powers is overcome. A victory this such as the warriors of this world never achieved. Bodies may be taken captive, still the thoughts are free. But here is a conquest over the thoughts. (2) And this captivity is as honourable and delightful as it is complete. What can be more degrading than to be a captive of sin and Satan? — but to be taken captive by Christ, and to be obedient to Him, what an honour, a joy!Conclusion: We may learn that our common Christianity — 1. Is not a system of seclusion and quietism. It is a warfare. Neutrality is out of the question here. "Curse ye Meroz," etc. 2. Is not only defensive, but aggressive. The principal reason why the gospel has not made more progress in the world is this: we have contented ourselves with a defensive rather than an aggressive warfare. What are we doing — defending the outworks, showing our dexterity in distinguishing nice points, and sometimes wounding a fellow-soldier, perhaps, because his habiliments differed from our own? This we have done, instead of uniting in one broad phalanx against the common foe! 3. Is destined ultimately to triumph. (R. Newton, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) |
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