II CORINTHIANS 10:4: “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.”
OBSERVATION: You don’t need a weapon if you are not in a war. The fact that we have been given weapons with which to fight – indicates that we are engaged in a battle. Life is a battle, an epic battle. Yet, this battle is not with flesh and blood. We are not called to war against personalities or even earthly governments. Our battle is spiritual. In this battle the stakes are high. The outcome will determine our personal liberty and freedom or a life marked by bondage, fear, and failure. I know what I want. I want and choose liberty and freedom!
The weapons that we have been given are both defensive and offensive. No doubt we are familiar with the spiritual armor that Paul outlines in Ephesians 6. He exhort us –
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,” (Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV)
Much could be said about each individual piece of the whole armor of God. Yet, II Corinthians 10:4 gives us insight into its’ nature in its’ totality. The Armor of God has “DIVINE POWER”! This “Divine Power” enables us to pull down strongholds. Strongholds are the ensnarements of the body and soul that have been crafted by the enemy, his lies – and entered into by our sin. In our own strength we are completely helpless against them. We can feign victory for a while through the effort of our will. But, alas, we find ourselves succumbing once again to the same weakness and to the same sin. We are trapped unless something greater than us intervenes and “BREAKS THE STRONGHOLD”!
The armor of God has such “Divine Power” to do this. It is not because of our understanding of the armor. It is because of the source of the armor – JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD! It is only because He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life – that we can find every stronghold in our life broken. Liberty and Freedom do not come from mere human effort – they come from His Life. His Life, His Sacrifice, His Resurrection – are the source of our victory, It is the “Divine” (Jesus Christ) invading the “human” (my life). When that happens – the “Divine” wins every time! This “Divine”, Christ in me, literally destroys my strongholds!
Lord, thank You for the victory that You have given me in Jesus Christ! Thank You for weapons that have “Divine Power” to destroy strongholds! Thank You for Your cleansing and forgiveness that sets me free. May I walk in this freedom and victory today. In Jesus Name!
