2 Corinthians_10

Scripture  2 Corinthians 10:3-4 

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but  divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. Observation-What does it say?  In Paul’s second letter to the church at Corinth, we see a deep concern for their spiritual progress.  This letter is deeply personal and comes on the heels of the division seen within the church during the first letter.  One of the themes within the letter is that of his authority as an apostle.  In chapter ten, he turns his attention to a group who are hostile to the authority given to him.  During this chapter, he makes mention of his meek personality, which is in contrast to his boldness in writing.  However, not only does he remind them that our battle is not against humans or physical, but it is spiritual and only spiritual weapons will be of any use.  Paul echoes the words of David, from Psalm 20:7-9,  “Some boast in chariots and some in horses, But we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God. They have bowed down and fallen,But we have risen and stood upright. Save, O Lord; May the King answer us in the day we call.” Understanding-What does it mean?  I was scrolling through the available movies on our Disney Plus subscription and came across one of my childhood favorites, “Mighty Ducks.”  Feeling a little nostalgic, I started it and watched while working on a small project.  Within the first ten minutes, a character named Fulton Reed.  He is introduced as a larger than life character, who comes out of nowhere to protect some less fortunate kids.  As the movie progresses, he takes the roll of the “enforcer” on the ice, the big guy who does all of the hitting.  In some instances, just his mere presence causes the opposing players to turn tail and run.  In our spiritual lives, the Holy Spirit is the ultimate enforcer.  He is more reliable than Fulton Reed, not to mention more powerful.  Several times in his writings, Paul makes mention that we have a fight that is in the spiritual realm and not the physical.  To the Ephesians he wrote, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”  In this battle, our best weapon is the help of the Holy Spirit, who Jesus told us would be our helper. Life Application  Holy Spirit, I ask that you would help guide me through my day.  Help me not to run away from spiritual fights, but in your power meet them head on.  And when my enemy is my own flesh, help me to rest in knowing that Jesus overcame my flesh when he died on the cross.  -Tyler Galloway