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2 Corinthians 10:1-6
The Apostle Paul makes a shift in this second letter to the church at Corinth as he concludes his teaching about giving, and begins an attitude that is similar to the teachings of his first letter to the church at Corinth. In 2 Corinthians 10:1-2 (NKJV) Paul “pleads” as in showing his concern for the saints at Corinth to adhere to his teachings in Christ as he begs, “that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.” He wants to make sure that they are paying attention to what he is about to say. In 1 Timothy 1:18-19a the Apostle Paul teaches Timothy, “This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, having faith and a good conscience,”. Paul teaches the congregation of the church at Corinth in 2 Corinthians 10:3-6, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.”
This is an example of being prepared with an obedience to God in Christ Jesus for the war that is waged every day of the sinful nature against God’s Holy Spirit living within us.
To Bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ is to check every your every thought in light of Christ Jesus – to see if your thoughts are obedient to the teachings of Jesus and would be acceptable in His eyes. As we grow in our relationship with God through our salvation in Christ Jesus, we are becoming more and more obedient to Him. And in so, we are also becoming more and more responsible for our thoughts and actions as a Christian. The war we wage is not a physical war but a spiritual war. We must hold ourselves more and more strictly to the gospel; and to “punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled” (2 Corinthians 10:6).
Dear LORD,
Please help us to see that as we grow in our relationship with You that You desire a more and more mature Christian from us, and that we would strive more and more to live lives that are pleasing and glorifying to You – in Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.