4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
In the following three verses, Paul gave the nature of his weapons for spiritual warfare and their purpose. His weapons were not carnal but supernatural, God’s Word. The purpose is to bring people to “the knowledge of God.”
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal [fleshly]
We find our divine weapons for spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6:17-18. The super-apostles used rhetoric, spiritual pretension, charisma, and charm; these are “carnal” weapons. Paul’s team disavowed these methods.
but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds [fortresses],
The idea of a stronghold is explained in the next verse. God’s weapons are not human but divine. Paul’s power was not his but God’s. A stronghold or formidable fortress is where his opponents entrench themselves against Paul’s divine weapons. This fortress, with its parapets and bulwarks, that is up against God, will not stand.
Satan’s “strongholds” are his schemes, strategies, and systems designed to undermine the gospel and the Word of God.
PRINCIPLE:
The character of the believer’s weapons is spiritual.
APPLICATION:
Sadly, Christians turn away from the arsenal of faith to bitter conflict, hatred, and acrimony. We fail to appreciate the great power that lies at our availability in God’s provisions. Instead, we use the weak instruments of resentment and anger in dealing with spiritual problems. The weapons of the flesh are weak and ineffective.
Believers cannot fight these battles on human terms or methods. Christians arm themselves against the flesh by putting on the whole armor of God. People who function in the flesh resort to deception and human resources. Top soldiers prepare themselves for spiritual battle. They make sure their gear and weapons are ready.
