Greetings Mt. Vernon Family,

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 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… (2Cor. 10:3-5)

For the last seven weeks I have been speaking about the whole armor of God, one piece at a time. In this text, Paul assures us that the weapons God gives us are mighty in God for pulling down strongholds. The church at Corinth was being misled by false apostles. The false apostles had judged Paul’s ministry by human standards—a big personality and a take charge authoritative leadership style. Like Jesus, Paul came in meekness and humility. He depended on divine power and spiritual weapons. Paul understood that Satan had launched a campaign to destroy the church at Corinth. Satan used the false apostles to deceive members, who in turn resisted Paul's authority and message. Strongholds in this case are mental walls of resistance, built on lies. Reasonings that are opposed to the truth of God’s word. Paul used the whole armor of God to tear down the opposition. He relied on the power of the Holy Spirit and used prayer and the word of God. Our spiritual weapons are mighty IN God, in His will, in His timing, in His power, and not on our own, apart from Him. Without Him, we can do nothing. But, when we pray for God to cast down wrong thinking and dispel the darkness that may be keeping a person or group of people from accepting God’s word, the walls of resistance in their hearts are torn down and the darkness is removed. The doors to their hearts are then open and receptive to the word of God. We all know someone that Satan has blinded. Someone who is resistant to the word of God. Put on the whole armor of God and wage war for their souls. Amen.

Be Richly Blessed,

Pastor Deborah Giles