10:3-5 (A) What exactly are the weapons of our warfare?
10:3-5 (A) What exactly are the weapons of our warfare?
The Christian's weapons of war are the Holy Spirit (CP Ac 1:8 with 1Cor 2:1-5); truth (CP Eph 6:14 with Ro 13:12); righteousness (CP Eph 6:14 with 2Cor 6:7); the proclamation of the gospel (CP Eph 6:15 with Ro 1:16); faith (CP Eph 6:16 with 1Jn 5:4); salvation (CP Eph 6:17 with 1Th 5:8 - in the context of 1Th 5:8 "hope" is that of the Lord's return, which encourages believers to resist the Spirit of the age in which they live (CP V6-11)); the word of God (CP Eph 6:17; He 4:12); prayer (CP Eph 6:18 with Jas 5:16); love of the brethren (CP Jn 13:34-35 with 1Jn 3:16-24).
These weapons are both defensive and offensive, so as well as being able to withstand the attacks of the enemy, Christians can take the offensive to the enemy (CP Mt 10:7-8; 16:18-19; 18:18-19; Mk 16:15-18; Lu 10:1, 9, 17-19). Sadly, many churches today have resorted to carnal weapons to meet the challenge of the world. They focus on slick gospel presentations in airconditioned comfort, entertainment, humanistic wisdom, psychology etc., but none of these can ever substitute for Holy Spirit power (CP Jn 14:12-14); uncompromising commitment to God's word (CP 1Pe 1:23-25); the fervent proclamation of the gospel (CP Ro 10:14-17); and prevailing prayer etc. (CP 1Pe 4:7).
See also comments on Eph 6:11-12.
(B) What are strongholds, imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God?
Stongholds is used here metaphorically of those things in which one trusts that opposes God's will. Imaginations are thoughts or reasonings hostile to the Christian faith.
High thing is a haughty mental elevation which lifts itself above the experiential knowledge believers have of God - an idealogical fort that is a barricade against the truth of God's word. It is not only unbelievers who hold onto strongholds, imaginations and high things though, it is believers also.
Many try to rationalise the scripture and so render themselves unable to partake of God's blessings in this life. Bringing into captivity every thought unto the obedience of Christ emphasizes the need for believers to ensure that their thoughts are always aligned with Christ and His teachings (CP Jer 17:5-6 with Jer 17:7-8 and Psa 1:1-3).
Jeremiah here contrasts the believer who experiences barrenness with the one who receives blessing. The one who receives the blessing is the one who relies implicitly on God's word to be fulfilled in that life. There are no thoughts, ideas, reasonings or philosophies that can usurp God's authority where they are concerned.
There is also no sin (CP Ro 6:16-18; 8:13).
Christian warfare involves Christians warring against their own sinful nature as well as the forces of darkness (CP Mk 7:20-23; 2Cor 13:5-7 with Eph 6:11-13).
Believers must be aware that the mind is a battleground. Some thoughts originate with us, while others come directly from the enemy. But we can never blame the devil for what we do. If we are resolute in our intent to adhere strictly to God's word no force at all can lead us astray (CP Job 31:1-40 with 1Jn 5:18).
See also comments on Eph 6:11-12.