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Paul’s Apostolic Authority
2I beg you that when I come I may not need to be as bold as I expect toward those who presume that we live according to the flesh.3For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh.4The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Though we walk in the flesh - That is: Although I am in the common condition of human nature, and must live as a human being, yet I do not war after the flesh - I do not act the coward or the poltroon, as they insinuate. I have a good cause, a good captain, strength at will, and courage at hand. I neither fear them nor their master.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For--Reason why they should regard him "beseeching" them (Co2 10:2) not to oblige him to have recourse to "bold" and stern exercise of authority. "We walk IN the flesh," and so in weakness: but not "ACCORDING TO the flesh" (Co2 10:2). Moreover, though we WALK in it, we do not WAR according to it. A double contrast or antithesis. "They who accuse us of walking after the flesh, shall find [to their cost] that we do not war after the flesh; therefore compel us not to use our weapons" [ALFORD].
John Gill Bible Commentary
For though we walk in the flesh,.... The apostle removes the calumny of walking after the flesh, by owning that they were in the flesh, in the body, in a state of imperfection, attended with many weaknesses and infirmities, and surrounded with a variety of afflictions and sorrows; in this sense they were, and lived and walked in the flesh; but then he denies the charge exhibited against them, we do not war after the flesh: every Christian's life is a warfare with Satan, and his principalities and powers, with the world, the men and lusts of it, and with the corruptions of their own hearts; and much more is the life of a minister of the Gospel, who is called forth to meet the adversary in the gate; to stand in the hottest place of the battle, and sustain the whole fire and artillery of the enemy; to fight the good fight of faith, endure hardness as a good soldier of Christ, and with the weapons he is furnished with to war a good warfare: which is not done "after the flesh"; in such a manner as the men of the world wage war with one another; or upon carnal principles; or with carnal selfish views; or in a weak way and manner; but in a spiritual way, with all simplicity and disinterested views, with great courage and intrepidity of mind.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
10:3-5 A military metaphor enforces Paul’s rebuttal: Paul’s weapons have divine power over spiritual strongholds (see 4:3-4).
Paul’s Apostolic Authority
2I beg you that when I come I may not need to be as bold as I expect toward those who presume that we live according to the flesh.3For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh.4The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Principles for Serving God - Being a Servant on the Power of God
By Zac Poonen2.1K1:01:26Principles2CO 10:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the specific task that God has appointed for each individual. He references John 17:4, where Jesus states that he glorified God on earth by completing the work given to him. The speaker encourages the audience to prioritize fulfilling God's will over desiring a long life. He also highlights the attitude of being a servant and relying on the power of God rather than relying on personal qualifications or achievements.
In the Word #2
By Milton Green1.5K1:01:012CO 10:3This sermon emphasizes the spiritual warfare believers face, highlighting the importance of using divine weapons to tear down strongholds like unforgiveness, resentment, and self-pity. It addresses the progression from rejection to depression and even suicidal thoughts, urging listeners to repent in their hearts and walk in the spiritual realm with the weapons of God's Word. The speaker shares insights on the schemes of the devil and the need to put on the Lord Jesus Christ to stand against spiritual attacks.
Giving Our Mind to Christ - Part 1
By Zac Poonen1.5K10:282CO 10:3As the end times approach, the battle intensifies for control over our minds, with various influences seeking to shape our thoughts. The devil, as the ruler of this world, uses media and worldly distractions to impact our minds through what we see and hear. Repentance involves a true change of mind, turning away completely from sin and the world. The struggle lies in ensuring our minds are fully surrendered to Christ, fighting against worldly philosophies and fortresses of selfishness and pride that hinder our obedience to Him.
Weapons of Our Warfare
By B.H. Clendennen1.4K45:292CO 10:3This sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual warfare using the weapons provided by God. It highlights the power of prayer, the significance of a good conscience, the victory through the blood of Jesus, the impact of our testimony, and the necessity of being filled with the Holy Spirit. The speaker stresses the need to walk in the Spirit, maintain a strong testimony, and have the right attitude towards death to effectively combat the enemy.
The Canaanite Nations Are on the Land
By Milton Green1.3K03:15MAT 16:242CO 10:31PE 4:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repenting from the nature and character of Satan and embracing the nature and character of God. Repentance involves laying down selfishness and self-centeredness and living to please the Lord. Taking up the cross means choosing the nature of God over the nature of Satan and overcoming sins such as pride, anger, unforgiveness, and resentment. The preacher encourages listeners to follow Jesus and allow Him to remove the sinful influences in their lives, reminding them that they have broken God's law and need to turn away from sin.
Standing in the Victory
By Hoseah Wu1.3K45:20Victory2CO 10:3In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of learning from negative experiences in order to understand what is right. He shares an example from his time as a student teacher, where his supervisor would play a correct tune and then intentionally provide incorrect notation to test the student's ability to recognize the mistake. The speaker then applies this concept to the challenges faced in South Jersey, where their Bible study time had become stagnant and lacking in excitement. However, through God's sovereignty, a person was sent to challenge them and bring about a positive change. The speaker emphasizes the importance of not becoming complacent in our meetings and encourages a deeper commitment to prayer and study of the Word.
The Spiritual Man: Authority
By Stephen Kaung94756:552CO 10:3The video is a sermon on the book of Second Corinthians. It is divided into four sections: spiritual life, spiritual ministry, spiritual giving, and the spiritual man. The speaker emphasizes that God desires spiritual men, not just individuals like Paul. The last four chapters of Second Corinthians highlight the reaction of Paul as a spiritual man under pressure, showing that his actions reflect Christ rather than himself. The speaker encourages the audience to examine their own spirituality by how they react in difficult situations.
Wrestling Against Principalities and Powers - Part 1
By Joshua Daniel92228:302CO 10:3This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the spiritual battle Christians face against principalities and powers, urging believers to put on the whole armor of God and engage in the real fight against darkness. It highlights the transformative power of Christ in history, from the abolition of cruel practices to the triumph of truth over superstition, calling for a bold stand for Jesus in a world increasingly hostile to the Gospel.
Spiritual Warfare
By Derek Prince2421:03:45Spiritual WarfareVictory in Christ2CO 10:3Derek Prince addresses the critical topic of Spiritual Warfare, emphasizing that every Christian is engaged in a battle against spiritual forces, particularly in the realm of thoughts and imaginations. He shares personal experiences and biblical insights, particularly from 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, to illustrate that our weapons are not carnal but mighty through God for pulling down strongholds. Prince stresses the importance of taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ and highlights the need for Christians to recognize and confront the spiritual enemies that seek to undermine their faith. He concludes with practical steps for achieving victory, including submission to God, resisting the devil, and filling oneself with the Spirit and the Word of God.
Bridal Revelation and Spiritual Warfare
By Mike Bickle6359:17Spiritual WarfareIdentity in Christ2CO 10:3Mike Bickle emphasizes the connection between the bridal revelation and spiritual warfare, illustrating how understanding our identity as the Bride of Christ is crucial in combating spiritual strongholds. He explains that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but are rooted in the spoken Word of God, which serves as a powerful tool to dismantle lies and arguments that oppose the knowledge of God. Bickle outlines the importance of recognizing personal, cultural, and cosmic strongholds, and how they can be overcome through prayer, fasting, and the declaration of God's truth. He encourages believers to actively engage in spiritual warfare by speaking the Word of God against temptations and lies, ultimately leading to freedom and a deeper relationship with Christ. The sermon concludes with the reminder that our identity as beloved and chosen by God empowers us to resist sin and live in victory.
Pulling Down Strongholds of the Mind (2 Cor. 10-11)
By Mike Bickle3144:33Spiritual WarfareIdentity in Christ2CO 10:3Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of pulling down strongholds of the mind, explaining that spiritual warfare is not fought with human power but through the Word of God. He highlights that strongholds are built on lies and wrong beliefs that keep us from experiencing God's truth and presence. Bickle encourages believers to identify, expose, and renounce these lies, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. He stresses that our identity in Christ is rooted in being betrothed to Him and being seen as pure, which empowers us to resist the enemy's accusations. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a transformation of the mind to align with God's truth, enabling believers to live in freedom and victory.
Bridal Revelation and Spiritual Warfare (2 Cor. 10-11)
By Mike Bickle191:02:26Spiritual WarfareIdentity in Christ2CO 10:3Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of understanding spiritual warfare through the lens of the Bride of Christ in his sermon on 2 Corinthians 10-11. He explains that while we live in the flesh, our battles are not fought with human means but with spiritual weapons that are mighty in God. Bickle highlights the importance of recognizing and dismantling strongholds in our minds, which are built on lies and wrong beliefs about God and ourselves. He encourages believers to embrace their identity as the betrothed Bride of Christ, emphasizing that they are desired and made clean through Jesus, which empowers them to break free from bondage. The sermon concludes with a call to action for believers to actively engage in spiritual warfare by casting down arguments and lies that oppose the truth of their identity in Christ.
Making a Strong Hold Weak
By Shane Idleman957:09Spiritual WarfareStrongholds2CO 10:3Shane Idleman discusses the concept of strongholds in the Christian life, emphasizing that while believers cannot be possessed by demons, they can experience oppression and strongholds that hinder their spiritual growth. He explains that strongholds often stem from unresolved issues and sinful habits, and that the key to weakening these strongholds lies in prayer, fasting, and the renewal of the mind through Scripture. Shane encourages believers to recognize their weaknesses and rely on God's grace, asserting that true strength comes from humility and dependence on God. He also highlights the importance of addressing both spiritual and physical aspects of health in overcoming strongholds.
Spiritual Warfare
By Glenn Meldrum1PSA 34:18PSA 51:17ISA 59:19ISA 66:2MAT 12:30LUK 18:1ROM 12:12CO 10:3JAS 5:16REV 8:3Glenn Meldrum preaches about the intense spiritual warfare for the souls of men, emphasizing the eternal significance of choosing between God's camp and Satan's army. He challenges Christians to actively engage in this crucial battle, highlighting the importance of surrendering selfish living to join the fight for souls. Meldrum stresses the need for believers to equip themselves with spiritual weapons through prayer, intercession, and evangelism, urging them to abandon self-centered lifestyles and embrace reckless abandonment to God. He calls for a revival of purposeful, passionate, and persevering prayer, emphasizing the power of intercession in transforming individuals, societies, and nations.
The Holy War (Eph. Vi: 10-11)
By Seth Rees12CO 10:3EPH 6:10EPH 6:142TI 2:31PE 5:8Seth Rees preaches about the spiritual warfare believers face, emphasizing the need to be strong in the Lord and put on the whole armor of God to stand against the devil's schemes. He contrasts earthly wars with the coming reign of the King of peace, highlighting the ultimate victory over evil without the shedding of human blood. Rees urges believers to recognize the seriousness of the spiritual battle, emphasizing the necessity of God's protection and the importance of being fully equipped with the armor of God to withstand the enemy's attacks.
The Throne in Heaven
By T. Austin-Sparks02KI 6:16JHN 14:201CO 6:172CO 10:3EPH 1:22EPH 2:6PHP 2:9PHP 4:13COL 3:31JN 1:3T. Austin-Sparks delves into the life of Elisha in 2 Kings 6:8-23, highlighting the profound connection Elisha had with the Throne of God in heaven, enabling him to have secret knowledge and spiritual perception to thwart the enemy's plans. Through Elisha's experiences, we see the importance of spiritual union with the Throne, leading to enlightenment, authority, and dominion over opposing forces. This union with the Lord is a deep, spiritual reality, transcending feelings and reasoning, rooted in the union of spirit and life with God. The ultimate goal of knowing Christ and His resurrection power is heavenly union with the Lord, resulting in spiritual ascendancy and dominion.
The Twofold Main Objective
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual WarfareThe Church as God's Instrument2CO 10:3T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the twofold main objective in spiritual warfare: God's ultimate aim, represented by the Throne, and the enemy's goal to undermine it. The Church serves as the instrument of God's Throne, and the enemy seeks to disrupt its influence and the well-being of its people. Sparks highlights that the Church is often the focal point of conflict, as it embodies the representation of Christ and faces opposition from Satan. He urges believers to recognize the spiritual implications of their everyday relationships and actions, understanding that they are part of a larger battle for the honor of God's Throne. Ultimately, the sermon calls for vigilance and unity within the Church to effectively combat the enemy's schemes.
Sinful Nature at War With God
By Shane Idleman0PRO 23:7LUK 11:342CO 10:3GAL 5:17PHP 4:81PE 5:81JN 4:4Shane Idleman emphasizes the internal battle between our sinful nature and the Spirit, highlighting the constant conflict within us that affects our choices. He uses the analogy of two dogs fighting within us, one evil and one good, illustrating the importance of feeding the right desires to overcome sin. Idleman warns against feeding wrong desires through entertainment, emphasizing the need to be selective in what we watch, listen to, and how we spend our time to avoid falling into temptation. He stresses the significance of shaping our thoughts with Godly content to lead to righteous actions and habits, ultimately encouraging listeners to focus on God's Word and maintain loyalty to Christ in the ongoing spiritual warfare.
Exhortation to Meet Together Frequently for the Worship of God
By Ignatius of Antioch02CO 10:3EPH 6:12HEB 10:25JAS 4:71PE 5:8Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of gathering together frequently to give thanks to God and praise Him, as it weakens the powers of Satan and renders his temptations ineffective. The unity and strong faith among believers contribute to the destruction of the enemy and his allies. True peace, found in Christ, brings an end to all spiritual warfare, highlighting the battle against unseen forces rather than physical enemies.
October 19. 1678. Beware of the Concision.
By Jane Lead0PSA 138:82CO 10:3EPH 4:3PHP 2:2JAS 4:7Jane Lead preaches about the importance of being assured that the Lord values the work He has done in us, emphasizing the manifestation of God's glory when we are vigilant. She warns against the divisive tactics of the enemy that target the outward man, urging us to guard against anything that seeks to separate what God has united for our spiritual growth and exaltation. By being unified in mind and spirit, we can access great power from the heavenly realm to receive blessings from God's celestial treasury.
Its Cowardly Service vs. the Real Warfare
By Catherine Booth0MAT 10:341CO 9:72CO 10:3EPH 6:122TI 2:3Catherine Booth preaches about the cowardly service of popular Christianity in contrast with the real warfare demanded by Christ, emphasizing the need for truth, love, and self-abandonment in serving God. She challenges Christians to examine themselves, judge, reprove, and redeem His name from inconsistency. Catherine highlights Jesus' establishment of a literal, holy kingdom separate from the world, requiring allegiance and devotion above earthly allegiances. She stresses the propagation of Christ's kingdom over the whole earth, the opposition faced, and the necessity for human instrumentality in spreading His message.
Dealing With Sin
By A.W. Tozer0ROM 8:13ROM 13:122CO 10:3GAL 5:161TI 1:18JAS 4:1Greek Word Studies delves into the meaning of 'strateuomai,' which signifies engaging in spiritual warfare, orchestrated by the indwelling flesh inherited from Adam. This ongoing battle against fleshly lusts is a continual struggle for believers until they see Jesus Christ. The term 'strateuomai' is not just about fighting but encompasses all aspects of military service, portraying a planned expedition against a spiritual objective. Believers are urged to resist fleshly desires that wage war against their souls, as depicted in the allegory 'The Holy War' by John Bunyan.
The Laws of Paradise
By Jane Lead02CO 10:3EPH 6:12JAS 4:71PE 5:8REV 12:17Jane Lead, a Paradisiacal inhabitant, resists the temptations and threats of the King-Crowned Beast, standing firm in her commitment to the Laws of Wisdom. Despite the opposition and seduction, she rejects the false laws and dominion of the Beast, choosing to adhere to the divine laws of Wisdom. She boldly defies the Beast's attempts to sway her, knowing that her allegiance lies with the Virgin Wisdom and the principles of the Paradisiacal Kingdom.
March 18. 1678. This Is an Interpretation of the Former Vision.
By Jane Lead02CO 10:3EPH 6:12COL 2:15REV 20:2Jane Lead preaches about the spiritual battle between the Earthly Man and the Heavenly Spirit, emphasizing the need for the Earthly Man to yield to the High-Born Spirit for true salvation and glory. She discusses the challenges faced by the Heaven-born Spirit in a world filled with oppression and violence, highlighting the continuous war against the evil forces that seek to keep the Heavenly-Plant suppressed. Jane Lead encourages believers to engage in spiritual warfare, trusting in the all-conquering Spirit to lead them to victory and reign over the Earthly-Principle with purity and holiness, ultimately bringing forth a time of peace and glory where all kingdoms and nations will serve the Kingly Priesthood.
In the Lord's Army
By Keith Keyser01SA 22:1PSA 20:7PRO 3:51CO 1:262CO 5:172CO 10:3EPH 6:17PHP 4:13HEB 4:12Keith Keyser preaches on the parallels between the valiant warriors of Special Operations forces in modern armies and David's Mighty Men in Biblical times. He highlights how David recruited unlikely heroes under extreme conditions, similar to how Jesus calls individuals from all walks of life to serve Him. The sermon emphasizes the importance of relying on God's strength, being faithful in little tasks, and the spiritual warfare Christians face, drawing lessons from the Mighty Men's dedication and bravery.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Though we walk in the flesh - That is: Although I am in the common condition of human nature, and must live as a human being, yet I do not war after the flesh - I do not act the coward or the poltroon, as they insinuate. I have a good cause, a good captain, strength at will, and courage at hand. I neither fear them nor their master.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For--Reason why they should regard him "beseeching" them (Co2 10:2) not to oblige him to have recourse to "bold" and stern exercise of authority. "We walk IN the flesh," and so in weakness: but not "ACCORDING TO the flesh" (Co2 10:2). Moreover, though we WALK in it, we do not WAR according to it. A double contrast or antithesis. "They who accuse us of walking after the flesh, shall find [to their cost] that we do not war after the flesh; therefore compel us not to use our weapons" [ALFORD].
John Gill Bible Commentary
For though we walk in the flesh,.... The apostle removes the calumny of walking after the flesh, by owning that they were in the flesh, in the body, in a state of imperfection, attended with many weaknesses and infirmities, and surrounded with a variety of afflictions and sorrows; in this sense they were, and lived and walked in the flesh; but then he denies the charge exhibited against them, we do not war after the flesh: every Christian's life is a warfare with Satan, and his principalities and powers, with the world, the men and lusts of it, and with the corruptions of their own hearts; and much more is the life of a minister of the Gospel, who is called forth to meet the adversary in the gate; to stand in the hottest place of the battle, and sustain the whole fire and artillery of the enemy; to fight the good fight of faith, endure hardness as a good soldier of Christ, and with the weapons he is furnished with to war a good warfare: which is not done "after the flesh"; in such a manner as the men of the world wage war with one another; or upon carnal principles; or with carnal selfish views; or in a weak way and manner; but in a spiritual way, with all simplicity and disinterested views, with great courage and intrepidity of mind.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
10:3-5 A military metaphor enforces Paul’s rebuttal: Paul’s weapons have divine power over spiritual strongholds (see 4:3-4).