For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).
Our weapons are spiritual because they win over hearts and minds – “we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ!” See in 2 Corinthians 10 how true Christians press forward, invading Satan’s strongholds. We never retreat.34 Like David, who “ran quickly toward the battle line” to meet Goliath,35 we advance boldly to break Satan’s hold over humans.
Do you hear God’s call to battle? Are you listening to your Supreme Commander as He repeatedly36 urges His church forward?
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20). M
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you” (John 20:21). M
Now Christ continues His mission of mercy through us! He “compels us” – drives us, spurs us onward – with powerful motives ranging from love to godly fear.37
For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died (2 Corinthians 5:14). M
34. Notice how strongly Paul felt about deserters, Acts 13:13 and 15:38; 2 Timothy 4:10 cf. Luke 9:62; Hebrews 10:38-39.
36. In each Gospel account and Acts, the risen Lord personally and repeatedly emphasizes what we call The Great Commission: Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:47; John 20:21; Acts 1:8 cf. 2 Timothy 2:2-4. In Matthew the commission flows directly from Christ’s position of supreme authority over all creatures, heavenly and earthly.
37. “Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others” 2 Corinthians 5:11. “For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” 1 Corinthians 9:16. Research Subject – Godly fear: Luke 1:50; 12:5 Acts 5:5,11; 7:32; 9:31; 10:35; Romans 3:18; Galatians 4:11; Philippians 2:12; Hebrews 10:30-31; 11:7; 1 Peter 1:17; 2:17; Jude 1:23; Revelation 14:7; 15:4; 19:5