STRONGHOLDS, DESTROYED.

Ever hear someone take a verse completely out of context? Yeah, me too; I've heard it and I've done it. And in our theological camps, verse 4 has been used often in ways I didn't always understand. So, I'm grateful we're going to look today at 2 Cor 10:1-6. Maybe by the end, we'll be a little clearer about what a stronghold is, so let's open 2 Cor 10:

2 COR 10:1-2

1 I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!— 2 I beg of you that when I am present I may not have to show boldness with such confidence as I count on showing against some who suspect us of walking according to the flesh.

• "BY MEEKNESS AND GENTLENESS" - Wow, does Paul's tone ever change FAST! After chapters of nuance and gentle persuasion, Paul picks up the pen as a weapon! Despite what's coming (stay tuned), Paul does begin tenderly. Look at v 1-2, what words that he uses sound tender or affectionate?

• "FACE TO FACE" - Paul apparently addresses an accusation against him (represented by the dashes in verse 1. What does Paul say that people are accusing him of? How would you rephrase the criticism?

• "ACC. TO THE FLESH" - This is the second half of the accusation: that Paul is operating according to the flesh.  Take a minute to look up this phrase in the NIV ... what does it seem that "the flesh" is referring to here?

2 COR 10:3-6

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.

• "NOT WAGING WAR" - This is the first of Paul's militant language. Read v 3-6; what other phrases sound strong and combative?

• "DESTROY STRONGHOLDS" - One of Paul's most picturesque military metaphors comes in verse 4, but Paul doesn't leave us confused as to what a "stronghold" is. How does verse 5 define what these strongholds are?

• "EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE" - While it is always a good idea to check thoughts of lust, self-pity, or bitterness in our minds, that doesn't seem to be the point of verse 5, does it? Instead, in the context of verse 5a, what are likely the "thoughts" Paul wants to capture for Christ?

• "DISOBEDIENCE" - Apparently, arguments, opinions, and thoughts can be either in submission to or in rebellion against God's authority. That seems to be why Paul says in verse 6 that our thinking can be either disobedient or obedient. So, Paul's not messing around ... and yet, he still wanted to engage gently. As you read these verses and prepare for God's word on Sunday, what battles are you fighting that tempt you to be harsh, self-righteous, or bitter - rather than following Paul's example of tenderness.

WRAPPING THINGS UP: So, as we turn towards the Fall, we're going to take an interesting approach to 2 Cor 10:7 - 13:14. We're going to take the next 2 weeks to read all of those verses on our own, and the sermon on Sept 6th will cover those 80 verses! In the meantime, next Sunday (Aug 30) we're going to linger over one smaller section that's WAY too good to skim over, 2 Cor 12:7-10. So here's what that means for us:

• Next Wed (Aug 26) - we'll post BOTH an study for 2 For 12:7-10 (like this one) AND the link to a study to help you read all of 2 Cor 10:7-13:14.

• the Following Wed (Sept 2) - we'll RE-SEND the study on 2 Cor 10:7-13:14. So stay tuned!

Looking forward to Sunday with you,

Pastor Darren