1. 2 Corinthians 10:1-6

2. 1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: 2 But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. The Weapons of our Warfare 2

3.  We are engaged in a war… It is a spiritual war - vs. 3; Ephesians 6:11, 12  Christians & the church are engaged  Must bring all thoughts into captivity - vs. 5  To war according to the flesh is to… Compete for these minds by fleshly methods Seek winning converts with fleshly enticements Try competing with the world on its level Confront human religion on its level The Weapons of our Warfare 3

4.  We are not allowed the same tactics as our enemy  We are given weapons that are more powerful  We are reminded of two important facts about this war… The Weapons of our Warfare 4

5. Carnal weapons are too weak for our enemy vss. 4-6; Ephesians 6:10-13  Christians are armed with the “whole armor of God” - a most powerful force Ephesians 6:14-20  Spiritual weapons appear weak to others  Christians know their power - 1 Cor. 1:18-25 The gospel is the ONLY power of God to salvation  Romans 1:16 The truth ONLY will bring men into obedience to Christ  John 8:32; 17:17 The Weapons of our Warfare 5

6. Carnal weapons were used by some 2 Corinthians 10-12  Appealing to Fleshly Talent & Strength  2 Corinthians 10:7-10 Apollos eloquence used to preach Christ  Acts 18:24, 28; cf. 1 Corinthians 1:5 Paul not eloquent in speech & appeared weak  2 Corinthians 10:10 Some brethren have outstanding qualities in secular fields & an asset to the cause of Christ  Using fleshly talent as a weapon hinders God’s purposes  1 Corinthians 1:17,-23; 2 Corinthians 10:17 The Weapons of our Warfare 6

7. Carnal weapons were used by some 2 Corinthians 10:12  Resorting to Fleshly Competition  2 Corinthians 10:12-18 Paul did not compete in a PR battle with false teachers…  Unwise & would not accomplish God’s purpose - vs. 18 Cannot compete with false religions using fleshly methods…  False teachers can be very friendly and appealing  They may provide fleshly benefits better than we do  May be more/less educated and polished than we are The Weapons of our Warfare 7

8. Carnal weapons were used by some 2 Corinthians 10:12  Boasting of Fleshly Status  2 Corinthians 11:16-33 Paul could boast in status, but of no value Bragging about who is a member to draw others is of no spiritual value  Some resort to a “Who’s Who List” of membership  Must rely only on the Gospel of Christ to draw men  John 6:44, 45; Hebrews 7:19 The Weapons of our Warfare 8

9. Carnal weapons were used by some 2 Corinthians 10:12  Boasting of Fleshly Wisdom  2 Corinthians 12:1-10 Paul boasted, but in…  The revealed truth he received by inspiration  1 Corinthians 1:17-28  His physical infirmities for the cause of Christ  2 Corinthians 11:21-31 The Weapons of our Warfare 9

10.  We cannot resort to fleshly means in our present battle with error and false teachers!  Let us have faith that the Gospel is God’s power to salvation & needs no fleshly enticements of man! The Weapons of our Warfare 10