 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:  (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)  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;  And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh,  for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.  We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,  and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.

 Christians are engaged in a struggle from without (Eph. 6:10-13) and within (James 1:12- 18).

 Christians must be armed for battle.  The Greek word hoplon, here translated “weapons,” occurs 6x in the NT (John 18:3; Rom. 6:13 [2x]; 13:12; 2 Cor. 6:7; 10:4).  The aspis, a large shield made of wood and overlaid with bronze, carried by Greek infantry (hoplites), is also identified as a hoplon. Providing excellent defense, it could also serve as an offensive weapon.

 We must not employ the weapons of the enemy.  Rather, we must avail ourselves of the power of God.

 We must take the battle to the enemy.  The Lord is a stronghold for the faithful and upright (Psa. 9:9; 18:2; 31:2-3).  Satan and sin also have their strongholds, but they are doomed to certain defeat (Isa. 23:4-7, 11, 14; Jer. 48:1; 51:53; Lam. 2:2).

 From a physical standpoint, consider the conquest of Jerusalem, the Jebusite stronghold (2 Sam. 5:6-10; 1 Chron. 11:4-9).

 Consider also Sennacherib’s siege of Lachish, a Jewish town located in the Shephelah (2 Kings 18:13-16; 2 Chron. 32:1-15).

 Human Speculation  Human Pride  Human Passion  Human Possessiveness  Human Perversion

 Victory over sin occurs when every thought is taken captive.  Victory over sin occurs when we obey the Lord Jesus Christ.  Victory over sin occurs when we are submissive in every aspect of life – including thought, word and deed.  Victory over sin occurs when disobedience is steadfastly opposed and consistently punished.

 If our lives are amiss, our effectiveness is greatly diminished (Matt. 7:1-5).  Furthermore, he reminds us that the struggle is an ongoing process.

 Knowledge is key (John 8:31-32). Therefore, let us handle aright the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15).  Obedience is imperative (Matt. 7:21-27). Therefore, let us walk in a manner worthy of the gospel (1 Thess. 2:10-12).