2 Corinthians 10 - Steve Wiggins Daily Devotional

“For although we are walking in the flesh, we do not wage war in a fleshly way, since the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly, but are powerful through G_d for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments and every high-minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge of G_d, taking every thought captive to the obedience of Messiah.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

The Biblical directive for believers to be “in the world, but not of it”, is absolutely impossible to accomplish…apart from the direction and power of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit). We are, after all, only human.

If we were fighting against the flesh, using fleshly weapons, we would be doomed from the beginning. Just as a kingdom divided could never stand, so the flesh cannot overcome itself. All flesh is sinful, so all purely fleshly means of warfare & rescue always fall short of G_d’s standard. Flesh seeks compromise, where the L_rd demands obedience and diligent adherence.

Far superior to fleshly weapons are G_dly ones. Perhaps, we should review the “armor of G_d” in Ephesians 6. They are: The Belt truth, Breastplate of Righteousness, Sandals of the Gospel of Peace, Shield of faith, Helmet of salvation, and the Sword of the Ruach (Spirit), which is the Word of G_d.

I find it interesting that the only offensive weapon listed is G_d’s Word, as revealed by His Ruach. The ministry of the Ruach is to reveal G_d’s Word, but the POWER of the Ruach is the Word itself.

I recall counseling a friend, who was going through a season of moral compromise. My friend told me he wanted to honor G_d, but that his flesh was just too weak to fight-off temptation. I asked how often he read G_d’s W_rd. He said he didn’t think reading the Bible was very important.

I believe daily Bible reading is more than important; it is essential! We are in a constant state of spiritual battle. The enemy comes at us all day, everyday. It even attacks us in our sleep!!

“Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance.” Proverbs 20:18

How can we enter the spiritual battlefield without seeking the L_rd’s advice and adhering to it? Merely reading the Bible will not produce victorious living. Application does. It is what you do with the Word revealed that makes the difference. For that, we need G_d’s Ruach (Spirit) to reveal the truth, direct us as to how to apply it, and empower us to employ it, standing strong through to the end!

Blessings,
~Steve Wiggins, Associate Leader, Worship Leader
Shuvah Yisrael
Daily Devotional, Wednesday, September 25, 2013