BobCaldwell: ""For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh."

Tuesday, February 15, 2011 (top)

The Real Battle

(2 Corinthians 9:1-11:15)

 "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds." -2 Corinthians 10:3-4

Spiritual warfare is at the center of many of the conflicts we face. In the church of Corinth, there were many problems that if not strongly dealt with would destroy the church. Division, sexual immorality, spiritual pride, legal matters, and disrespect for Paul were all working together to destroy the church and its members. Self-proclaimed apostles who were being used by Satan were at the center of the battle. They preached a different Jesus and a different gospel. They ridiculed Paul and used their influence for personal gain.

At first glance, our battles may seem different, but at the core they often are very similar. Paul's response to all that opposed him and the gospel was to turn to the use of spiritual weapons. These spiritual weapons allowed him to fight in the realm of the spirit on a battlefield on which he was fully capable of winning. At every other level, the odds were completely against him. But he had learned that "if God is for us who could be against us?" Paul therefore, turned to spiritual weapons that God was fully committed to honor--God's Word, prayer, the gifts of the Spirit, and the authority of the believer over Satan.

When this fallen world, the devil, or even your own fallen nature opposes you, where do you turn? What is your first response? Is it to align yourself with the spiritual resources of God and His Kingdom, or the "arm of the flesh"? But even then, powerful spiritual weapons are of little value if you don't know how to use them effectively. Don't wait until you are in the middle of a battle to learn how to use these weapons. Begin today using them on the "practice range" of life. Begin to discover how to use God's Word, prayer, the gifts of the Spirit, and our authority over Satan in your daily life. If you do, you will be ready for those times when it seems all hell has been broken loose against you. You will know how to fight the "good fight of faith" and win.

NKJV Bible Text

2 Corinthians 9:1-11:15

 Administering the Gift

1 Now concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you; 2 for I know your willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up the majority. 3 Yet I have sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this respect, that, as I said, you may be ready; 4 lest if some Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to mention you!) should be ashamed of this confident boasting. 5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation.

Administering the Gift v. 1 Ministering To the Saints – This collection being taken for the poor Christians in Judea, was given primarily to Jerusalem (Rom. 15:26; 1 Cor. 16:1; 2 Cor. 8). Superfluous – Paul knew that it was not necessary to urge them to participate because he was already assured of their commitment. v. 2 I Boast Of You – Paul stated this to assure the Corinthians that he was confident in their participation. It was not a ploy to get them to give, for he had openly addressed this issue a year ago. Macedonia – the northern part of Greece

Achaia – Corinth was the capital of this province located in southern Greece. v. 3 Be Ready – Paul held them accountable to the commitment they had made. He was also providing practical help in facilitating their commitment. v. 4 Should Be Ashamed – Paul saw needless trouble for himself and these Corinthians if they did not fulfill their commitment. If they hadn't kept their word, he would have been judged as a man who had used deception or poor judgment in his example of them. v. 5 Grudging Obligation – Paul did not want anyone to be shamed into giving money to help the poor. It was to be given out of love.

The Cheerful Giver

he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 9 As it is written:

"He has dispersed abroad,
He has given to the poor;
His righteousness endures forever."

The Cheerful Giver v. 6 Reap Bountifully – Paul used a simple lesson from agriculture to illustrate the benefit of giving. Just as the amount of seed planted determines how large the harvest is, so the amount one gives affects how much provision the person will receive. Paul is saying that if you are faithful in the way you give your money, then you will experience God's faithful provision in return. v. 7 Loves a Cheerful Giver – Paul was deeply concerned about his teaching properly motivating their giving. His hope and prayer was that their hearts be filled with joy at the privilege of serving others and then waiting on God in joy to see how He brings back to them a financial harvest. v. 8 God Is Able – It is not man but God who is the ultimate source of provision.

All Grace Abound – This is a vital aspect of the believer's hope and life. In every area of life God is able to abundantly provide for the lives He has called us to live. All Sufficiency – Paul restated the hope of experiencing the grace of God in all areas of life. Every Good Work – From the grace of God, we receive His all-sufficient provision so that we may fulfill His good, acceptable, and perfect will (Rom. 12:1-2). v. 9 As It Is Written – Paul quoted from Psalms to show these Corinthians the Old Testament scriptural basis for expecting God's long-lasting benefit for those who help the poor.

10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, 13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, 14 and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

v. 10 He Who Supplies Seed – Paul drew from Isaiah 55:10 in encouraging the Corinthians to trust God to increase their own ability to give. Fruits of Your Righteousness – Paul had shown in v. 9 that the righteous are identified with lifestyles that help the poor. Paul referred here to the right thing that was done to help the poor, a righteous act that would result in God's provision to give even more. v. 11 Causes Thanksgiving – Paul declared that he and his co-workers were found in a state of thankfulness to God for all that He is and all that He will do through these believers as they live out the principles of giving. v. 12 But Also – Paul restated that their giving had many wonderful results. It provided an opportunity to put into action the principles of giving that would produce blessings for both the giver and the receiver. It resulted in thanksgiving to God from the giver as he saw how God honors giving. The receiver lifts up thanksgiving and looks to God as the ultimate source. And lastly, Paul expressed his gratefulness upon seeing what he had taught become a blessing to both giver and receiver for the glory of God. v. 13 Glorify God – Paul expressed what the result would be when the Jews received this gift to help them in their poverty.

Obedience Of Your Confession – "Your confession" refers to the faith in Jesus Christ that the Corinthians proclaimed to have. Their obedience to follow God's will in regards to their giving was an undeniable proof of their true conversion. All Men – Paul conveyed his confidence in them not limiting their giving to this one situation. v. 14 By Their Prayer – Paul more clearly defined what he had said in general in 8:14: "Their abundance may supply your lack." Paul believed that there was going to be an abundant outflow of prayer for the Corinthians by the Judean Jews as they thanked God for the financial help they had received. Grace Of God In You – These believers used God's grace and the free provision of God's resources in such a way that resulted in an effective and practical Christian life. v. 15 His Indescribable Gift – Paul declared that there are things in human language that cannot adequately communicate the magnitude of what God has given us in Jesus Christ. Paul closed this discussion on giving by making sure it was seen in light of God's giving nature.

2 Corinthians 10

The Spiritual War

1 Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you. 2 But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

Chapter 10 The Spiritual War v. 1 Now, I Paul – Having concluded with his effort to resolve the relational conflict with those at Corinth, he now addressed his most severe critics. Meekness And Gentleness – Meekness was not weakness but strength under control. Gentleness goes hand in hand with meekness in bringing about a positive influence. In Presence Am Lowly – Because Paul had been among them as a servant, they had misinterpreted his character as being one of timid weakness. Absent Am Bold – Paul's letters were much more severe and exact in dealing with the problems of the Corinthian church. Some interpreted this as a further sign of weakness and cowardice, for he didn't seem to be willing to deal with these issues in person. v. 2 I May Not Be Bold – Paul warned them that the forgoing of discipline and correction was not because he was afraid, but because he hoped they would not require it. He knew that if he used stern force to bring about change some of them would be hurt in the process. With That Confidence – Paul was assured that he could handle any of the people who were creating problems in Corinth. v. 3 Walk in the Flesh – Some saw Paul as being limited in his natural abilities. Not War – This war involves conflict with all that oppose God's Kingdom, including Satan, our old nature, and a fallen world. v. 4 The Weapons – These "weapons" are the resources in the realm of the Spirit that God has given to His church, including the authority we have in Christ over every spiritual force of darkness (Eph. 1:20-22; 2:6) faith, (1 John 5:4), and the word of God (Eph. 6:17). Not Carnal – Paul's weapons were not sourced in the natural world or the fallen nature of man. They were rooted in the realm of the Spirit in the Kingdom of God. These weapons from the realm of the Spirit may appear at times to be of natural origin because many times God works through the physical order to accomplish His purposes. However, the difference is that it did not begin in the physical but in the spiritual.

Mighty in God – It is vital to remember that the weapons God has given us to win spiritual battles are not effective apart from God's blessing. We cannot expect success if we use them independently of Him. Pulling Down Strongholds – Strongholds were fortresses built within or near a city where its residents could find refuge during a siege upon their city. The idea here is that God-ordained spiritual weapons can break down the things people fortify themselves with in their resistance to God's will. Casting Down Arguments – Paul revealed that the mind is one of the primary battlefields in the warfare we face. That is why the "sword of the Spirit," or word of God, is such an essential weapon in bringing down speculations, philosophies, and ideologies that people hide behind in their rebellion against God. v. 5 Exalt Itself – Paul revealed that the origin of the fortresses built up against God is man's age-old self idolatry as man seeks to remove God's authority in his life (Gen. 3:1-7). Every Thought – This reinforces the understanding of the central role of the mind as the battlefield in the spiritual struggle of humanity (v. 4). Obedience Of Christ – The battle being fought in this context was among those at the Corinthian church who claimed to be Christians. The principles of spiritual warfare here, however, can be applied not only to Christians who are embracing concepts that are in rebellion to Jesus and His word but also to the nonbeliever who is under Satan's influence and blinded to the truths of God's good and perfect will (2 Cor. 4:4; 2 Tim. 2:25). v. 6 Punish All Disobedient – Paul made it clear that he was ready to institute the discipline necessary to rid the church of doctrine and behavior that was in opposition to the truth of scripture. When Your Obedience – Paul revealed why he had not yet acted firmly on this matter (v. 1-2). It was not because he was afraid to do so, but because he was waiting for the church in general to show that it was ready to accept that Paul's firm correction was from God. Paul knew that if he acted too swiftly, many who could be won over through the weapons of truth would be on the wrong side of the issues needing discipline.

Reality of Paul's Authority

7 Do you look at things according to the outward appearance? If anyone is convinced in himself that he is Christ's, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he is Christ's, even so we are Christ's. 8 For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed— 9 lest I seem to terrify you by letters. 10 "For his letters," they say, "are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible." 11 Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will also be in deed when we are present.

Reality Of Paul's Authority v. 7 Outward Appearance – Paul now turned to the obvious facts about who he was and why he had the authority to bring corrective action on this church (10:7-13:10). v. 8 I Should Boast – Paul stated that he was not ashamed to present his proofs of being called by God as an apostle over these people because he knew it would ultimately result in enabling him to edify these believers more effectively. As long as their minds and hearts were closed to him he was unable to spiritually benefit them. v. 9 Terrify You – Paul addressed his opponents who accused him of writing his corrective letters only to intimidate them.

v. 10 Bodily Presence Is Weak – This could refer to Paul either being literally unimpressive and weak in appearance, or that his "body language" did not convey the authority and intimidation commonly used by people in authority. Speech Is Contemptible – This could not be a reference to what Paul taught, for it was obvious by his New Testament writings that he became the primary voice in formulating doctrinal truths in the early church. Therefore, it must refer to the way he spoke. Greek oratory had developed into a precise art form, and it seems that Paul did not use these methods when he taught. v. 11 Be In Deed – Paul accepted the challenge to his authority. He was completely ready to enforce all that he had written. As indicated throughout this letter, the only reason he had held back was to give those who would be disciplined time to repent.

Limits of Paul's Authority

12 For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13 We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you. 14 For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; 15 not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men's labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere, 16 to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's sphere of accomplishment.

17 But "he who glories, let him glory in the LORD." 18 For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

Limits Of Paul's Authority v. 12 Commend Themselves – Paul said here that in being forced to affirm his credentials as an apostle he did not want to identify with those given to self promotion. Measuring Themselves – Paul pointed out that the false teachers among the Corinthians had become a self-appointed standard by which all other Christians were to be judged. Their views and methods of worship, having been developed among themselves in pride, were now the rule of judgment for everyone else. Not Wise – The only way to judge ourselves is in Christ and His Word. Anything else is foolish. v. 13 Sphere Which God Appointed – This provides a wonderful insight into every Christian's proper approach to authority. We need to understand the boundaries of God's delegated sphere of authority with which He has entrusted us. We must discern and respect the God-ordained authority He has placed over us.

v. 15 Other Men's Labors – Paul made it clear that his authority in Christ over these Corinthian believers was based on the fact that their faith in Christ was the result of his ministry to them. Be Greatly Enlarged – Paul knew that if these problems could be worked out it would result in a multiplication of their effectiveness in expanding their work for Christ. v. 16 Regions Beyond – Paul believed that if these Corinthians got things worked out, he would be free to direct more of his time and resources to unreached areas. v. 17 Glory In the Lord – Paul made it clear that his statements in v. 16 about an enlarged ministry were not motivated in the hopes of bringing honor to him but to Jesus Christ, the One he served. v. 18 Lord Commends – Paul added to his statement about seeking only God's glory in his work a declaration that the only honor he pursues is to one day hear his Lord Jesus Christ say, "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord" (Matt. 25:21).

2 Corinthians 11

Concern for Their Faithfulness

1 Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly—and indeed you do bear with me. 2 For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!

Chapter 11 Concern For Their Faithfulness v. 1 Bear With Me – In 10:18, Paul referred to false teachers concerning the inappropriateness of commending oneself to gain power over others. Paul felt compelled to do so because they brought his apostleship into question (12:11). v. 2 I Am Jealous – Paul's jealousy was not sourced in his own personal fear of being replaced by these false apostles. Rather, it was rooted in a godly concern that their teaching would result in the replacement of their relationship with Jesus Christ with a false concept of God. v. 2 Betrothed You – Paul saw himself as their spiritual father through whom they had heard and received the message of the gospel and which resulted in their new spiritual birth (1 Cor. 4:15, 9:1-2; 2 Cor. 12:14). As their spiritual father, he had promised them to Christ as His "spiritual bride." In Ephesians 5:22-32, Christians are portrayed as the "Bride of Christ." This imagery conveys the spiritual intimacy God's people will have with Christ for eternity. The marriage supper in the future between Christ and the church is referred to in Revelation 19:7. Chaste Virgin – Just as people are to keep themselves sexually pure until marriage, in like fashion Paul sought to keep these believers from misdirecting their affection toward false gods. It was this concern for their faithfulness to their spiritual intimacy with Christ that compelled Paul to violate his normal practice of not seeking recognition from people. In this situation, he knew that if he didn't restore his credibility in their eyes he would not have the influence to redirect them to Christ.

v. 3 Serpent Deceived Eve – Paul perceived that behind the false doctrines that these believers were embracing was a subtle force of Satan, drawing people away from Christ. Satan is insanely jealous of God and will use anything to entice people to replace God with something else. Your Minds – The mind is often the battleground for the soul of humanity. Paul made this clear in 10:1-6 when he described the need to bring every thought captive to obedience to Christ in the spiritual warfare for the souls of people. Simplicity – There are many references in the New Testament to examples of distracting and destructive doctrines being brought in the form of pseudo-intellectual concepts. v. 4 Preaches Another Jesus – Paul knew that one cannot separate the truth about who Jesus is from having a personal relationship with Him. They go hand in hand. Because these false teachers were teaching doctrines that misrepresented God's will and truth, they were creating within the minds of these believers a concept of God that did not exist. By so doing, Satan was able to draw them away from a genuine relationship with Christ. v. 4 Different Spirit – Paul revealed here that the Holy Spirit is not the only spiritual force that can be an influence on believers and nonbelievers alike. Paul was willing to accept those who preached the truth with wrong motivations. But he could not do so for those who preached another gospel and another Christ (Phil. 1:16). Paul saw such people as cursed and bringing a curse on others (Gal. 1:6-9). Put Up With It – Paul exposed their willingness to embrace falsehood, and at the same time having no problem rejecting truth.

Paul and False Apostles

5 For I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles. 6 Even though I am untrained in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. But we have been thoroughly manifested among you in all things.

Paul and False Apostles v. 5 Not At All Inferior – Evidently these Corinthians had accepted the 12 apostles who were headquartered in Jerusalem. Paul pointed out that he was an equal among these apostles. v. 6 untrained in – Paul's authority had been questioned by some in Corinth because he was not a skilled speaker in the style of Greek oratory (10:10; Acts 18:24).

In Knowledge – As a Jew, Paul had been trained under the famous rabbinical teaching of Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). As a believer, God had not trained him directly (1 Cor. 2:6-11; Gal. 1:11-12; Eph. 3:1-5). Thoroughly Manifested – As referred to in both letters to them, the Corinthians saw several examples of Paul's teaching and power as sourced in God.

7 Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? 8 I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. 9 And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself. 10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no one shall stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia. 11 Why? Because I do not love you? God knows!

12 But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

v. 7 Free Of Charge – Some had used Paul's choice to not charge money for his ministry among them as proof that Paul knew he was not worthy of the honor of an apostle. He asked them to stop and think about whether it was really reasonable to call his sacrificial love in denying his right to financial compensation as "sin." v. 8 Robbed – This referred to the churches that graciously sent money to Paul while he was in Corinth, even though they received no direct benefit from the support. v. 9 From Macedonia – Money had been sent from Phillipi to Paul through Silas and Timothy (Acts 18:5; Phil. 4:15). v. 10 Boasting – Paul's efforts to minister to the Corinthians, even though they had provided him no support, was a legitimate proof of Paul's apostolic calling.

v. 11 Do Not Love You – Some had gone so far as to suggest that the real reason Paul had not received support from the Corinthians was because of his disdain for them. v. 12 Continue To Do – Paul said that he would continue to serve them free of charge in order to expose the financial motivations of the false teachers. v. 14 Satan Himself Transforms – Throughout scripture, Satan is seen as the ultimate counterfeit. Paul made the logical conclusion that it should be expected that those under his power would do the same. v. 15 Whose End Will Be – Scriptures are filled with warnings about the horrible judgment that awaits false teachers (Rom. 3:8; 1 Cor. 3:17; Phil. 3:19; 2 Thess. 2:8; 2 Peter 2:1-3, 17; Jude 1:4, 13).