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.
— 2 Corinthians 10:4–5 —
Rafael Salazar: Evangelical Ministries of the Americas | Honduras
John Calvin said that the gospel is a fire that ignites Satan’s wrath, so every time he sees the gospel advancing he prepares to fight. We can be certain of this much: Christians are in a spiritual battle. Second Corinthians is largely a defense of Paul’s apostolic credentials against false apostles who had arrived at Corinth. The false apostles diabolically strategized to maliciously attack Paul in order to weaken his influence and trustworthiness as a representative of Christ. Though it may not be popular and it might even appear impractical at times, the Bible is always the winning path. They spread the rumor that Paul’s humility was a sign of his weakness. They suggested that a “true apostle” should stand out with a religious flair and attractive style, as an intellectual and moral grandstander. This was spiritual warfare, and the health of the church was at stake. Paul responded not by defending his own ability, intellect, or eloquence; instead, he pointed to the divine resources that alone are effective in such a battle. He knew that external displays of “power” meant nothing, but that the truth of God’s word was mighty to overthrow the ideological fortresses established by Satan. In Honduras, similar attacks are made against the true church and its representatives, defaming and ridiculing any ministry that does not boast of spiritual greatness or intellectual superiority. In fact, Christians everywhere are assaulted on these spiritual fronts, but our confidence must remain in the truth, power, and effectiveness of God’s word. Though it may not be popular and it might even appear impractical at times, the Bible is always the winning path. Make sure that you are fighting the fight of faith with the right weapons, with the resources given to us in God’s word.
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