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).