Sunday, 29 December 2019

Physical and spiritual

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Question of the day: In 2 Corinthians 10, Paul is writing about the tension between the flesh and the spirit. Can you break that down?

Answer: Sure, I'm glad to. Here are the relevant verses ...

2 Corinthians 10:3 -5a "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly but powerful through God for the tearing down of strongholds. We are tearing down false arguments and every high-minded thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God."

Let me share this principle. For every physical reality, there is a greater spiritual reality. We walk (live) in the flesh, but our greater walk (life) is spiritual. The real battle is always spiritual.

Our spiritual weapons are designed to pull down spiritual strongholds. What is a spiritual stronghold? It is an area of our life we have not surrendered to God. We have left an opportunity for the enemy to gain a foothold, which grows into a stronghold. It is a place of rebellion. It's a place from within us that the enemy can attack us.

1 Peter 5:8-9a "Stay alert! Watch out! Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, searching for someone to devour. Stand up against him, firm in your faith ..."

So, what are our spiritual weapons? Prayer and prayer for one another is very effective. Jacob (James) 5:16 "So confess your offenses to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous person is very powerful."

The only offensive weapon we have is the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God. (Ephesians 6:17) And the only way we can use it effectively is if we know it. Please don't miss this, it's really important, (and you can quote me here) "Read the Bible." That's right, read the Bible every day.

Too tired to read the Bible, that is flesh keeping you from the spiritual victory God has for you. We always have time and energy for what's important. Prioritize the Word of God and give God the victory. Let the Spirit of God triumph over the weakness of our flesh. To God be the glory.