“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (ESV)

We live in the flesh, but we do not fight by fleshly means. Our weapons are mighty through God to the destruction of the imaginations of our body or of any high thought that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. Our weapons teach us to submit to the obedience of Christ. Jesus’s soldiers have unusual armor. We have the “breastplate of righteousness,” the “helmet of salvation,” the “shield of faith,” and the “sword of the spirit.” Our feet must be “sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace,” all the while wearing the “belt of truth” (Ephesians 6:11-18 HCSB).

“Strongholds” of our sinful mental fortress can only be destroyed by the power of the holy spirit – God’s power and influence. Our imaginations are filled with pride, selfishness, vices, evil tendencies to follow society’s standards, etc. The degradation of man is revealed throughout history. Therefore, “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.” Romans 6:12. Destroy those fortresses and use your bodies to obey God. 

With all our strength by God’s power, we must focus on spiritual things, as we read in Colossians 3:2: “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” We have to think about holy things, related to our salvation as we strive to be part of the “royal priesthood.”

When we want to subdue the old nature, we may examine ourselves through these questions:

  1. Do my mind and heart enjoy sin in any form?
  2. Do I justify my little sins as excusable?
  3. Do I have a passion for justice, truth, kindness, gentleness, meekness, humility, patience and love? 

All Christian soldiers must recognize that their warfare will continue until death. There can be no question of considering any thoughts about withdrawing, if only for one hour, from the good fight of faith.

Additional Resources:
Chrisitan Questions Podcast Episode #732: “Got Armor?”
The proper use of the armor of God
CQ Rewind Show Notes

For children, parents and Bible class teachers, watch this short, animated video: “What is the armor of God?”