2 Corinthians 10:3 (NKJV)
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
The word “war” as used here is “strateuó” in the Greek. It means “to contend.” So, we do not contend according to the flesh. The way we fight is not how human beings would fight.
2 Corinthians 10:4 (NKJV)
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
“Weapons” here is “hoplon” in the Greek. It means “instruments, implements.” The round shield used in Ancient Greek times was known as “hoplon.” Now, a shield is used more to protect from harm than in actual assault. This seems to indicate that our weapons are more defensive than offensive. They are MAINLY to defend rather than to attack. This is very important in this study.
The weapons which we use to contend are not carnal. The word “carnal” translates the Greek word “sarkikos” which means “fleshly, earthly, pretaining to the human nature.” We would not contend like men would for our weapons are not of the human nature. It is very key to note this.
“…but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,”
Now, the word “mighty” as used here means “powerful, having power, strong.” It translates the Greek word “dunatos.”
Follow Paul’s flow of thoughts. There is a reason why he says this. Notice that our weapons do not seem like much to a rational man. Man has an idea of what power looks like. (Machine guns, firearms etc). But our weapons are not carnal (guns, bombs etc). So when a rational man sees them, he might be tempted to think that they are not so strong.
So Paul quickly says “Don’t be fooled!” These weapons are ACTUALLY mighty! Even though they don’t seem like much, they are made divinely able and possible to accomplish the task needed to be accomplished!
Now, what are our weapons for?
Paul tells us in vs. 4
“…for pulling down strongholds,”
“Pulling down” is just one word in the Greek. It is the word “kathairesis.” It actually means “to take down, to raze or to destroy.” It literally means to demolish. The word “strongholds” is “ochuróma” in the Greek. It means “a fortress, strong defense.” Like a fortified, military stronghold; a strong-walled fortress, “a heavily-fortified containment.”
Now, what exactly are these strongholds that we pull down?
The next verse tells us:
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,
He mentions arguments, knowledge and thought. Where are these found? In the mind! So, these strongholds are actually in the mind.
“Strongholds” in vs. 4 refer to layers upon layers of false realities (wrong knowledge) in the minds of men which blind them from seeing things as they are. The sad part is that these men feel safe and secure in the midst of their self deceit! This is the HEIGHT of satanic activity — to introduce ignorance and leave it undetected!
Observe that Paul had made mention of this earlier in the same Book:
2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (NKJV)
3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 WHOSE MINDS the god of this age HAS BLINDED, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
So the devil exerts a demonic influence on the hearts of men so that they cannot see the truth of the Gospel. This is our warfare.
Back to 2 Corinthians 10:5
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,
So, our weapons of warfare will pull down these prisons of the mind and reveal the truth to the hearts of men.
He says “casting down arguments.” The phrase “casting down” is “kathaireó” in the Greek which means “to pull down, despose or destroy.” It means to forcibly yank down; destroy, leaving nothing “standing” or even in good working order; cast down.
The word “arguments” is “logismos” in the Greek. It means “reasoning, thinking; a conception, device.” This word was used in classical Greek for how people determine what they find reasonable. It refers to judgments and decisions in the minds of men.
Then he goes on:
“…and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God,”
“High thing” is just one word in the Greek. It is the word “hupsóma” which means “a barrier.” It figuratively refers to presumptions in the minds of men concerning God and His things. This serves as a barrier to the knowledge of God. It obstructs it. Our weapons of warfare are enabled by God to pull down these presumptions in the minds of men.
Then he concludes by saying:
“bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,”
“Thought” is “noema” in the Greek. It refers to “mental perception,” how people see things.
“To bring into captivity” is “aichmalótizó” in the Greek which means “to bring under control.”
So, these weapons which we have will bring men’s perception of things under control to the obedience of Christ. Their thoughts will now obey Christ in the Gospel — faith!
The entire battle which will cast down strongholds (false knowledge) and arguments in the minds of men, therefore, is our preaching and teaching of the Gospel.
(For a detailed study on this, get the sermon on “Faithfulness” by Pastor Josh Banks.)
© Josh Banks Ministries. 2021.
