2 Corinthians 10:4-6
English Standard Version
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.
What are disciples of Jesus Christ to do in today’s world where politicians, media and entertainment call evil good and good evil? How are we supposed to conduct ourselves to equip us for battle? But God, through His Son, Jesus Christ, has given us the victory in his son’s death and resurrection!!!
1. The Battle Is Ideological and Spiritual, Not Physical
"The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh..."
We don’t fight with outrage, manipulation, or worldly influence. Our weapons are prayer, Scripture, the gospel, and the Spirit-filled life. These are divinely empowered to confront and demolish lies, not just debate them.
2. Strongholds = Lies That Grip Cultures and Hearts
"...have divine power to destroy strongholds."
A "stronghold" is any entrenched pattern of thinking that resists the truth of God—ideologies that normalize sin, redefine identity, or promote false versions of freedom. Today, this includes:
Moral relativism ("what's true for you is true for you")
Sexual and gender ideologies disconnected from creation order
Politicized narratives that ignore God’s justice or mercy
Prosperity and self-centered "gospels"
Christians are called to challenge these—not through rage or retreat, but through truth spoken in love and lives rooted in holiness.
3. Take Every Thought Captive
"Take every thought captive to obey Christ."
This isn’t just defensive—it’s discipleship of the mind. It means filtering every idea, show, news story, and emotion through Christ's lordship. What we consume, believe, repeat, and internalize must come under His authority.
In a world where headlines shape beliefs faster than Scripture, believers must:
Ground their thinking in the Word
Be discerning about what they watch or endorse
Help others deconstruct lies and rebuild on truth
4. Be Ready to Confront Disobedience—But Not Before Obedience
"Being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete."
Paul isn’t calling for a rush to rebuke others until we ourselves are aligned with Christ. Obedience begins at home. Once we are submitted to Christ, we’re equipped to speak boldly, correct lovingly, and lead clearly.
This guards us from hypocrisy and equips us with credibility and spiritual authority.
In Summary:
In a culture where evil is called good and good is ridiculed, 2 Corinthians 10:4–6 reminds us that:
We are not at war with people but with ideas and spiritual darkness
God's Word and Spirit are our tools to confront deception
Personal holiness is our foundation for public witness
Our minds must be transformed before we can transform the world
