There is no organization like the church. She is made up of people who are being transformed into the likeness of Christ. In the letters to the Corinthians, Paul describes the church having • Unity of mind, purpose, spirit • Love in her members that willingly sacrifices for each other • Boldness in the truth of the gospel • Divine power to liberate people from Satan’s stronghold

We do not fight against people, but against spiritual powers opposed to God. (Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬‬‬)‬‬

Paul uses military metaphors in 10:3-6. • He wages war (10:3); • He has weapons of warfare with divine power (10:4); • He tears down raised defenses (10:5); • He takes captives (10:6); and • He stands ready to punish the rebels (10:6).

What are the strongholds Paul is attacking? They are “arguments” and “pretenses” set up “against the knowledge of God.” The Greek is literally, “every high thing lifted up.” Walls built up against the knowledge of God. No human argument can stand against God’s power.

“We take captive every ‘thought.’” Translated elsewhere “mind” or “design.” • The minds of the Israelites were hardened, necessitating Moses’ veil (3:14) • The minds of unbelievers have been blinded by the God of this world to keep them from seeing the light of gospel of the glory of Christ (4:4) • Satan has ensnared the Corinthians “thoughts” like he deceived Eve (11:3) Satan holds their minds hostage, and Paul is prepared to fight to liberate them. We are not engaged in a war against people, but for people.

What are Paul’s weapons? • The power of the gospel – forgiveness and cleansing by Jesus’ blood (1 John 1:9) • Prayer and fasting - Prayer is not just preparation for the battle; it is the battle. • The Word of God - "I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the Word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one." (1 John 2:14b) • Our testimony – “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony” (‭Rev‬ ‭12‬:‭11‬a)‬‬‬‬‬‬ • Our weaknesses demonstrating God’s strength (2 Cor 12:7-10) • Holy lives – “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (‭Matt 5‬:‭16‬)‬‬‬‬

What does this tell us of the spiritual realm? The world is at war for the minds of people. Paul sees Christians as lighting the way to God in a dark world. • We spread the knowledge of God like a fragrance every where we go (2:14) • God makes his light shine in our hearts (4:6) • We are Christ’s ambassadors, reconciling people to God (5:20)