My Walk With Him: For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Day 338 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - this afternoon the focus is the final 3 chapters of Paul's second letter to the church in Corinth, and these chapters include what MacArthur Bible Study Commentary (for purchase) notes as a change in tone from chapters 1-9 and what my commentary* refers to as Paul's defense of his ministry and a follow up to his "severe letter" (referred to in 2 Corinthians 2:4) as the church in Corinth began to follow false teachers seeking to undermine Paul's credibility, apostleship, and authority. See also additional commentary on 2 Corinthians here from John MacArthur.

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) . Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Paul's opening words in these 3 chapters provide great encouragement for how we are to approach those who seek to attack us. While John Piper's post indicates Paul's audience for demolishing arguments and for taking thoughts captive is others attacking him, all believers are subject to the same "destruction" for our own good and sanctification.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has helped me with my understanding of scripture - thank You Jesus! Yet I am undeserving of Your love and blessings that You pour for me. My sin is great and it continues - including worry, gossip, etc. Please forgive me. Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.