"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled."
2nd Corinthians 10:1-6
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Defenition: "Warfare"
1: military operations between enemies : hostilities, war; also: an activity undertaken by a political unit (as a nation) to weaken or destroy another <economic warfare>
2: struggle between competing entities : conflict _________________________________________
Back in the mid-70's the U.S. Marine Corps had a nack for coming up with catchy recruiting slogans...ie. "I never promised you a rose garden"..."The Marines Have Landed"...just to name a few... One of my all-time favorites was:
"Nobody Likes To Fight, But Somebody Has To Know How"
When I arrived at Parris Island for basic training, I was amazed to see three of the smallest guys in my platoon; Pvt. Gimes, Pvt. James, and Pvt. Medena... each of these individuals was either 4ft 9in, or just at the 5ft mark.
My thoughts just by looking at their outward appearence was that they would washout in a week; and as the weeks went by I would continue to count them out in my mind. It didn't matter that they were always at the front of the pack when we ran 3 miles each morning, it didn't matter that they managed to last every PT drill we went through; they even managed to keep up during our rigorous force marches, yet I still couldn't see them surviving all the way to graduation.
I finally was convinced when we had our pugil-stick competition against the three other platoons in our series.
Those smallish Marine Corps recruits out-shined us all with their fighting skill and heart. In fact, they played a major role in our winning all three stages of the contest and bringing back the trophy, "a Bronzed Rifle" which Pvt. James can be seen holding when we posed for our platoon graduation photo.
In 2nd Corinthians chapter 10; Paul maintains a lowly thoughts and speaks humbly of himself in face of the many mean and scornful words spoken of him by others. Paul was very aware of his infirmities, yet maintained humility even when he was reproached by men.
He understood that the work of the ministry is a spiritual warfare with spiritual enemies, for spiritual purposes; he also recognized that outward force is not the method of the gospel, but strong persuasions, by the power of truth and the meekness of wisdom. When the word of God, (His truth), is hidden within our hearts, men can be persuaded to God and their duty to serve Him. Therefore the weapons of our warfare are very powerful; the evidence and of truth of Gods' word is convincing.
Opposition against the Gospel and Kingdom of God come from the powers of sin, and Satan in the hearts of men. But conquest is gained through the power of Gods' word.
Remember; it was Paul who informed us that the forces we're fighting against are not physical, but very spiritual in the heavens, (ref. Ephesians 6:10-18)...
I want to encourage you to maintain a spirit of humility and meekness. Let the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the power of Gods' word operate in you and through you; that's how victory in this warfare is accomplished...By the way, there is another saying we had in the Marines:
"It's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog"
It doesn't matter what peeople may say or think about you intially, just know that Jesus is living big on the inside of you; and through His Spirit, you know how to fight.
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