For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 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, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. – 2 Corinthians 10:4-6
As stated, spiritual warfare consists of actively nullifying and neutralizing all forms of defiance to the truth and freedom found in Christ Jesus, whether they be deep-rooted mindsets, oppression, pride, contentions, disobedience, outright sin, etc. However, take particular note of verse 6, which adds a conditional statement - our obedience must be fulfilled first as preparation to then punish all disobedience.
After three denials, Jesus pressed Simon Peter to a public reaffirmation of his devotion – in triplicate. Recorded in John 21, this initial obedience wasn't so the unstable "reed" Simon could appease his guilt and feel better about himself fishing. No, the Lord was wholly restoring the broken relationship, that Peter, the chip-off-the-Block "rock," might effectively function and fulfill His/his purpose in the Kingdom – again, not return to fishing, but the Lord!
In the midst of the dialogue, Jesus instructs him to that end. He said, also in triplicate, as an immediate extension of Simon Peter's love for Him, to feed and tend the flock of God. Peter's obedience was now to carry out the act of strengthening his brethren, fulfilling the prophetic word Jesus spoke before his denial: "But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren" (Lk 22:32).
For Peter to accomplish this required a strength, courage, and steadfastness beyond himself. "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you..." (Acts 1:8). When Pentecost had fully come, after the disciples obediently tarried, so did increased warfare. Yet there were more obedient acts to walk in, Spirit-proddings to fulfill along the way that would unlock even prison doors!
If you reflect on this principle, countless biblical examples will come to mind: The Lord's commanded seven-day walk-about strategy for taking Jericho; Israel's inability to conquer the city of Ai when Achan disobediently took and hid the accursed things; Joseph's daily faithfulness in the Lord leading to astounding promotion (likewise, Daniel and the three Hebrew children); Peter and John obeying God rather than men to proclaim the name of Jesus, explosively expanding the early Church; Philip following the Spirit's explicit directions to encounter the Ethiopian eunuch; the skiff being obediently cut away so all would remain aboard (and alive on) Paul's ship headed to Rome... ad infinitum. Can we now consider our own effectiveness in the Kingdom by astutely fulfilling the Spirit's leading?
There are always certain acts to implement and see through in response to the Lord's subtle (or not so subtle) impressions on our lives. It could be as simple and vital as not neglecting prayer, study of the Word, tithing, witnessing, or gathering with the saints. What about fasting or forgiving someone you've held a grudge toward? Maybe choosing joy or kindness or patience where it's been lacking? Sometimes it can be very specific like blessing someone financially or taking on an avoided task.
Often, we purposely don't know the connection or relevance of one action affecting another. However, in the mystery and wisdom of God, an obedience, even as nonsensical as it may seem, can be key in releasing the authority and confidence we need in Christ now and for future warfare. In short, our faithful obedience in all things is a crucial spiritual weapon.
Remember, conflict isn't only outward. The enemy loves nothing more than to wear us down and cripple our faith. Listen to the Apostle Paul in Macedonia, "...our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears" (2 Cor 7:5). Relentless undermining can win the day if we don't obediently fix our eyes on and cling to who our Lord is in all His greatness. Let's not become our own worst enemy through negligence.
Fulfilling our obedience in Him, whatever it may distinctly be, is a mighty-in-God weapon to tear down those arguments and high things, bring our thoughts into captivity to the obedience of Christ. It sets things right before God and others; clears our conscience as we sense the Lord's approval. We are ready again to punish all disobedience that would raise its head. We can say alike Jesus, though "the ruler of this world is coming, he has nothing in me" (John 14:30).
Nothing to condemn, nothing to accuse ...and lacking nothing in Him!
- Elese
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