The Weapons of Our Warfare

Narrator: Chris Genthree
2 Corinthians 10:4  •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 7
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“The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds." 2 Cor. 10:44(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) (2 Corinthians 10:4).
David refused Saul's armor when he went to fight Goliath. In spiritual warfare, the believer must refuse what the first man (of which Saul is a type) provides, regardless of how attractive it appears,
Goliath had normal weapons of war: sword, spear, and shield. David had a staff, five smooth stones, a scrip, and a sling, A mismatch according to human thoughts, "because the foolishness of God is wiser than men: and the weakness of God is stronger than men." 1 Cor. 1:2525Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. (1 Corinthians 1:25).
A staff suggests dependence—something to lean upon. This drew Goliath's contempt and he said. "Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves?" 1 Sam. 17:4343And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. (1 Samuel 17:43). Dependence upon God as expressed in prayer seems as foolishness to man in the flesh.
Five smooth stones perhaps represent the Word of God fitted to an individual through meditation. David gathered the stones from a brook or valley, a low place. The Word of God can only be made good to us for our use as we take it up in lowliness. The stones were smooth, not rough, and our spirits need to be tempered with fleshly impulses judged. Stones, however, are not soft and pliable. Firmness and unyieldingness to the revealed mind of God is imperative. Five denotes human weakness; when owned by the Christian, His strength can be made perfect. (2 Cor. 12:99And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9).)
The scrip was a place to store valuables and this was where David carried his stones. Have we hidden the Word of God in our hearts? Is it an inestimable treasure to us?
The sling was used to make the stone serve its purpose. The Spirit of God is the only power available for using the Word of God effectually. How ineffective David would have been if he had thrown the stone with an arm of flesh.
Goliath, a Philistine, was smitten in the forehead. The Philistines were enemies within the land of Canaan and answer to the flesh intruding into the things of God (Col. 2:1818Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, (Colossians 2:18).) Goliath's forehead would indicate the fleshly mind puffed up in pride. Upon his victory, David took Goliath's armor and put it in his tent as a reminder of how the battle was won. Our faith should not stand in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. (1 Cor. 2:55That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. (1 Corinthians 2:5).) How insignificant were David's resources to the natural eye, yet what blessing resulted for Israel that day. May we too, by grace, reject human reasonings and opinions, but cling to the wisdom of God. Then we will find that the Lord still delights "to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him." 2 Chron. 16:99For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars. (2 Chronicles 16:9). W. Brockmeier