BREAKING BONDAGES: God’s Help For Addictions | 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 | Message 2
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4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 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 10:4-5
The Spiritual Battlefield
The apostle Paul wrote, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 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.” (2 Corinthians 10:4–5)
The Amplified Bible expands the thought: “Our weapons are not physical, but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds… we refute arguments and theories and every proud thing that sets itself up against the true knowledge of God.”
Our world is fighting battles with pills, possessions, and power—but the real war is spiritual. The weapons we need are not man-made; they are mighty through God.
A friend once wrote me:
“I went off narcotic pain relievers. The withdrawals were awful, but praise the Lord, that season is over.”
He reminded me that the flesh is fragile, but God’s Spirit is fierce. Addiction, anxiety, and despair are powerful, but they are no match for the Spirit of the Living God.
The War Within
Paul said, “Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.” (2 Corinthians 10:3) The “flesh” refers to our human nature—weak, vulnerable, and easily swayed. Galatians 5:16–17 declares, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.”
Dr. Richard Pratt explained, “Paul lived in the world, but he did not wage war as the world does. Instead of intimidation or coercion, he relied on divine power. His weapons appeared weak by worldly standards but were actually very powerful.”
We are soldiers in a spiritual war. The Greek word Paul used for “war,” strateuometha, gives us our word “strategy.” God’s people must fight strategically—with the right weapons, not the world’s weapons.
Weapons That Win
Recognize the battle is spiritual. You can’t overcome anxiety, addiction, or fear by sheer willpower. You need God’s strength.
Use the proper weapons. Paul wrote, “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God.” The Greek word “hoopla” refers to military armor—spiritual armor crafted by God Himself.
Remember the power source. Our weapons are dunata—dynamic, explosive, powerful. They demolish strongholds.
Pull down strongholds. The word kathairesin describes the destruction of fortress walls by ramming, hammering, or undermining. God’s truth smashes the lies that imprison the mind.
Drs. Ed Hindson and Woodrow Kroll wrote, “Paul continues the military metaphor. Strongholds were high battlements thrown up in battle, yet God’s truth pulls them down and brings every thought into obedience to Christ.”
Greek scholar Dr. Robert Gromacki added, “David defeated Goliath with a sling, not Saul’s armor. The walls of Jericho fell as Israel walked in obedient faith. True victory is always, ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord.”
Even ancient Corinth was familiar with this imagery. As Dr. Clinton Arnold noted, the ruins of its fortress above the city—the Acro Corinth—were a vivid reminder of demolished strongholds. Paul used that image to show that God’s power can reduce any wall of fear to rubble.
Right Thinking Produces Right Living
When we use God’s weapons, our minds are transformed. “Casting down arguments and every high thing… bringing every thought into captivity.” (2 Corinthians 10:5) Thought always precedes behavior—so if you capture your thoughts, you change your life.
The Christian’s Mighty Weapons
Prayer — “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.” (Ephesians 6:18)
The Word of God — “Faith comes by hearing… the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” (Romans 10:17; Ephesians 6:17)
Active Involvement in the Church — “On this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)
Intercessory Prayer with Others — united prayer strengthens the soul and renews courage.
Friend, your struggle is not too strong for God. Panic, addiction, and fear may feel like walls around your life, but those walls are coming down. The weapons of your warfare are mighty in God—and when your mind is captured by His truth, your heart will finally be free.
