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, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

2 Corinthians 10:4-6 (NKJV)

 

The Corinthians had become so selfish and self-centred that their actions and behaviour were tearing the church community apart. Their inability to align themselves with the reality of the gospel resulted in unhealthy spiritual strongholds in their lives.

A spiritual stronghold is a mental block filled with lies and unquestioned assumptions that, if not addressed, can make a person or group of people to feel hopeless and helpless. This makes it easy for Satan to take advantage of their vulnerability and continuously attack them.

The Apostle Paul exhorts us to use our authority and power to demolish any spiritual strongholds that hinder our faith and the faith of others. First, we must eliminate any self-exalting thoughts that contradict what God says about us. Second, we must capture any self-defeating thought that contradicts Christ's perfect obedience on the cross, which granted us freedom and victory. Third, we must continue to preach the reality of the gospel and completely embody who we are and have in Christ.

Paul tells the Corinthians that he is "ready to punish all disobedience," that is, he is ready to come and sort them out if they do not resolve the spiritual conflicts that was affecting their personal and community life. Many Bible scholars believe the phrase "ready to punish all disobedience" is a military idiom meaning "to restore proper order and discipline." However, Paul saw no reason for him to come because the Corinthians follow through by taking corrective actions.

We can learn from Paul that it is everyone's responsibility to free the church of false ideas and faulty thinking as well as to care for one other’s spiritual growth and well-being.