Casting Down Imaginations
By Mark Mayberry
12/5/2010
Introduction
The militaristic imagery of 2nd Corinthians 10:3-6 emphasizes the seriousness of our spiritual
struggle.
The Nature of Our Struggle
Christians are engaged in a struggle from without (Eph. 6:10-13) and within (James 1:12-18).
The Greek word translated “struggle” in Ephesians 6:12 refers to an “engagement in a
challenging contest, a wrestling, a fight” [Thomas & BDAG].
Principalities and powers in heavenly places must come to recognize God’s manifold wisdom
(Eph. 3:8-10). Individually, we also must acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus Christ, either in
time unto salvation, or in eternity unto condemnation (Phil. 2:9-13).
The Weapons of Our Warfare
Christians must be armed for battle. The Greek word hoplon, translated “weapons,” occurs 6x in
the NT (John 18:3; Rom. 6:13 [2x]; 13:12; 2 Cor. 6:7; 10:4). It refers to (1) any tool or
implement one uses to prepare or make ready for a task; (2) an instrument designed to prepare
for military engagement, i.e., a weapon; used (a) literally; (b) in imagery, of a Christian’s life as
a battle against evil [Thomas & BDAG]. The aspis, a large shield made of wood and overlaid
with bronze, carried by Greek infantry (hoplites), is also identified as a hoplon. Providing
excellent defense, it could also serve as an offensive weapon.
The term hoplite, which identifies a heavily armed infantry soldier of ancient Greece, is derived
from the hoplon. So also is the Biblical word hoplizō, which means “to make ready, to equip,”
and is rendered “arm” yourselves (1 Peter 4:1).
Additionally, panoplia, a compound of pas/pasa/pan [all, each, every] and hoplon [a tool,
implement, weapon], refers to “full armor” [Thomas]. BDAG say it describes “the complete
equipment of a heavy-armed soldier” (Luke 11:21-22; Eph. 6:11-17). Faithful disciples are
arrayed with the armor of light/righteousness on the right hand and the left (Rom. 13:12-13; 2
Cor. 6:4-7).
1
Not Fleshly/Carnal
We must not employ the weapons of the enemy. The Greek word rendered “fleshly/carnal”
identifies that which relates to the fleshly or carnal realm. BDAG say it either (1) “pertains to
being material or belonging to the physical realm, material, physical, human, fleshly” or it (2)
“pertains to being human at a disappointing level of behavior or characteristics, (merely) human”
(cf. 1 Cor. 3:2-3; 2 Cor. 1:12; 10:3-4; 1 Pet. 2:11-12).
But Divinely Powerful
Rather, we must avail ourselves of the power of God. The Greek adjective dunatos, translated
“powerful” (2 Cor. 10:4) closely related to dunamis [power, might, strength] (cf. Rom. 1:16),
describes that which is “strong, mighty, or powerful.” Note these significant occurrences. Jesus
was mighty in deed and word (Luke 24:19). He arose from the grave, since it was impossible for
death to hold him (Acts 2:24). With God, all things are possible (Matt. 19:23-26). Therefore, like
Abraham and Paul, let us never doubt God’s ability – He is ever able to keep His promises
(Rom. 4:19-21; 2 Tim. 1:12).
The Destruction of Fortresses
We must take the battle to the enemy. The word translated “fortresses” derives from a root
meaning “to fortify, hold safely,” and refers to “a stronghold” [Thomas] or “a strong military
installation, fortress” [BDAG] (2 Cor. 10:4-5; cf. LXX of Proverbs 10:29; 21:22). The Lord is a
stronghold for the faithful and upright (Psa. 9:9; 18:2; 31:2-3). Satan and sin also have their
strongholds, but they are doomed to certain defeat (Isa. 23:4-7, 11, 14; Jer. 48:1; 51:53; Lam.
2:2).
The word translated “destruction” (2 Cor. 10:4) refers to “a pulling down” [Thomas] or “(1)
causing destruction by tearing down, tearing down, destruction, literally; (2) causing weakening
of capability, disabling, figurative extension of meaning of #1” [BDAG]. From a physical
standpoint, consider the conquest of Jerusalem, the Jebusite stronghold, captured by David (2
Sam. 5:6-10; 1 Chron. 11:4-9), and also Sennacherib’s siege of Lachish, a Jewish town located in
the Shephelah (2 Kings 18:13-16; 2 Chron. 32:1-15). In contrast, note the spiritual significance
of Paul’s statements regarding the authority with which he had been entrusted (2 Cor. 10:8-9;
13:10).
Human Speculation
Human speculation is a stronghold of Satan. The word rendered “speculations,” derived from a
verb that means to reckon or consider, refers to human reasoning/thought” [Thomas]. BDAG say
it describes “the product of a cognitive process, calculation, reasoning, reflection, thought” and
man’s “capability of reasoning, reasoning power, wisdom.” God’s thoughts are higher than those
of man (Isa. 55:8-9), yet human wisdom often exalts itself above that of God (Matt. 11:25-27).
Foolish indeed is the one who lays aside God’s law in favor of human surmising (Ezek. 18:2432).
2
Human Pride
Human pride lifts itself up against God. The word translated “lofty thing” (2 Cor. 10:5) is an
astronomical term referring to the space above the horizon, i.e., the world above (cf. Rom. 8:39).
Used symbolically, it identifies human pride which postures arrogantly against the wisdom and
ways of God [BDAG]. Such an attitude is observed in Pharaoh of Egypt (Exod. 5:1-2) and
Sennacherib of Assyria (2 Kings 19:22, 28). It is evidenced by common sinners (Psa. 10:3-4; Isa.
2:11-17). It also signifies corruption among apostate religious leaders (2 Thess. 2:3-12).
Human Passion, Possessiveness & Perversion
Although not specifically mentioned in this passage, human passion also stands in opposition to
the will of God and must also be overthrown (Prov. 14:30; Gal. 5:24; Col. 3:5-6). So likewise for
man’s tendency toward possessiveness (Mark 7:21-23; Eph. 5:5) and perversion (Rom. 1:24-27;
2 Tim. 2:20-22).
The Victory Over Sin
Every Thought Taken Captive
Victory over sin occurs when every thought is taken captive. The Greek verb rendered “take
captive” means “to cause someone to become a prisoner of war” [BDAG]. It is used both
literally (Luke 21:23-24) and figuratively (Rom. 7:22-23).
We Must Render Full Obedience
Victory over sin occurs when we obey the Lord Jesus Christ. The preaching of the gospel is
designed to bring about the obedience of faith among all men (Rom. 1:4-5; 16:25-26). The
obedience of Christ provides an avenue of forgiveness (Rom. 5:18-19). He calls us to a life of
faith and fidelity (Rom. 6:16-17; Heb. 5:8-9).
Victory over sin occurs when we are submissive in every aspect of life – including thought, word
and deed. The battle begins in the heart, and extends to the realms of speech and action (Prov.
4:23-27). Words reveal character (Matt. 12:33-37). Deeds proceed from within (Mark 7:20-23).
Disobedience Must Be Effectively Opposed
Victory over sin occurs when disobedience is steadfastly opposed and consistently punished. The
disobedience of one man brought death into the world (Rom. 5:18-19). Rebellion was
consistently punished in the Old Testament (Heb. 2:1-4). The same principle must be respected
in the church (1 Cor. 5) and in our private lives (Matt. 5:29-30; 18:8-9).
3
Conclusion
In conclusion, Paul said, “We are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is
complete” (2 Cor. 10:6). If our lives are amiss, our effectiveness is greatly diminished (Matt. 7:15). Before the cause of Christ could flourish in Corinth, the church needed to correct its various
shortcomings.
Furthermore, Paul reminds us that the struggle is an ongoing process. The Greek word plēroō,
occurring in the phrase, “whenever your obedience is complete,” means “to bring to completion
an activity in which one has been involved from its beginning, complete, finish” [BDAG]. Let
us, therefore, continually strive to be filled with knowledge and the fruits of righteousness that
come through Jesus Christ (Col. 1:9-12; Phil. 1:9-11).
Knowledge is key (John 8:31-32). Therefore, let us handle aright the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15).
Obedience is imperative (Matt. 7:21-27). Therefore, let us walk in a manner worthy of the gospel
(1 Thess. 2:10-12).
4