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

 

In the context of the Corinthian church, the believers became so selfish and self-centred that their behaviour was tearing the community apart. Their inability to align themselves with the reality of the gospel created unhealthy spiritual strongholds in their lives.

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

The Apostle Paul exhorts the Corinthians and us our believer’s authority and power to destroy spiritual strongholds in our own and others’ lives. First, we must cast out any self-exalting thoughts that contradict what God says about us. Second, we must capture every self-defeating thinking that does not reconcile to Christ's perfect obedience on the cross, which gave us freedom and victory. Third, we must continue to proclaim the reality of the gospel and fully live out of who we are and have in Christ.

Paul is so vehemently opposed to anything that impedes spiritual growth and maturity that he told 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 conflict that was threatening to destroy their personal spiritual life and community. According to many Bible scholars, the phrase "ready to punish all disobedience" is a military expression that means "to restore proper order and discipline."

However, Paul saw no reason to return at the end of the day because he knew the Corinthians would follow through with their obedience, that is, by taking corrective actions. To put it another way, instead of always waiting for a rescue, Paul believes that it is everyone's role to take personal ownership and responsibility in working together to get rid of false ideas and wrong thinking that infects the church. This means we must learn to sincerely invest in the spiritual growth and well-being of others. We build much more faith and courage in one another when we do it together than if we did it alone.