RIGHT WAY LIVING: TRUTH IS OUR DEFENSE

Pastor Jonathan Falwell 

2 Corinthians 10–11 (NKJV) 

1.  Our weapon is better than their weapons 

2 Corinthians 10:1–6 Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you. 2 But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare arenot carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 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, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

2 Corinthians 10:4–6 (NLT) We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 5We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. 6And after you have become fully obedient, we will punish everyone who remains disobedient.

• What are our weapons?
  • God’s Word – His Gospel
  • God’s Spirit – His presence
  • Prayer – Our access

Martin Luther once said, “Prayer is that mightiest of all weapons that created natures can wield.”[1]

• So, ultimately our weapon is nothing more, certainly nothing less, than TRUTH

2. Our victory depends on Him

Vs 7 Do you look at things according to the outward appearance? If anyone is convinced in himself that he is Christ’s, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he is Christ’s, even so we are Christ’s.

• Charles Spurgeon said, “Without him we can do nothing. But with Christ we can do all things. Christ’s presence confers success.”[2]
• Regardless of whether you feel capable to be used by Him, you are His and He will use you as He sees fit.

1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Vss 17-18 But “he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” 18 For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

• This is a encouragement to have pride in Christ alone

3. Watch out for the attacks

2 Corinthians 11:1–4 Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly—and indeed you do bear with me. 2 For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or ifyou receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!

• Warren Weirsbe stated, “We live in a deceived world, but in Jesus Christ we have reality.”[3]
• With the many false narratives which exist regarding God and His Word, the “foolishness” of the Gospel will overcome them all
• Our responsibility is to cling to His Word so we will notice the attacks of the enemy

Vss 10-15 As the truth of Christ is in me, no one shall stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia. 11 Why? Because I do not love you? God knows! 12 But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. 13 For such arefalse apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

• Ben Gutierrez wrote, “Paul reminds every minister that the same level of dependence on God that he used to grant us entrance into a saving relationship with him is also required of us as we serve as ministers.” [4]

4. When we are weak, He is strong

Vss 22-30 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. 23Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. 24From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. 25Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness—28besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. 29Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation? 30If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity.

• Paul’s many sufferings serve to remind us no matter what we experience in life, the presence and power of God will allow us to overcome
• God’s promise is He will bring you through

2 Corinthians 12:9–10 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Action Points:

1. Remember a weapon is only good if it’s close
2. Remember a weapon is only good if you know how to use it
3. Remember when you feel as if you can fight no longer, you have a defender who is right by your side

[1] Martin Manser, ed., Christian Quotations (Martin Manser, 2016).

[2] C. H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening: Daily Readings (London: Passmore & Alabaster, 1896).

[3] Warren W. Wiersbe, Prayer: Basic Training (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale, 1988), 19.

[4] Gutierrez, Ben, Everyday Ministry: Applying the Christian Faith (Nashville, TN: B&H, 2010).