2 Cor. 10  Paul felt such a love for the church at Corinth, that it was hard for him when they were doubting his authority.   He wanted them to see his heart.  He was the one who first presented the gospel to them.  This was God's plan!  But, he was not lording it over them.  He came with meekness and gentleness, like Christ Himself would do.  He did have authority, from the Lord, for "building (them ) up". (v8) His work among them was meant to result in growing faith and an expansion of the Kingdom.  (v15-16)  His letters may have seemed "weighty and strong", even terrifying,  but his purpose was to bring them good, to bring them to "obedience" in Christ. 

However, Paul was ready to fight a battle against those who were preaching a false message!  He would come with boldness and  "weapons of warfare"; ready to fight!  " ..for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.  We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." ( v4-5).

The enemy that Paul is ready to fight, these "fortresses" are speculations - conceited imaginations, reasonings, and thoughts; and "lofty" things " raised up against the knowledge of God".  Hear what Isaiah has to say about lofty things:  

" For the Lord of hosts will have a day of reckoning against everyone who is proud and lofty, and against everyone who is lifted up, that he may be abased.  And it will be against all the cedars of Lebanon that are lofty and lifted up, against all the oaks of Bashan, against all the lofty mountains, against all the hills that are lifted up, against every high tower, against every fortified wall, against all the ships of Tarshish, and against all the beautiful craft.  And the pride of man will be humbled, and the loftiness of men will be abased, and the Lord alone will be exalted in that day."

( Isaiah 2:12-17)

Isaiah goes on to say that when these proud and lofty people come face to face with the "splendor of His majesty", the "terror of the Lord"- they will run and hide in caves and holes in the ground. They will throw away their idols of gold and silver.  They and the whole earth will tremble. 

What are these "divinely powerful" weapons of destruction?  What does he use to "take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ"? What can change a thought - a perception, a purpose, an understanding - what changes the mind?  Two things - The Living Word of God and prayer.  "... the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.  With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit... " (Eph. 6:17b-18).  

Paul teaches us to put on the "full armor of God" to stand against the evil of the day and the schemes of the devil. We are in a spiritual battle.  We take up this armor of truth, righteousness,  the gospel of peace, faith and salvation - these are protection for us, from the enemy.   But, the weapons against the enemy, the weapons of warfare - are the Word of God and prayer.  The "word of God"  the writer of Hebrews tells us, " is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." ( 4:12) 

Father in Heaven, You have given us the Word, Living and active, to read, study, memorize, and meditate on - that we won't be conformed to the speculations and lofty thinking of this world - but "transformed by the renewing" of our minds.  We must hunger and thirst for Your Word, for it is the Bread of Life.  Jesus, the blessed Son is the Word, who became flesh and dwelt among us.  We need You, Lord!  Oh Father , like Paul we pray that we will proclaim the Word with boldness, to destroy the speculations and lofty things  that are against the knowledge of You. We take up these weapons of warfare, these divinely powerful weapons for the purpose of bringing every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.  Fill us Holy Spirit! Every moment and every hour, for the day of reckoning is coming soon.  May the Lord God alone be exalted!  Amen