We are fighting an invisible war. n Every Christian is to be a soldier. (2 Tim 2:3-4)

We are fighting an invisible war. n (2 Timothy 2:3-4 NKJV) “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. {4} No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.”

We are fighting an invisible war. n Our commander is Jesus Christ.

We are fighting an invisible war. n We must have a focus and discipline within us to be effective.

We are fighting an invisible war. n We must have a focus and discipline within us to be effective. n We are fighting in a raging war. (Eph 6:12-13)

We are fighting an invisible war. n (Ephesians 6:12-13 NKJV) “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. {13} Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

We are fighting an invisible war. n The foes are invisible, and so is the battleground. (Lk 17:20-21)

We are fighting an invisible war. n (Luke 17:20-21 NKJV) “Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; {21} “nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.””

We are fighting an invisible war. n The consequences are real, both in this life as well as in eternity.

We are fighting an invisible war. n The consequences are real, both in this life as well as in eternity. n If a mighty enemy invaded our land would you continue to live life as usual?

We are fighting an invisible war. n The consequences are real, both in this life as well as in eternity. n If a mighty enemy invaded our land would you continue to live life as usual? n In this chapter Paul is turning his attention to battle false teachers among the Corinthians.

We are fighting an invisible war. n These men were under the control of Satan. (2 Cor 11:12-15)

We are fighting an invisible war. n (2 Corinthians 11:12-15 NKJV) “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 are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.

We are fighting an invisible war. n 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.”

We are fighting an invisible war. n A very real battle was being fought within the church at Cornith. Whose side would they choose?

His Mighty Weapons (10:1-6) n (2 Corinthians 10:1-6 NKJV) “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

His Mighty Weapons (10:1-6) n {3} For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. {4} For the weapons of our warfare are not 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,

His Mighty Weapons (10:1-6) n {6} and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.”

His Mighty Weapons (10:1-6) n Paul had a heart that was filled with the mind of Christ. (10:1-3)

His Mighty Weapons (10:1-6) n Paul had a heart that was filled with the mind of Christ. (10:1-3) n This mind is the strength of the Christian. (Phil 2:5-9)

His Mighty Weapons (10:1-6) n (Philippians 2:5-9 NKJV) “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, ….

His Mighty Weapons (10:1-6) n Is meekness and gentleness a sign of weakness or strength?

His Mighty Weapons (10:1-6) n Is meekness and gentleness a sign of weakness or strength? n Meekness - "gentleness of attitude and behavior, in contrast with harshness in one's dealings with others - gentleness, meekness, mildness." (Mt 5:5; Col 3:12; 1 Pt 3:15)

His Mighty Weapons (10:1-6) n (Matthew 5:5 NKJV) “Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.”

His Mighty Weapons (10:1-6) n (Colossians 3:12 NKJV) “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;”

His Mighty Weapons (10:1-6) n (1 Peter 3:15 NKJV) “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;”

His Mighty Weapons (10:1-6) n Gentleness - "the quality of gracious forbearing - gentleness, graciousness, forbearance." (2 Tim 2:24-26)

His Mighty Weapons (10:1-6) n Gentleness - "the quality of gracious forbearing - gentleness, graciousness, forbearance." (2 Tim 2:24-26) n You cannot be Christ's warrior without these qualities.

His Mighty Weapons (10:1-6) n 2 Timothy 2:24-26 (NKJV) - And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

His Mighty Weapons (10:1-6) n You cannot be Christ's warrior without these qualities.

His Mighty Weapons (10:1-6) n This mind does not judge by outward appearance. (Jn 7:24)

His Mighty Weapons (10:1-6) n John 7:24 (NKJV) - Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”

His Mighty Weapons (10:1-6) n Paul's enemies took confidence in appearance. They mistook lowliness as weakness!

His Mighty Weapons (10:1-6) n Paul's enemies took confidence in appearance. They mistook lowliness as weakness! n These men attacked Paul because of a lack of "flashiness.“

His Mighty Weapons (10:1-6) n These same men judged Paul on the same fleshly basis they lived their lives. They were going to be in for a surprise! This was not going to be the way Paul would deal with them. (10:2-3)

His Mighty Weapons (10:1-6) n These same men judged Paul on the same fleshly basis they lived their lives. They were going to be in for a surprise! This was not going to be the way Paul would deal with them. (10:2-3) n These evil men are described as "some" in this text.

His Mighty Weapons (10:1-6) n These same men judged Paul on the same fleshly basis they lived their lives. They were going to be in for a surprise! This was not going to be the way Paul would deal with them. (10:2-3) n These evil men are described as "some" in this text. n God's weapons will accomplish their purpose.

His Mighty Weapons (10:1-6) n The worldly mind would not choose these weapons because he does not think they will work! (Ex. Those who use arguments that "work" but are false.) (10:4)

His Mighty Weapons (10:1-6) n The worldly mind would not choose these weapons because he does not think they will work! (Ex. Those who use arguments that "work" but are false.) (10:4) n God's way will always work! (Isa 55:8-11)

His Mighty Weapons (10:1-6) n Isaiah 55:8-11 (NKJV) - “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.…11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

His Mighty Weapons (10:1-6) n God wants every thought and imagination under His control. (10:5)

His Mighty Weapons (10:1-6) n God wants every thought and imagination under His control. (10:5) n Am I conforming my mind? (Rom 12:1-2)

His Mighty Weapons (10:1-6) n God wants every thought and imagination under His control. (10:5) n Am I conforming my mind? (Rom 12:1-2) n Are my imaginations under His control? (Gen 6:5, 8:21)

His Mighty Weapons (10:1-6) n God wants every thought and imagination under His control. (10:5) n Am I conforming my mind? (Rom 12:1-2) n Are my imaginations under His control? (Gen 6:5, 8:21) n There are also punishments God has commanded. (10:6; 2 Cor 2:6)

His Mighty Vision (10:7-11) n 2 Corinthians 10:7-11 (NKJV) - 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. 8 For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed—

His Mighty Vision (10:7-11) n 9 lest I seem to terrify you by letters. 10“For his letters,” they say, “are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.” 11Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will also be in deed when we are present.

His Mighty Vision (10:7-11) n Our vision must be based on how God sees things. (10:7)

His Mighty Vision (10:7-11) n What will happen when we see things as God does? (1 Cor 1:10)

His Mighty Vision (10:7-11) n 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NKJV) - Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

His Mighty Vision (10:7-11) n There are those who may be in the church who do not have this mind. (1 Jn 4:1, 4-6)

His Mighty Vision (10:7-11) n 1 John 4:4-6 (NKJV) - You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. 6 We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

His Mighty Vision (10:7-11) n Our vision is based upon the authority of God. (10:8)

His Mighty Vision (10:7-11) n Our vision is based upon the authority of God. (10:8) n This will cause us to put God above the wishes of men. (Gal 1:10)

His Mighty Vision (10:7-11) n Galatians 1:10 (NKJV) - For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.)

His Mighty Vision (10:7-11) n This authority is for the good of others and not for one's selfish interest. (Rom 15:1-3)

His Mighty Vision (10:7-11) n Romans 15:1-3 (NKJV) - We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.”

His Mighty Vision (10:7-11) n When a man serves himself he wants the attention of others.

His Mighty Vision (10:7-11) n Our vision will bring a consistency of life. (10:9-11)

His Mighty Vision (10:7-11) n Our vision will bring a consistency of life. (10:9-11) n The false teacher has no principle and will seek the advantage of the moment. (Rom 16:18; 1 Thess 2:5; Jude 16)

His Mighty Vision (10:7-11) n Romans 16:18 (NKJV) - For those who are such do not serve our Lord £Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.

His Mighty Vision (10:7-11) n 1 Thessalonians 2:5 (NKJV) - For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness— God is witness.

His Mighty Vision (10:7-11) n Jude 1:16 (NKJV) - These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage.

His Mighty Vision (10:7-11) n The Christian will be consistent! (Mt 5:37)

His Mighty Vision (10:7-11) n n Matthew 5:37 (NKJV) - But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18) n 2 Corinthians 10:12-18 (NKJV) - For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13 We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you.

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18) n 14 For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; 15not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere,

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18) n 16 to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s sphere of accomplishment. 17 But “he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” 18 For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18) n We desire the praise of God! (Jn 12:43, Rom 2:19)

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18) n John 12:43 (NKJV) - for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18) n Romans 2:19 (NKJV) - and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18) n Many seek the short cut of seeking men to praise them. (2 Cor 10:12, 18)

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18) n Many seek the short cut of seeking men to praise them. (2 Cor 10:12, 18) n If we do this we will have a shallow reward. (Mt 6:2)

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18) n Matthew 6:2 (NKJV) - Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18) n When we seek the praise of men we will "compete" for it. This will lead to lies and gossip to cripple the "competition.“

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18) n When we know our limits we will be blessed! (10:13-16)

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18) n 13We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you. 14For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ;

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18) n 15not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere,

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18) n There is a realm where we "ought to think." (Rom 12:3)

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18) n Romans 12:3 (NKJV) - For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18) n The Corinthians were living proof of the work of God through Paul! What did these "others" do?

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18) n What made Paul fulfilled? When the work of God was accomplished in others.

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18) n What made Paul fulfilled? When the work of God was accomplished in others. n These are the kinds of men we should be following. (10:15; Phil 2:17; 3 Jn 4)

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18) n 15not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18) n Philippians 2:17 (NKJV) - Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18) n 3 John 1:4 (NKJV) - I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18) n Nothing can compare to the praise of God. (10:17-18)

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18) n 17 But “he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” 18 For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18) n Whose battles are you fighting?

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18) n Whose battles are you fighting? n God's battles are costly but we are sure to win! (1 Cor 9:25-26)

His Mighty Victory (10:12-18) n 1 Corinthians 9:25-26 (NKJV) - And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.