We rely on God’s power, not human means, to wage spiritual battles.
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh” (2 Corinthians 10:3). Paul describes that although we live in a physical world with normal human limitations, we conduct ourselves in a spiritual battle rather than a purely earthly one. He uses the phrase “walk in the flesh” to note that we all share this human existence, with its frailty and vulnerabilities. Yet the real conflict is not waged according to the resources or weapons of an earthly realm. Instead, Paul is drawing the believers’ focus to the unseen spiritual realities at play behind worldly powers and attitudes. This perspective reflects similar teachings in passages such as Ephesians 6:12 which shows that our ultimate struggle is “against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness.” It is a spiritual warfare requiring spiritual resources, including prayer, faith, and truth in Christ.
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh” (v.3). In the Greek cultural setting of Corinth, there was often much pride associated with human wisdom and outward strength. Paul’s message redefines what effective warfare looks like for believers. Rather than relying on human strength or clever arguments, believers are called to trust the power of God to transform hearts, including their own. They rely on the Spirit of God for victory over sin and evil in their midst. The new covenant, Paul has taught elsewhere, is based on the Spirit working in our hearts, not on the letter of the law written on stone (2 Corinthians 3:6). Here, Paul shows how that same power is crucial for all spiritual battles.
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh” (v.3). Paul alludes to the reality that our external human conditions might appear weak in the eyes of the world—subject to hardships, trials, and limitations. But believers are not weak when clothed in God’s armor (Ephesians 6:13-17) and empowered by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:11). Christ’s victory over sin and death is not merely an external display but a spiritual authority that His followers become partakers of. Paul’s statement is a direct reminder that God’s might is at work in and through us, enabling believers to stand against any force that opposes the kingdom of God.
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2 Corinthians 10:3 meaning
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh” (2 Corinthians 10:3). Paul describes that although we live in a physical world with normal human limitations, we conduct ourselves in a spiritual battle rather than a purely earthly one. He uses the phrase “walk in the flesh” to note that we all share this human existence, with its frailty and vulnerabilities. Yet the real conflict is not waged according to the resources or weapons of an earthly realm. Instead, Paul is drawing the believers’ focus to the unseen spiritual realities at play behind worldly powers and attitudes. This perspective reflects similar teachings in passages such as Ephesians 6:12 which shows that our ultimate struggle is “against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness.” It is a spiritual warfare requiring spiritual resources, including prayer, faith, and truth in Christ.
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh” (v.3). In the Greek cultural setting of Corinth, there was often much pride associated with human wisdom and outward strength. Paul’s message redefines what effective warfare looks like for believers. Rather than relying on human strength or clever arguments, believers are called to trust the power of God to transform hearts, including their own. They rely on the Spirit of God for victory over sin and evil in their midst. The new covenant, Paul has taught elsewhere, is based on the Spirit working in our hearts, not on the letter of the law written on stone (2 Corinthians 3:6). Here, Paul shows how that same power is crucial for all spiritual battles.
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh” (v.3). Paul alludes to the reality that our external human conditions might appear weak in the eyes of the world—subject to hardships, trials, and limitations. But believers are not weak when clothed in God’s armor (Ephesians 6:13-17) and empowered by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:11). Christ’s victory over sin and death is not merely an external display but a spiritual authority that His followers become partakers of. Paul’s statement is a direct reminder that God’s might is at work in and through us, enabling believers to stand against any force that opposes the kingdom of God.