Paul expends most of the chapter explaining and defending his ministry of reconciliation. Others, especially from within the church, were trying to undermine him and his ministry. Verses 3 through 6 stand out. Here Paul defines his work allegorically. He sees his ministry as a spiritual war.
Jesus told his disciples, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 6:15-16) Paul’s mission obeyed this imperative. Specifically, Jesus told him through Ananias at the mission call, “This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.” (Acts 9:15-16)
Paul equates preaching the good news and proclaiming Jesus’ name as waging a spiritual war. When I do so, whether through word or action, I am fighting the good fight.
Human war in this world physically destroys, harms, tears down, and kills. The weapons used to fight a physical battle include the tongue, hands, legs, swords, arrows, guns, gas, bombs, and many other types of physical malicious devices. The spiritual war does not use these weapons (4).
The spiritual fight is with words and loving actions. Whenever I follow Jesus’ example and apply his teaching, I am using spiritual weapons. Jesus’s words are divine power ready for my use (5), but only when led by the Spirit in love.
I do not always want to fight the good fight. Sometimes I am tired, lazy, and selfish. It is then that I become vulnerable to defeat. Thank God that he is the source of unending power. When I am weak, He is strong and enables me to fight on.
