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2 Corinthians 10

18 verses

TL;DR

Paul exhorts the Corinthians to engage in spiritual warfare with humility, using God‑sized weapons to dismantle false doctrines while urging them to value obedience over worldly boasting.

Summary

Paul begins by appealing to the Corinthians’ meekness, warning against overconfidence when he is present. He explains that although believers walk in the flesh, their struggle is not carnal but spiritual, employing divine weapons to break up imaginations that exalt themselves against God. He reminds them that those who think themselves superior are mistaken, and he defends his own modest approach to ministry, insisting that his authority is for edification, not for boasting. Paul emphasizes the need for consistent humility both in word and action, and encourages the church to focus on the Lord’s commendation rather than self‑exaltation. He concludes by affirming that true glory comes from God alone.

Outline
  1. Paul’s appeal for humility and warning against pride
  2. The nature of spiritual warfare and God’s weapons
  3. Encouragement for modest, God‑centered ministry
Themes
Spiritual warfare versus earthly prideHumility in ministryAuthority for edification
Keywords
meeknessboldnesscarnalspiritualwarfareimaginationsobedienceletterspresence
People
PaulChristThe Corinthians
Places
Corinththe churches
Things
spiritual weaponscarnal vs divineletterspresenceobedience to Christ
Key Verses
  • 2 Corinthians 10:3-5: Highlights the contrast between earthly and spiritual warfare and introduces the divine arsenal for dismantling false teachings.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:14-15: Affirms the purpose of ministry—preaching the gospel beyond the immediate congregation—while rejecting worldly boasting.
Questions
  • What does Paul mean by ‘spiritual weapons’ and how does this shape Christian conduct?
  • Why does Paul emphasize humility even when he feels justified in being bold?
  • How does the balance between ‘letters’ and ‘presence’ inform modern Christian leadership?
  • In what ways might believers be tempted to ‘glory in themselves’ rather than in the Lord?
  • What practical steps can a church take to ensure ministry is used for edification, not self‑promotion?
Sentiment

positive
Encouraging tone that values humility, obedience, and God‑centered glory.