25 Oct November 25th Daily Devotional

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S SECOND LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS

ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.”

There is much war in today’s news.  On a daily basis you hear reports from the Ukraine, Gaza, skirmishes in various areas of Africa and the threat of war by Russia and China against our very own country.  The weapons of war are destructive having no ability to separate out the enemy from women and children, hospitals, and nurseries.

In today’s devotional verse St. Paul speaks about a war with the Corinthians.  There has been conflict in that congregation.  There are enemies lined up against Paul and the message of the Gospel for which he stands strong.  This is a far different war, says St. Paul, than the wars of nation against nation.  It is a war for the very souls of human beings.  He says, the weapons he uses are not like the weapons used on the battle fields of the world such as tanks, jet fighters, missiles , and the like.

The enemies against whom St. Paul and the church fights is Satan, the world, and the sinful flesh of human beings.  The specific war he fights is against false teachers and leaders trying to turn the hearts of the Corinthians away from Jesus.  The Christian’s armament for this war is the gospel, which he writes elsewhere is the power of God for salvation.  (Romans 1:16)

The war to which St. Paul writes continues to this very moment and will as long as this world continues to exist.  False teachers continue to rise up to attempt to lead people away from the Jesus of the Gospel.  Their message is deceptive.  Their tactics are “slick,” appealing to the Old Adam of all human beings.

Fear not!  As God furnished St. Paul with the power of the Gospel to overcome those who wanted to destroy the message of the gospel so He continues to provide it today.  Don’t lose heart even when it appears the attacks against the church are succeeding.  God says to you, “. . . My word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you . . . “ (Isaiah 55:11-12)

Prayer:  Grant me and all believers the faith we need to never lose hope as we see the gospel under attack.  Grant us faith that is certain that by Your grace and power our victory over all evil is secure.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus Going on before

Christ, the royal master, Leads against the foe;

Forward into battle See His banners go!

Refrain:  Onward Christian soldiers, Marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus Going on before.

Like a mighty army Moves the Church of God;

Brothers, we are treading Where the saints have trod.

We are not divided, All one body we,

One in hope and doctrine, One in charity.  Refrain:

Crowns and thrones may perish, Kingdoms rise and wane,

But the Church of Jesus Constant will remain.

Gates of hell can never ‘Gainst that Church prevail;

We have Christ’s own promise, And that cannot fail.  Refrain:

Onward, then, ye faithful, Join our happy throng,

Blend with ours your voices In the triumph song:

Glory, laud and honor Unto Christ, the king;

This through countless ages Men and angels sing.  Refrain:

(LSB 662)