"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh" (2 Cor. 10:3).
The drastic change in tone from chapter 9 to chapter 10, a tone which continues through chapter 13, has created much debate. Paul moves from a tone that is mild and pastoral to one that is harsh and filled with warning. The change is so dramatic that some have concluded that chapters 10 through 13 are actually a separate letter. But there are no other indications that these chapters were written at a different time. The change, then, has to do with the transition from one subject to another. Paul now deals with a very serious matter in the church, that of false teachers. Whenever anyone tried to corrupt the church with false doctrine, Paul became as fiercely protective as a bird hovering over her chicks.
By saying “I, Paul, myself …”, he reveals the personal nature of those who attacked him and the need for a personal response. Paul defended himself and the Gospel according to the gentleness and meekness of Christ. He did not want to be severe with the Corinthians, but if the problem was not resolved, he would be forced to be more severe. He had been accused of being weak and ineffective, and if these accusations continued, he would use all the authority and power invested in him to oppose the false teachers.
Paul’s accusers said that he walked “according to the flesh,” that he acted under the control of his corrupt nature and relied on his own abilities. This was a most abominable accusation considering that Paul was an apostle called by Christ Himself. Paul defends himself by playing a word game. He says, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.” Paul was a man and subject to all the infirmities of human nature, but he did not do battle according to the flesh. His ministry was not based on human abilities, but he was governed by the Spirit and relied upon the power of the Spirit. Calvin commented that “What Paul says of himself is true of all the faithful ministers of Christ. They bear about an incomparable treasure in earthen vessels. Therefore, although they are compassed with infirmities, nevertheless the spiritual power of God is resplendent in them.” And this can be said not only of ministers but of all Christians, for we walk not according to our sinful nature but according to the power of Christ.
Do you have the same response as Paul when you hear someone falsely accuse or dishonor a faithful minister? What is your attitude toward the teaching of false doctrine in the church? Do you treat it as no big deal or do you take it seriously? Pray that you will take error in the church more seriously and do what you can to oppose it.
