Tag Archives: vessels of the Devil

Mental Health isn’t mentioned directly in Paul’s letters to the Church at Corinth. Yet, beneath the surface, two chapters a part, there are signs of a struggle from within. While writing to a city known for their philosophers, Paul suggests that there is an invisible solution to overcome the mind games that human brains play on fragile psyches. Paul claims that spiritual weapons are the best way to find strength from the struggles within your soul.

For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons. ⁴ For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, ⁵ [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One), 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.

Human beings are good at fighting someone or something that they can see. Yet, when flesh and blood become vessels of the Devil to claw, dig and gnaw at you, many fight a losing battle day after day. Meanwhile, demonic strongholds often expand, causing friction and unusual occurrences that can wear down your soul, Ephesians 6:12. If you try to fight this battle alone, oppressive spirits and powers of darkness have the ability to defeat any strong Christian.

But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and ^[b]show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may ^[c]pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! ¹⁰ So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [^[d]in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful ^[e]in divine strength), 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

This may explain the apostle Paul’s words in the passage above. The context of this verse begins with Paul opening up about a mysterious illness. It’s unclear if Paul was afflicted with a physical or spiritual condition, but he shares this low point in his life. The lesson learned through this ordeal is that the weaker human beings become, the potential for Jesus to be stronger increases. Perhaps, if you get out of the way, Jesus will give you the strength to conquer any struggle from within your heart and soul.

by Jay Mankus