Our Weapons for Spiritual Warfare are Not Carnal; Nor are our Battles Against Flesh and Blood

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
—2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NKJV)

As Matthew Henry writes, in his concise commentary, "The work of the ministry is a spiritual warfare with spiritual enemies, and for spiritual purposes. Outward force is not the method of the gospel, but strong persuasions, by the power of truth and the meekness of wisdom. Conscience is accountable to God only; and people must be persuaded to God and their duty, not driven by force." [1] Our battle as Christians is not against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12), but against spiritual darkness in high places. We should cloak ourselves in the whole armor of God, and prepare ourselves for spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10-20). Our tactics and weapons are not to fight wickedness in kind. We requit evil by not resisting it in its own manner, but responding commensurate with the Lord Jesus Christ's teaching. As C.H. Spurgeon notes,

If we let passion take the place of judgment, and self-will reign instead of Scriptural authority, we shall fight the Lord's battles with the devil's weapons, and if we cut our own fingers we must not be surprised. Again, in troubles which come upon us as the result of sin, we must not dream that we are suffering with Christ. [2]

[1] Henry, Matthew. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary. 2 Corinthians 10.
[2] Spurgeon, C.H. Morning and Evening. "July 3rd, Evening."