2 Corinthians 10 - 2.12.26

SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 

OBSERVATION

In Chapter 10, the apostle Paul is writing to the Corinthian Christians.  And he will admit that he walks according to the flesh in the sense that we all do. He is a flesh and blood human being, and he struggles with the same things the Corinthians did.  And that we do.  However, Paul wants to make it clear that he does not war according to the flesh.

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (material weapons such as swords and spears).  When Paul fought, his weapons were not material but spiritual, suited for spiritual war. Paul would not defend his apostolic credentials with carnal weapons others used.

In Ephesians 6, Paul lists the spiritual weapons he used: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. To rely on these weapons took faith in God instead of carnal methods. But truly, these weapons are mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.

BUT HOW CAN WE TAKE every thought in our mind captive?   I try, and the next thing I know my mind goes “spinning” in the negative.  Last year, I prayed that the Lord would give me red flags’ when this happens and take captive my negative thoughts and cast them out.   But sometimes I stay in it too long before I “take captive—and cast out”.

To take every thought captive to Christ means to intentionally filter our thoughts through the lens of Christ’s teachings and values. This involves being mindful of our thought patterns, attitudes, and beliefs, and aligning them with the truth of God’s Word. We allow His truth to reign in our minds, guiding our perspectives and decisions by surrendering our thoughts to Christ.

Taking every thought captive to Christ also requires diligence and self-awareness. It involves examining our thoughts regularly and discerning whether they reflect the mind of Christ or are influenced by worldly patterns and beliefs. It’s essential to actively engage in prayer, meditation on Scripture, and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit to help cultivate a Christ-centered thought life. Taking every thought captive to Christ ultimately empowers us to live in obedience to Him and resist the influence of the enemy’s schemes and worldly distractions. We position ourselves to grow in wisdom, understanding, and faith by surrendering our minds to Christ’s authority, allowing His truth to shape our beliefs, attitudes, and actions.

APPLICATION

What do I/we need in order to apply this in my/our life?  Pray, read and speak HIS words to ourselves and to others. As noted above under OBSERVATION, we position ourselves to grow in wisdom, understanding, and faith by surrendering our minds to Christ’s authority, allowing His truth to shape our beliefs, attitudes, and actions.  And TAKE CAPTIVE… our thoughts.

In contents of 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 is the GPS for overcoming the chaos around us. Christ gives strength to tear down any obstacle, any negative thought, that stands in our way.  

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, you know my mind goes in the wrong direction sometimes “spinning” with negative thoughts and worry that pulls me down.  And, in YOU, I claim victory over my “spinning mind”.  I am reminded, that you my Father give me strength to tear down any obstacle, any negative thought, that stands in my way.   And my Lord, I CLAIM spiritual weapons for each one of my family and my DSC family: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit.  Jesus, I believe you are drawing us closer to you for a purpose.  Thank you, I trust in your unfailing grace.

Isaiah 43:19 says “Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert.” And all for your glory. Thank you, Lord Jesus. AMEN!

- Charleen Zakarian