“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”
(2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
This is one of my favorite verses – one that I pray quite often, “Lord, I bring my thoughts captive to you.”
Why is this important? Think about it. Satan, the enemy of your soul, has access to your mind. He cannot touch your spirit – your spirit is SEALED in the Holy Spirit. But your mind? Now, that’s another story . Your mind is a virtual playground for Satan. He is very good at causing us to speculate or entertain thoughts that, without question, go against the knowledge of God. That’s why we are instructed to “not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our MINDS.” (Romans 12:2)
When I choose, and then pray, “Lord, I bring my thoughts captive to you – to your obedience,” I am set free from their destruction. The Greek word for obedience is hupakoe (hoop-ak-oh-ay). Significantly,it means attentive HEARING, listening with compliant submission.
Once we understand our spiritual warfare and the schemes Satan uses to destroy us, we have gained our first step towards bringing down his strongholds (anything opposing God’s will) in our lives.
Attentive hearing. Captive thoughts. I sense a breakthrough coming…
O Lord, how I love Your Word! What freedom it brings us, if only we will pay attention! Thank you for this lesson. The most difficult part is CHOOSING not to entertain thoughts that are not of You. Give us determination or gumption or whatever it is that we need to immediately bring those thoughts to You. Thank You, Lord. We love You.
