Burke County
“bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.”
Thus far in our study of 2 Corinthians 10:2-6, we have looked at our God-given ability of “pulling down strongholds, casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of Christ.”
Let’s now look at what may be the most important part of these spiritual weapons — our God-given ability to capture thoughts instead of being captured by them.
The strongholds, imaginations, and high things (pride and self-confidence) are always present. Paul acknowledged this battle when he wrote, “I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good” (Romans 7:21). Yet all of these spiritual battles are ultimately controlled by our thoughts. Is it any wonder the writer of Proverbs declared, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7 KJV).
Have you ever stopped to consider the power of a single thought?
Every great invention that has benefited mankind began as a single thought in someone’s mind. The light bulb, the telephone, the automobile — the list could go on and on — but every one of them started as a single thought.
Every human endeavor, whether good or evil, also began with a thought. The vision of creating a new nation began in the minds of America’s founding fathers long before the Declaration of Independence was ever written. In the same way, the vision of world domination once existed only as a thought in Adolf Hitler’s mind before it became one of history’s greatest tragedies.
Scripture repeatedly shows us the tremendous power of thoughts.
Consider the single thought Satan sowed into Eve’s mind:
“Then the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil’” (Genesis 3:4-5).
We all know the catastrophic effect that came from heeding that “high thing” that exalted itself against the knowledge of God. Romans 5:12 reminds us that sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin.
Yet God also plants thoughts into the hearts of those willing to obey Him.
God sowed this thought into Noah’s mind: “Make yourself an ark” (Genesis 6:14). Noah obeyed, and because he acted upon the thought God gave him, he and his family were spared from the judgment that came upon the earth.
Then there is Abram and Sarai.
“So Sarai said to Abram, ‘See now, the LORD has restrained me from bearing children. Please, go in to my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children by her.’ And Abram heeded the voice of Sarai” (Genesis 16:2).
That thought appealed greatly to the male flesh, yet the consequences of Abram’s decision are still being felt in the world today. Genesis 16:11-12 foretold conflict and division that would continue for generations.
Thoughts become things. Thoughts become actions.
As we heed the subtle thoughts sown by the whisper of God — “a still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12 KJV) — we reap the benefits of “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). But when we heed the subtle lies of the enemy, those thoughts can develop into strongholds that plague us for years.
This is why Scripture commands us to “bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”
Of all the weapons God has given us that are mighty through Him, this may be the most powerful one of all: the God-given ability to capture the very thoughts Satan uses to enslave us.
Some definitions connected to the word “captivity” include the imagery of a spear and a prisoner of war. What a powerful picture for the believer. We do not have to accept Satan’s junk.
As Jesus prepared to leave this earth, He reminded His disciples that “all authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). As joint heirs with Christ, He has passed His authority on to us.
Motivational speaker Zig Ziglar once said, “God votes for us, Satan votes against us, and we cast the deciding vote.”
Picture this in your mind as you walk through this spiritual war zone we call the abundant Christian life (John 10:10). When Satan attempts to imprison you with subtle thoughts — and he does constantly — imagine yourself with spear in hand, driving those thoughts out of your mind. More importantly, use “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17) to cut those lies to ribbons.
We have God the Holy Spirit and His Word to fight our battles for us. Praise His Holy Name.
When Satan whispers his subtle lies, if we are listening carefully, we may hear God asking the same question He asked Elijah: “What are you doing here?” (1 Kings 19:13).
And as we respond in obedience to Christ, we will see our obedience vindicated and the enemy defeated: “being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled” (2 Corinthians 10:6).
Perhaps it is time we all started thinking about what we are thinking about.
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Steve Henry has been a lifelong resident of Burke County. God blessed him with an incredible lady that he has been married to for 43 years. He has also blessed Steve with two wonderful children and two beautiful granddaughters.
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