WHERE THE REAL FIGHT IS
2 CORINTHIANS 10:3-5
2 CORINTHIANS 10:3-5 NKJ
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 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,
A number of years ago, back before cell phones roamed the earth, there was a lot of talk about spiritual warfare. It got a bit weird with people dressing in camo to do warfare in the spirit. Then it got even weirder with folks going up to the highest buildings in their area to do warfare in the "heavenlies." I do not believe much was accomplished. Because when you take off the camo and come down from the high places, the real warfare is still taking place.
Paul, writing by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, shows us where the fight is. It's in our mind, our thoughts. The areas of our thinking that are far from the truth of the scriptures can become mental strongholds, mental fortresses. And these forts have to be overcome. The way this is to be carried out is by challenging the thoughts, reasonings, and imaginations that are contrary to God. And by capturing these thoughts, not allowing them to run free.
If you do not think this is a fight, it's because you have never done it. Paul calls it warfare, not party time. But here is the good news. We don't fight alone or unarmed. We have help and we have weapons. We have the Holy Spirit to teach us and guide us into the truth. And we have what Paul refers to in the letter to the Ephesians as the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God.
We also have the pattern of Jesus as He dealt with Satan in the wilderness. Jesus responded to all of Satan's temptations and attempts to defeat Him with the repeated phrase, "it is written." So, we don't attack wrong thoughts and established lies with random thoughts but with the truth of God's word.
APPLICATION
What Paul talks about in this short passage is a lifelong process. We do not reach the place on this earth where we never have to deal with wrong thoughts and imaginations. We do get stronger, and we are able to recognize these lies quicker. But we, not God, are responsible for capturing them and replacing them with God's thoughts found in His word. Sounds like a fight. But it's a fight we can win. Thanks to Jesus, we have what it takes.
PRAYER
Thank You, Lord, for weapons and help. I can win this battle for the mind.