Our thought life appears to be constantly under attack, either in ways to bring us down, or to elevate us above others. Popular society seems to tell us we must ‘be somebody’ or that we should be ‘going somewhere’. Opinions, arguments and unproven conspiracy theories seem to have a currency in society these days too. However, peace is hard to come by when arguments abound.
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, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. - 2 Corinthians 10:4-6.
There are two distinct directions to this scripture, one external and the other internal. The pulling down of strongholds and casting down arguments are those external thoughts and arguments which are presented to us daily by those who feel they are clever or wise. There is never a shortage of ‘new’ thinking which seeks to dominate and distract from God centred understanding. We must also protect ourselves internally by taking our own thoughts captive and not giving in to wrong thinking. Always being obedient to Gods truth.
The non carnal weapons are to be used in the spiritual to defeat a foe unseen. In verse 5 of this text, the fight is manifested in the physical as arguments and pride. Not just the bad arguments, where we aggressively disagree, but also the good arguments which we listen to and become intrigued.
There will be times when we encounter error and the weapon we’ve been given is the sword of the spirit, God’s word.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; – Ephesians 6:17.
It’s important that we dispel any thought in our own mind which exalts itself above God. This is done by prayer and reading the bible, checking everything with scripture. God’s word is life giving.
But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ” – Matthew 4:4.
We are not to simply lay aside the pride filled lofty thoughts, but to destroy them, which means even what seems good because, like all pride, its existence challenges the position of God in our life. Guarding our thoughts is so important and what we think about is crucial to who we become, because as a man thinks in his heart, so he is (Proverbs 23:7).
In the battle for your thought life, be sure to have nothing which challenges the place of God and destroy every thought which dominates and distorts. Remember that the weapons you have are not carnal, but they are mighty, use them to pull down and destroy that which takes glory from God. As a Christian, you are a child of Gods and your destination is sure, to which there are no arguments.
Be wonderfully blessed,
Nigel