Destroying Strongholds

“I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!— I beg of you that when I am present I may not have to show boldness with such confidence as I count on showing against some who suspect us of walking according to the flesh. For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…” — 2 Corinthians 10:1–5 There is a battle raging for your mind. There is a war being waged for your thoughts. There is a conflict that is taking place for your opinions. The front line is in your head. “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” — John 8:44 “…and take every thought captive to obey Christ…” — 2 Corinthians 10:5b 1. Don’t Believe Everything You Think or Feel “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” — Jeremiah 17:9–10 The only way we can destroy the enemy’s false arguments is with true ones. 2. Guard Your Mind “The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.” — Proverbs 15:14 Connect The Dots: Everything you see and hear is programing that ultimately determines what you think, believe, and do. “…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” — Philippians 4:6–8 3. Seek The Truth 4. Ask the Holy Spirit to Work