I. Introduction (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”
A. Your Thoughts Are Not Always Your Friends
- Some thoughts lead you astray
- Some thoughts are planted by the enemy
- Some thoughts need to be captured
B. This is Spiritual Warfare
- The battle is real
- The mind is the battlefield
- Victory is possible
II. Understanding the Battle
A. Strongholds
- Patterns of wrong thinking
- Established over time
- Need to be torn down
B. Imaginations
- Things we imagine to be true
- Often not based in reality
- Can be destructive
C. High Things
- Proud thoughts
- Thoughts that exalt self
- Thoughts that reject God’s knowledge
III. The Strategy for Victory
A. Recognize Wrong Thoughts
- Not every thought is good
- Learn to identify the bad ones
- Be alert and watchful
B. Cast Them Down
- Don’t entertain them
- Reject them immediately
- Refuse to dwell on them
C. Bring Them Captive
- Take control
- Submit them to Christ
- Make them obey
D. Replace Them
- Fill the void with truth
- Meditate on Scripture
- Think on good things
IV. Practical Steps
A. Start the Day Right
- Begin with Scripture
- Set your mind early
- Armor up for battle
B. Monitor Throughout the Day
- Pay attention to your thoughts
- Catch them early
- Don’t let them run wild
C. End the Day Well
- Reflect on the day
- Confess wrong thinking
- Rest in God’s peace
V. The Power Available
A. Our Weapons Are Mighty
- Not human strength
- Divine power
- Able to pull down strongholds
B. Victory Is Assured
- Through Christ
- By His Spirit
- According to His Word
Conclusion
You can get a grip on your thoughts. You don’t have to be controlled by them. Use the weapons God has given you and bring every thought captive to Christ.