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Many of us have heard this verse quoted over and over, “…take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” ( 2 Corinthians 10:5).  We have a vision of a net capturing any wicked thought, throwing it in jail,  and possibly replacing it with a thought that honors God.  This is not a bad way to think about this verse, but there is so much more to it.

Before the “take every thought captive part,” the verse begins with “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God.”  This is a warning to us to check our worldview, our philosophies, and our decision making branch in our minds.  We can change individual thoughts, but if we do not break down the framework from where they came from, the same thoughts or same type of thoughts will continue.

This is why we see people make a commitment to something or someone and not go the long distance with their new belief.  We can make a New Year’s Resolution, give our life to Christ, or read Atomic habits and make great strides toward change, but unless our framework changes, these new behaviors will not last.

We have to decide who gets to define the reality in which we choose to live.

This verse gives us a reminder that we are at war.   Learning to take our thoughts captive is a military strategy.  Our systems of thinking are like fortified cities, and how we think is who controls the city.

The strongholds we need to demolish are compared to the military garrisons of the Roman army.  These are our systems of thinking-the framework or worldview in which we live.  Someone said it this way, “A  stronghold is not a demon sitting on your shoulder. It is a lie sitting in your logic.”

We have to demolish-not put down, not shoot at, but completely demolish until there is nothing but ash left-any philosophy or argument that is not based on the Word of God.

Paul was writing to the believers in Corinth that were hearing Greek philosophy, Roman rhetoric, and legalism pushed by many Jewish leaders.  Paul was addressing each of these areas and teaching the church in Corinth that it was a continuous battle to keep their thoughts rooted in the truth of God.

What is a captive?  Taking someone or something captive means actively pursuing them, using a weapon to force them, and putting them in a place where they cannot escape.  Battles were not considered to be won until every “soldier” was taken into captivity.  Then CONQUEST was celebrated.

The battles of our minds are not considered won until every thought is actively pursued, forcing each one with our weapon-The Word of God-to a place where they cannot escape and being certain each thought is based on the Truth of God’s Word.

Paul is not asking how we control our thoughtlife.  Paul is asking what reality or worldview we are living in.  He is asking us to think about what we are thinking about.

I’d like to share a few ideas to help us as we take on the battle of our thoughts.

1. What thoughts do I struggle with most?  What is the framework that these thoughts are rooted in?
2. What scripture(s) can help me see the Truth?
3. What is one active thing I can do this week to rebuild any thoughts that need to grow or destroy any thoughts that need to be demolished?

Praying for you as we walk through this together.  Let’s demolish any strongholds in our thinking!

“Father, help us to live out this Truth.  Show us where we have allowed any arguments or philosophies that are not of You to take hold of us.  Thank you.”

For His Glory

Terrie Tollerson  www.TerrieTollerson.com
TRBC Women’s Life