II Corinthians 10:3-5

2 Corinthians 10

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh.

4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.

5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ

Though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh… Although we live in this body, it is our spirit that will live forever. It is in the spirit that we war, even in this world. The devil is hurling attacks at us, trying to keep us from growing in our walk with God. These attacks are things like depression, doubt, apathy, bitterness, and even people who just seem to get on your last nerve.

But verse four says we have power to destroy these things. We can overcome!! You don’t have to be a victim of the devil’s attacks. You will still be attacked, but you can be victorious. So, how is this done?

According to verse five- in our minds. We wage the war against the devil in our minds. We must destroy arguments and every loft opinion raised against the knowledge of God… When presented with an idea, advice, or the opinions of others- compare them against Scripture. Do they align with God’s Word? If not- destroy them. Don’t consider it, dwell on it, or ride the fence.

We must also take every thought captive to obey Christ. Sometimes, the war isn’t waged against the things other people say, but against our very own thoughts! We are tempted to believe attacks we hurl against ourselves- I am not ____ enough, God doesn’t hear me or doesn’t care, Everyone hates me, I can’t overcome this… Whatever it is, you have to take the thought and if it isn’t reflective of Christ and Scripture, get rid of it!! Stop believing lies!

These verses are actually only part of the instruction of how to war against the devil. In order to be ready to destroy arguments and take thoughts captive, and to know what Scripture says, you have to use the full armor of God in Ephesians 6. Read verses 10-18 for how you can stand against the schemes of the devil (Eph. 6:11).