For our weapons of warfare are not fleshly, but inherent ability by the God towards the tearing down of strongholds, casting down logics and every high thing lifting itself up against the knowledge of the God and bringing every thought into captivity into the obedience of the Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
Within our mind we can build up strongholds that are very difficult to overcome. These can be false beliefs or temptations like living by law, speaking in tongues, drinking alcohol, pornography, lying, stealing or anything else that holds us. Often these strongholds are built with the help of others who influence what we believe and how we perceive life. However, when they come up against the knowledge of God, we struggle to overcome them.
Dealing with what goes through our minds can be very difficult when we are not using the methods provided for us in Christ. Our battle is not fleshly, it is spiritual, it is a battle for the mind, and this is why it is important for us to frame our minds correctly. Remember, framing the mind is about setting a proper boundary around who you are and what you allow to remain in your mind. As Christians our frame of mind needs to be on the things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above where the Christ is seated at the right hand of the God, Frame your mind of the things above, not the things upon the earth – Colossians 3:1, 2
Having this frame of mind, we can then compare the thoughts in our mind with whether or not they fit and if they do not, reject them and focus on the ones that do.
But what about the ones you cannot seem to overcome. Thoughts that you do not want in your mind, but cannot seem to shut off. They are constantly plaguing you.
This is where we need to identify the source of the thought and use our instruments of warfare to tear down the strongholds they have within our minds.
Is it coming from the sin nature – We can identify them by the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21
Put on the proper defense. Remember, we do not say No to the sin nature, we stop yielding to it and start doing what is right.
Know (Romans 6:6) – Reckon (Romans 6:11) – Yield (Romans 6:13)
Is it an attack from Satan? Put on the whole armor – Ephesians 6:10-18
Is it the world system? Remember, we are dead to it. Stop expressing love towards it, that is being willing to sacrifice for what it offers. Recognize that we have died to it and although we live in it, we are not of it and are not to abuse it. 1 Corinthians 7:31
The weapons that God has given us are stronger than the strongholds we build up in our minds that go against the knowledge of God. Remember, we do not sin in our mind. Sin is an action. So, when the thoughts come up let us take the proper way of defense and finally tear down those strongholds so they are no longer holding us captive and we can live a life of righteousness in freedom.
