(II Cor 10:3-5 KJV) 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.
This morning we continue our series: "Victory over Stress!" Most negative stress is caused by worry, which is basically negative meditation. Meditation is powerful. Several times in the Bible the Father has instructed us to meditate on His Word day and night. However, many choose to meditate on negative situations, past failures, and impending challenges. This negative meditation, if not controlled, can lead to depression, and if a believer ever gets to the 'depressed stage' he or she poses no threat to the enemy or his kingdom. This is why the enemy seeks to attack us in the arena of our minds. Paul teaches us this morning that we have the ability to literally take thoughts "captive." Let's take a closer look at this:
1. We Start off with a thought: Our minds are flooded with thoughts from either (1) ourselves, (2) the adversary, or (3) God. What we must do is decipher and decode the origin of the thoughts before we allow them to become our actions. Every action starts with a thought. One quick way of knowing whether or not a thought came from God is to check it against the Word of God. When a thought is contrary to God's Word, then it surely did NOT come form God. The Spirit of God will never lead you contrary to the Word of God.
2. Our thoughts create Images (imaginations): We do not think in words, we think in images. When we allow impure or negative thoughts to enter our minds unchallenged, we will soon see the images these thoughts create.
3. If not controlled, those images can create Strongholds: Uncontrolled thoughts create unruly images. Unruly images, if not challenged with the Word of God, create strongholds that are difficult to escape from. In context, the word stronghold was a reference to a fortified city; a city with high and strong walls designed to keep things in and out. A person that is trapped in addictions to pornography, alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, sexual immorality, gossip, and etc. are those who have allowed impure thoughts to create impure images unchallenged and now they find themselves trapped in fortified strongholds - in their own minds. The same can be said of those who allow negative thoughts to flow unchecked. Before they realize it they are trapped behind the walls of distressing anxiety and they can't seem to find a way out.
Tomorrow we will look at the 'flip-side' of this verse, at how we can allow our thought life to literally trap us behind the walls of God's blessings so that negative thoughts can't get it.
So what does this mean to you? It means that what we think about is of the utmost importance. If we give our minds over to the wrong thoughts, those thoughts will create the wrong images, and if unchecked those negative images will create a negative stronghold that will be difficult to get out of. Now, notice I say difficult, but not impossible. All things are possible to us who believe. If this message describes you this morning, then there is hope and that hope is in Christ! Through meditating on God's Word and through the power of His Spirit you CAN break out of the negative strongholds you have allowed yourself to be trapped in!
Father, I thank You for exposing this scheme of the enemy. I master my mind through the power of the Holy Spirit, I take control of every thought, and I examine each thought against Your Word. I apply those thoughts that that line up with Your Word and as I do I will be causing my way to be prosperous. I also cast down every thought that does not line up with Your Word. I will not allow impure thoughts to snare me today, nor any day. You have given me the power to succeed and I am successful in my Mind, my Mouth, and my Methods! I will never be the same. Never be the same. Never be the same. In Jesus' name. Amen!
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