Today’s Promise
May 17, 2023
Take Every Thought Captive
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5
Every Thought Captive
Today we are talking about how you think and how it affects your walk with God.
How you think affects how you live. So now, more than ever, it’s important to control your thinking. To walk in the victory Christ promises, you must control your mind by constantly guarding what you allow in your mind and what you think about.
The Battleground of Your Mind
Most every spiritual battle takes place in the battleground of your mind. Satan deceived Eve by having her question the goodness of God. She allowed those deceptive words free rein in her mind. Those unchecked thoughts turned into rebellion against God.
Every temptation begins in the mind. Every action begins with a thought. Your thoughts are the seeds of action. Every sin begins with a temptation and an uncontrolled thought.
Because you have the mind of Christ, you have power over your thoughts. God commands you to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
Here are five things to remember about taking every thought captive.
1. Monitor your thoughts.
Thoughts left to run free rarely produce positive results. How many times has a simple little thought taken you down a path of disobedience? Check your thoughts to make sure what you are thinking is in line with scripture.
2. Capture your thoughts early.
That little thought left unchecked grows and spreads into actions and habits. Before you know it, that small thought becomes the focus of your thinking. Capture your thoughts early before they grow into habits.
3. Submit your thoughts.
An easy way to take your thoughts captive is to ask yourself, “Is what I am thinking about right now honoring Christ?” If not, submit your thoughts to the Lord. Then, change what you are thinking about and allow Jesus to be lord of your thoughts.
4. Redirect Your Thoughts
Your thoughts tend to follow pathways. Once a thought is left unchecked, it goes down the same path it has traveled in the past. Soon that thought has developed a superhighway through your brain. Once started, it goes down the same path each time. Your best plan of attack is to knock the thought off its track by refocusing your attention. Redirecting your thoughts is often the fastest way to take them captive.
5. Transform Your Thinking
Meditating or thinking about God’s word is a powerful way to renew your mind. Read God’s Word daily, then think about what you read throughout the day. Allow God’s word to transform your thinking.
As followers of Christ, you can take every thought captive through the power of the Holy Spirit in you.
Look at that promise one more time.
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. – 2 Corinthians 10:5
Make these confessions.
- I have the mind of Christ in me.
- I am taking every thought captive.
- I am capturing every wrong thought early.
- I am transforming my mind by dwelling on God’s Word.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
Every thought that takes you away from walking in obedience to Christ must be captured and restrained, just like a prisoner of war.
If The Daily Promise is a blessing to you, why not consider becoming a ministry partner? The Daily Promise is completely dependent on the financial support of friends like you. So help me take the promises of God’s word to the nations by becoming a Ministry Partner today. CLICK HERE to make your gift.
How have you taken your thoughts captive? (Share your experience in comments below.)
Especially good message this this morning, thanks.
Thanks Rodger. I am so glad.
Especially glad and proud that our thoughts are captured and redirected towards the Lord Jesus?.
Examine your thoughts: 2 For 13;5
Cease the progression: Gen 4:6
Have the mind of Christ: Phil 2:5
Repent your thoughts: Col 3:1-2
Transform thinking disciplines: Psalm 1:1 and 2, “Blessed is the man (whose) delight is in the instruction of the LORD.
Had horrible, untrue dreams about a true inner, relational conflict. Placed me in a dark mood to start the day, This devotional led to a pause that assisted in clearing the clouds. Thank you,.
Thanks for sharing, David. – Billy
Good words of encouragement. I will use the 5 points to keep my mind renewed. I will continue to study the scriptures that keep my focus on who I am in Christ.