2 Corinthians 10:1-5
By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away! I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
1. Thoughts produce feelings.
We can automatically give our feelings a pass because we think they are pure. Paul tells us to take our thoughts captive not our feelings because feelings follow thoughts.
Romans 8:5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
2. Feelings left unchecked produce strongholds.
Our brains are constantly making shortcuts. It even makes shortcuts to things that are not true.
A lie repeated enough becomes the truth.
When we hear things about ourselves, God, or others over and over even if they are not true our brain makes a shortcut to that statement.
Thoughts become feelings and feelings coupled with reoccurring thoughts produce strongholds.
3. We have the power to demolish strongholds.
The weapons we use are not the weapons of this world. We have to stop and make sure we are using the right weapon on the right enemy.
Take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ.
John 8:31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Slow down enough to challenge every feeling and the thought connected with it. Is this what scripture says about me? Is this how scripture describes God’s love for me?
Repeat the truth, repeat the truth, repeat the truth, repeat the truth, repeat the truth.