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.
Thoughts for Today:Many people read our passage today and think we must deny the existence of problems, temptations or challenges we encounter. In other words, if we acknowledge there is something wrong, then we are somehow surrendering to what ails us. But that is not the point of Paul's comments. He does not ask us to deny reality, rather he asks us to verbally proclaim the truth and victory of Christ. (Joel 3:10: "Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears. Let the weakling say, 'I am strong!'")
In other words, we aren't to spend our time talking about our weaknesses, failings, discouragement or depression -- those are the things that will only perpetrate our condition. So what should we talk about? The promises of Scripture. The requirement for victory over our present condition is the same one that led us to salvation -- God's Word. Deuteronomy 30:14: "...the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it." And what is the result when God's Word is in our mouths and hearts? Deuteronomy 30:9: "Then the Lord your God will make you most prosperous in all the work of your hands... the Lord will again delight in you and make you prosperous, just as he delighted in your ancestors."
Throughout his letter to the Corinthians, Paul has reminded us to keep God's promises at the center of our thoughts. To not allow anyone to lead us astray. He's told us the promises in Scripture are given to guide and provide help during difficult times, comfort when we are discouraged, and freedom from religiosity and bondage to the world. The conditions? Our obedience and proclamation of the Word.
Questions to Ponder:What have you been talking about lately? Have your words been those of doubt or discouragement? As long as what fills our minds and mouths is the worry and concern of this world, we will have difficulty finding peace, joy and victory. We aren't to make our own reality, but we are to draw close to the Lord, listen to His Word, hold on to it in our hearts, and let it resound from our lips. The promises of Scripture will cause all of our heaviness to be lifted and our eyes opened.