Battling for our Minds

“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.” - 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)

Read 2 Corinthians 10:1-6

The Apostle Paul, though not having experience in war, lived during a time when the Roman Empire was involved in conflicts and conquests, including the constant Jewish-Roman tension. Perhaps this is why his letters often use military metaphors. For example, in Ephesians 6:10-18, he writes about the “full armor of God.”

In today’s passage, Paul talks about the battle for our minds. When discussing arguments, he refers to human reasoning that opposes and challenges the truth of God’s word. These arguments do not always come from outside the church. For example, one of the controversies of the early church was on the nature of Jesus’ divinity. One school of thought was that while divine, Jesus was not co-eternal with the Father, suggesting He was subordinate to the Father.

The pretensions Paul writes of is our arrogance in placing our knowledge above God. For instance, when we allow advancements in science and technology to become our ultimate source of truth instead of the superior knowledge of God.

Paul encourages us to confront these battles head-on. We cannot stop them from coming. As long as we breathe, we will be faced with a constant bombardment of the evil one for our minds. However, in aligning our minds with God, we are given divine power through the Holy Spirit to overcome any opposition. 

How do we apply this to our everyday life?

• Identify the argument and pretension for what it is–it is Satan battling for our minds. 1 Peter 5:8 reminds us to be vigilant and aware of the devil’s attempts to lead us astray–he is the “roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

• Pray for wisdom and turn to scripture for guidance. When we lack wisdom, “ask God, who give generously.” (1 James 1:5). Rely on the Holy Spirit to provide divine guidance.

• After ensuring you understand the claims, respond respectfully. For example, acknowledge the value of science, but your faith answers many questions science cannot. Many renowned scientists are also people of faith: Galileo, Isaac Newton, and Francis Collins, the geneticist known for the Human Genome Project, to name a few.

• Reflect the love of Christ always. Remember the wisdom of 1 Peter 3:15-16, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the power of the Holy Spirit that protects our minds. Please help us to recognize the assaults of the evil one on our minds. Grant us the wisdom to seek your guidance and remain steadfast in our faith. As those who bear the name of Jesus Christ, may we respond with gentleness and respect. Renew us today with the Holy Spirit so we may confront every argument and pretension, taking it captive and making it obedient to Your will. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim