A New Mindset - Part 1
Part 1: Shutting Down Vain Imaginations
2 Corinthians 10:3–5 (NIV)
(3) For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.
(4) The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
(5) 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 10:3–5 (NLT)
(4) We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.
(5) We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:3–5 (KJV)
(3) For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
(4) (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
(5) 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.
The Battle for Your Mind
Just because a thought enters your mind doesn’t mean it deserves a place in your life.
Point 1: Not Every Thought Deserves Your Attention
2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV)
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God…”
Romans 8:6 (NIV)
The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
Remember:
Every thought isn’t truth.
Every fear isn’t a warning.
Every imagination isn’t reality.
“Don’t give permanent residence to a thought that God never intended you to entertain.”
Point 2: Stop Believing Everything Your Mind Tells You
Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Isaiah 55:8–9 (NIV)
(8) For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.
(9) As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
God reminds us that His thoughts and ways are higher than ours.
Three questions to ask yourself:
1. Is this thought based on truth or assumption?
2. Is this thought drawing me closer to God’s promises or deeper into fear?
3. Am I allowing something imaginary to rob me of something real?
“Just because you thought it doesn’t mean it’s true.”
Point 3: Take Authority Over What You Entertain
2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV)
“…bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”
Our thoughts aren’t supposed to rule us. They’re supposed to be submitted to Jesus.
Matthew 6:34 (NIV)
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
You don’t have to follow every thought that crosses your mind.
Point 4: Replace Vain Imaginations with God’s Truth
Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.”
God wants us to redirect our attention.
Instead of imagining what could go wrong, remember what God has already done.
Instead of rehearsing disappointment, rehearse His faithfulness.
Instead of assuming the worst, focus on what is true.
Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Peace grows when God’s truth becomes louder than your imagination.
You Don’t Have to Live in Your Head
Some of us have spent too much time fighting battles that never happened.
“Don’t let an imaginary tomorrow steal the peace God has given you today.”