It’s All in Your Head

2 Corinthians 10:1-6

INTRODUCTION: This passage is simple and yet quite complex. Its complication comes in two areas: (1) we tend to take the passage out of context and make it apply to a broader spiritual warfare, and (2) it presents a problem in a way that seems foreign to our present thinking. Hopefully we can allow the scripture to paint the truest picture of reality.

I. OUR PRESENT CONDITION (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

A. The Conditions Described (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

1. Strong holds (Numbers 13:19; 1 Samuel 23:14; 2 Chronicles 11:11; Nahum 1:7)
2. Imaginations
3. High things

B. The Picture Presented

1. A place of perceived safety—strong holds
2. A place of alternate realities—imaginations
3. A place of apparent worship

II. THE SPIRITUAL WAR (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

A. The Weaponry Implemented (2 Corinthians 10:4)

1. Not carnal (must be spiritual) (see Ephesians 6:13-18)
2. Mighty through God

B. The Threat Assessed (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

1. Strong holds that must be pulled down
2. Imaginations that must be cast down
3. High things exalting themselves against the knowledge of God that must be cast down

III. THE DESIRED OUTCOME (2 Corinthians 10:5-6)

A. The Captive’s Gained (2 Corinthians 10:5)

1. Bringing into captivity every thought
2. To the obedience of Christ

B. The Disobedience Revenged (2 Corinthians 10:6)

1. The thinking of some (2 Corinthians 10:2)
2. The hope for obedience (2 Corinthians 10:6)

CONCLUSION: The truest form of free thinking is when every thought is brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. We may feel safe when our minds dwell in false reality, but the word of God seeks to pull down the strong holds and cast down your imaginations and anything that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.