“casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,”
II Corinthians 10:5 NKJV
We don’t just ignore negative, rude, intruding, proud thoughts that raise themselves up against the knowledge and things of Christ. We don’t just casually shew them off either. WE CAST THEM DOWN.
Cast:
1. To throw off forcefully in a specific direction.
These invasive thoughts are sent by the enemy in hopes that they will plant seed, take root and grow rapidly like weeds in your mind, taking over your own thoughts and construing your perspective of the only reality that exists...the reality God spoke. Remember, if God didn’t say it, it doesn’t exist. If God didn’t say it, it’s a lie.
The devil tries to control our thinking in order to control us. He understands that as a man thinketh, so is he (Prov. 23:7). So if he can get you to think a certain way, you will become that. But let’s address something. These thoughts don’t always have to appear negative to us. Sometimes our flesh likes and entertain these thoughts willingly. Just because it doesn’t seem like a bad idea or doesn’t seem like it’s “that deep” doesn’t mean that it isn’t.
Eating fruits isn’t negative, in fact, our bodies enjoy it. But when God told Adam and Eve not to eat it, it became “that deep”. We must cast down every thought that raises itself against the knowledge of God, the Word of God and the commands of God.
The NLT version of 2 Cor. 10:5 says “we capture rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.”
Any thoughts that rebel against the command God gave you, CAST THEM DOWN!
If our thoughts don’t obey Christ, neither will we. Our actions start in the mind first.
We don’t accidentally drink a whole bottle of Paul Masson. We don’t slip and fall in bed with someone who isn’t our husband/wife. No. It starts with the thought, “it’s not that serious”, “God knows my heart”, “did God really say I couldn’t?”.
Our actions are a reflection of what thoughts we didn’t control and allowed to take root in our hearts. Everything we do flows from the heart (Prov. 4:23) so yeah, God knows our hearts and so does the rest of the world by our actions.
We can’t control what thoughts come but we can always control what thoughts remain and take root.
Just like we can’t control who shows up at our front door but can control who enters, we can control what thoughts we allow to come in and take a seat on the couch of our minds. Keep the door to your mind locked. Stop letting the enemy come and go like it’s a revolving door. He doesn’t pay rent. Christ already made the purchase in full. Stop allowing the enemy to trespass. Put him out! He won’t leave until you check him.
James 4:7 says, “SUBMIT yourself to God, resist the devil and he will flee.” If we would submit our whole selves- heart, mind and body- to Christ, the devil would have no choice but to flee. Flee doesn’t just mean to casually leave either. The definition of “flee” is to run away from a place or situation of danger. To satan, we are a place of danger when we are submitted to God. When we submit to God we walk in His authority, anointing and power. It goes from mind games to a mine field real quick and satan has no choice but to run.
Submit to God.
Cast down those vain imaginations.
Teach them to obey Christ.
...and send the devil running.
Ever notice how people will continue to pick on you and bully you as long as you allow it and let them know it bothers you? But the moment you stand up and tell them, “look, I don’t know what you think this is but I’m gonna tell you what it’s not”, they back down. They see they no longer have the power and control that you once gave them. The devil is the same way. Anytime he approaches you remind him that, “I am a child of the Most High. I was purchased at a price. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am a royal priesthood and the salt of the earth. I am the light of the world and you can’t touch me for darkness can’t touch light. You don’t have permission to speak to me. STEP ASIDE! “
He’ll have to back down.
Get the Word of God in you. Spit it back to the enemy! Rebuke him. Stop responding. React with spiritual warfare instead of verbal weapons.
Galatians 3:26
1 Corinthians 6:20
Psalm 139:14
1 Peter 2:9
Matthew 5:13-14
2 Corinthians 5:15
Romans 8:15
You are a child of God. The devil is illegally trespassing any time he steps foot in your mind. Use your God-given authority to kick him out!
Start talking to the devil like you were called to live life abundantly, like you are an overcomer in Christ. Walk in boldness and assurance like there is an inheritance attached to you. Don’t allow the devil to play mind games with you. Don’t allow him to talk you into handing over what he can’t steal. Stop giving him the power to overtake you. Don’t let him destroy you. The devil is completely powerless. He can only do what you allow...and what you allow will continue.