For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ…                                                

                                                                                                           2 Corinthians 10:3-5 

We are all in a spiritual battle. And for those who have surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ, we know that our warfare is different from the way in which the world is familiar. The kingdom of God is not growing by force or coercion rather it is being established in the human hearts of those who respond to the gospel. We live in the flesh, we deal with the same struggles and temptations that the flesh brings, but our minds, our hearts, and our motives are all centered on eternity and the kingdom of heaven.

Christians have weapons in which to fight this spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:10-17). Consider Paul’s description of what faith can do in the life of a believer in Jesus:

…in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 

                                                                                                                   Ephesians 6:16 

Faith in what Jesus Christ has and will do for us is key to winning the spiritual battles in which we find ourselves. This faith is described as a shield, keeping us safe from all of the fiery arrows that the enemy sends our way. In addition to faith, consider the role that humility plays in strengthening us in spiritual warfare:

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.                                                           

                                                                                                                     1 Peter 5:6-7 

When we humble ourselves before God, we find the resources necessary for us to declare victory over the enemy. This is done through the power of the Spirit of God in our lives. Consider Paul’s prayer for the church:

…that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man…

                                                                                                                 Ephesians 3:16 

So faith, humility, and the presence of God in our hearts brings tremendously powerful weapons designed to establish, strengthen, and protect us from the enemy and the trappings of the world. But today’s passage gives us a hint as to where the real battle takes place.

We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ…  

The real battle is in our minds. It is what we believe that brings either life or death, blessings or curses, victory or defeat. When our thoughts are aligned with the truth of God’s Word, we position ourselves to be protected against destructive thinking. When we neglect the study of scripture, we do just the opposite, opening ourselves up to worldly philosophies that do not bring spiritual life.

The Bible is living and active. Perhaps this is why so many seem to avoid it, developing, instead, their own philosophies and belief systems in an effort to live life on their own terms rather than seeking out a life pleasing to God. Consider the following truths regarding the power of scripture:

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 

                                                                                                                   Hebrews 4:12 

All Scripture is inspired by God (God-breathed) and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

                                                                                                         2 Timothy 3:16-17 

Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.

                                                                                                               1 Peter 1:22-23 

So we have everything that we need in order to “take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” While the world continues to reject the truth of the gospel and the Word of God, as believers, we have everything that we need in order declare spiritual victory in the power of God’s Spirit and the Bible.

Are you making the study of scripture a centerpiece in your daily routine? Why not start today!