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Taking our thoughts captive…

2^nd Corinthians 10:3-5 (NIV) 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.

— Let’s dig into this powerful insight of our life struggles taught to us by a man who faced so many TERRIBLE struggles in his own walk, following the Lord. (The Apostle Paul.)

(Circle the correct answer.)

Vs.3(a)… For though we live in the world…

Q1. – What is Paul saying about a Christian’s life? (Note the underlined phrase.)

He is saying Christians…  a) hide from the world.     b) must still deal with the world around us.

Vs.3(b)… we do not wage war as the world does.

Q2 – Do you think you are fighting a war?

a) Yes (Why do you feel this way?)     b) No (Why do you feel this way?)

Q3 – What’s the difference between how we fight and how the world fights?

a) We all fight to win and destroy the enemy.     b) Christians fight to deliver and save the enemy.

Vs.4… The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

Q4 – What does “divine power” mean to you?

(Where on a power scale of 1-10 would you rate it?) …Please explain your rating.

Q5 – What does the word “strongholds” mean here?

a) groups in power.     b) people with opposing views.     c) forces putting up spiritual barriers.

Vs5… 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.

Q6 – Paul tells us our divine power can demolish pretensions… What are “pretensions”?

a) Bible = every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God.

b) English Dictionary = a claim or title to something.     c) Both are valid definitions.

In closing, the following questions are designed for group discussion…

Q7 – What opinions does the worldly mindset claim that hinder gaining a true knowledge of God?

Q8 – How do we make our thoughts obey Christ? (Maybe you have some steps to take?)

Q9 – Do you wish to share any thoughts you have taken captive, or need to take captive?

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A final question for those of us who fear the fate of unsaved loved ones…

– What can we do to calm those fears? (Take them captive.)

(I hope that every Christian can find peace in TRUSTING God’s care and love for these loved ones.)

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