Her Renewed Strength Podcast | Episode 37

Have you ever heard someone say, “You need to take every thought captive,” in response to negative thoughts like worries, doubts, or fears? As a stand-alone statement, it sounds appropriate, but what does it really mean?

Today, we’re diving into 2 Corinthians 10:5 and getting super clear on its meaning and application. Grab your Bible and let’s go!

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

• Discover the two things you can do today to start moving in the direction of being rooted in truth so that you can live in a way that honors the Lord.

• Learn the MOST IMPORTANT thing you must do to take your thoughts captive so you will experience freedom from fear and anxieties.

• Assess whether the teachings and doctrines you adhere to conform to the ways of the Lord and make a resolution for alignment if they do not.

“What false teachings are you believing? What worldly doctrine are you falling for? The only way that you will know is if you are rooted in a firm foundation.”

Listen To The Episode

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Check out these episode highlights:

02.27 – A little background about 2 Corinthians.

• Type of book: Epistle

• Written by Paul to the church in Corinth (his second letter) around 56-57 AD

• Major themes: reconciliation of the Corinthians with Paul, the importance of Christian giving, and warnings against false teachers.

03.31 – In his first letter, he was writing to them to rebuke them about disunity, sexual misconduct (including incest), the disorder in their gatherings/assemblies, disbelief, and disregard for the resurrection.

04:04 – Paul is defending his apostleship and authority to teach and preach the gospel. Formerly known as Saul, Paul used to be THE guy who persecuted Christians, then had a radical encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9) and was forever transformed, devoting his life to spreading the gospel.

04.51 – CSB: Paul’s Apostolic Authority – Now I, Paul, myself, appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble among you in person but bold toward you when absent. 2 I beg you that when I am present I will not need to be bold with the confidence by which I plan to challenge certain people who think we are living according to the flesh. 3 For although we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh, 4 since the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments 5 and every proud thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ. 6 And we are ready to punish any disobedience, once your obedience is complete.

06.59 – These “false teachers” objected to his ability/authority to rebuke the Corinthians, saying that he was gentle in person, but rough in his writings – essentially calling him a hypocrite.

07.25 – In verse 4, Paul references weapons of warfare – warfare that is not physical, but spiritual. That word stronghold is actually “fortresses,” translated from the Greek word ὀχύρωμα ochýrōma, okh-oo’-ro-mah

• a castle, stronghold, fortress, fastness

• anything on which one relies (of the arguments and reasonings by which a disputant endeavors to fortify his opinion and defend it against his opponent)

08.23 – In verse 5, the word “thought” is translated from the Greek word νόημα nóēma, no’-ay-mah; from G3539; a perception, i.e. purpose, or (by implication) the intellect, disposition, itself:—device, mind, thought.

• a mental perception, thought

• an evil purpose

• that which thinks, the mind, thoughts or purposes

09.44 – The word “captive” is translated from the Greek word αἰχμαλωτίζω aichmalōtízō, aheekh-mal-o-tid’-zo; from G164; to make captive:—lead away captive, bring into captivity. In a figurative sense, which is how it’s used here, it means to subjugate, bring under control:
Other uses of this word throughout the NT are in:

• Luke 21:24

• Romans 7:23

• 2 Corinthians 10:5

• 2 Timothy 3:6

10.37 – When we put these terms in their proper context, Paul is saying that he and his colleagues are coming up against false teachers and false knowledge with truth and Godly weapons (since this is a spiritual war), which motivates those who are vulnerable to false teachings to shift their position and obey Christ.

11.37 – How do you take these thoughts captive?

12.35 – What false teachings are you believing? What worldly doctrine are you falling for, especially those half-truth statements that sound biblical, but don’t line up with scripture when you put them side-by-side?

13.45 – Two things you can do today to start moving in the direction of being rooted in truth.

Key Takeaways:

• You should be careful about the teachings and doctrines you take into your mind or you will be pulled in the opposite direction, which is not pleasing to God.

• Be aware of your thoughts and reject anything that conflicts with God’s word.

• Make reading and meditating on the Word your top priority to defeat the battle between the spirit and the flesh in your mind daily.

Resource:

• Get access to Firm Foundations, a completely free mini-course designed to help you build on the unshakeable truth of your identity, purpose, and calling in Christ.

Connect with me!

• Instagram: @mrsdiazcastro

• Facebook: @emdiazcastro

• Website: Her Renewed Strength

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