BIBLICAL BRIEFS 12
A believer’s most powerful weapons of resistance are his way of thinking, as well as his identity in Christ. The god of this world has blinded our thoughts/mind (2 Cor. 4:4), and in this way causes us to miss our divine purpose. Be sure about this truth: God is currently not in a big battle against Satan at all – Jesus came, among other things, to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8); and it is finished! 2 Cor. 10:3-5 proofs that our mind is the only battlefield and this is where strongholds are maintained by the lie, and needs to be destroyed. Every negative or degrading thought, or a thought that creates fear, should be captured in obedience to Christ. Think “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is fair, whatever is pure, whatever is acceptable, whatever is commendable, if there is anything of excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—keep thinking about these things” (Phil. 4:8). Resist the devil through renewing your mind in this manner (Rom 12:2), in agreement with what the Lord says regarding you or your situation. Persevere with this and he will eventually flee from you (Jam. 4:7). The emphasis of your life should much rather be directed towards a triumphant walk in your ordinary everyday life and in your calling during which time you will figuratively be able to fearlessly trample on snakes and scorpions (Luk. 10:19) and you will not be bitten in your heel, i.e. your weakness/flaw (Gen. 3:15), and be forced to react to your deepest wounds. We are not allowed to learn the doctrine of the depths of Satan (Rev. 2:24) – therefore avoid interfering with the strange spirits, practices, and things that the Bible does not mention. The enemy with all his violence and plans cannot harm believers walking in obedience (Luk. 10:19). Although the world has been deceived by the devil, you should know the strategy of Satan (2 Cor. 2:10-11).
Dr. Tom Gouws
