The Devil is controlling the thought life of so many. It is possible however to control your thought life.

1 – The salvation factor (vs. 4)

The Devil does not want you to hear what God has to say. He wants you to stay in the dark. There is a difference between the mind and the brain. It is like a pianist and the piano. You can have a good brain but have a bad mind. As a man thinks so is he.

2 – The sincerity factor (2 Corinthians 11:2)

The simplicity means a single-minded sincere devotion. A divided mind means a broken relationship. A converted mind can be corrupted just as the serpent deceived Eve.

3 – The stronghold factor (2 Corinthians 10:3-4)

It is a system of thought that brings you into bondage. The word imagination is the same word that we get the word logic. Satan has taken control.

• Compulsiveness.
• Obsessions.
• Fixations.
• Fears.
• Bitterness.
• Uncontrollable Lusts.

We can take back the fortress. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, they are spiritual. Education or positive thinking is not going to defeat the enemy. It is only in the authority of Jesus Christ that you will be able to move the devil from his stronghold. You will have to battle!

4 – The surrender factor (2 Corinthians 10:5-6)

Jesus needs to be enthroned in your thought life. If not then your mind will become divided and the enemy will regain the stronghold. You need to bring every thought to Jesus Christ. If you think like Christ then you will be like Jesus Christ Wrong thinking is bad for your health. See Philippians 4:4-9. Paul could say all these things while in prison!

5 – The surrender factor (2 Corinthians 10:5-6)

You can have conscious, continual and contagious joy if it is in the Lord. Don’t get your joy only out of things in this world.

• Wrong thinking is bad for your health. See Philippians 4:6-9. Paul could say all these things while in prison!
• Always remember that God is near (Philippians 4:5).
• The way to have a healthy mental attitude is to constantly practice that the Lord is near.
• Refuse to be worried about anything (Philippians 4:6) Worry is wicked. It is the sort of thing that pagans think about. Bring every need to God in prayer. Think of your worse problem and double it. Is it too big for God to deal with? Nothing is too big for God to deal with. IS there anything too big or small for God?
• Develop a thankful spirit (Philippians 4:6). Do you complain about dirty dishes? Some people would be glad to have dirty dishes as it means they would have had food.

1. The reliance test (Philippians 4:8). Is it true? Today people mostly ask does it work.
2. The respect test (Philippians 4:8). Is it honest? Do you let dishonourable things in your mind?
3. The rightness test (Philippians 4:8). Don’t let any crooked thinking in your mind. Try to think in a straight line. There are certain things that we should not let into our mind.
4. The reverence test (Philippians 4:8). Is it pure? Would God like it?
5. The relationship test (Philippians 4:8). The word lovely means “cause to love”. Are there things that are causing you to criticise rather than to love?
6. The refinement test (Philippians 4:8). Things that sounds good. Gossip is a form of insanity. Gossips like to listen to things that are not of good report.

Categories: 2 Corinthians