The Battlefield Of The Mind

The Battlefield of the Mind

Theme: To show that to have a victorious Christian life one must have control over the mind.

Text:

Introduction

¶ Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (2 Corinthians 10:1-5 AV)

We are in a battle. We are in a war. Many times Paul speaks of the Christian life as a battle. A battle that is fought between flesh and the spirit. A battle not to sin but live a life of Holiness.

A battle to live a victorious Christian life. It is a battle it seems.

We are told to take on the Armor of God. Why?

¶ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the 7devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (Ephesians 6:10-17 AV)

We must not let Satan defeat us. We must not allow him to win this battle. It seems that some people do. How? By just accepting the way we are not trust in God. It seems sometimes that we have gotten so used to that mountain that we have just learned to accept it.

I want to tell you today about the battlefied and where it is located in our lives. In this world there is a big battlefield that is fought for many but I believe we can look closer and find a more important battlefield. Notice we are told to put on the “helment of Salvation”. Why because we need the hope and confidence of salvation when our battles are fought. Where? In our minds.

I. The Battlefield is the Mind

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12 AV)

(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (2 Corinthians 10:4-5 AV)

There are so many strongholds that Satan uses to try to control our minds. He knows that if he can control you mind then he can control your life. You may not be bad but you will be too scared to do anything good for the Lord.

Listen to what Proverbs 23:7 says,”

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: (Proverbs 23:7 AV)

We are either controlled by the mind or the flesh.

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. (Romans 8:5 AV)

But the Lord said in “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6 AV)

What are some of the vices or Strongholds that Satan uses

II. The Vices(strongholds) of the mind that Satan Uses

A. Wandering,

A mind that wanders from one thought to the next. Day dreaming. This can especially happen when you are in a church service and the word of the Lord is being spoken.

B. Wondering Mind

Question things. I wonder what the weather will be like. I wonder if church will be good. I wonder. This can cause you to doubt. Sometimes we use doubt to keep us from being hurt. Satan uses it to keep us from receiving a blessing.