According To the Spirit – Dr.
Neil Anderson
Romans 8:5
For those who are according to
the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are
according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit
The center of all spiritual
bondage is the mind. That's where the battle must be fought and won if you are
to experience the freedom in Christ He purchased for you on the cross. Paul
wrote: "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the
flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely
powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and
every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking
every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).
Before you came to Christ, bad
habits and sinful thought patterns were established as you learned to live your
life independently of God. Your non-Christian environment taught you to think
about and respond to life in a non-Christian way, and those patterns and
responses were ingrained in your mind as strongholds. When you became a
Christian, your old fleshly habits and patterns weren't erased; they are still
a part of your flesh which must be dealt with on a daily basis. Thankfully,
however, you are not just a product of your past; you are a new creature in
Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), and now you are primarily the product of the work
of Christ on the cross.
Old strongholds can be
destroyed. Patterns of negative thinking and behavior are learned, and they can
be unlearned through disciplined Bible study. Some strongholds are the result
of demonic influences and spiritual conflicts from past and present mental
assaults. If people believe Satan's lies, those lies will control their lives.
These people need to be freed from the shackles of Satan's lies by God's truth.
Jesus said: "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you
free" (John 8:32).
Victory is truly available for
those who are in Christ. There is a war raging for our minds, but we are on the
winning side, for we are more than conquerors in Christ!
Prayer:
Today, Lord, I tear down all thoughts established in my mind
against the knowledge of You. I choose to believe who You are and who I am in
Christ.
Sid Stewart
Executive Director
864 226-6193
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