Devotional Thought

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

-2 Corinthians 10:4-5

We live in a world saturated with deception—subtle lies whispered into our minds by culture, experience, and trauma. The Apostle Paul warns us that strongholds are more than just sinful behaviors—they are entrenched lies that we begin to believe as truth. And over time, those lies can enslave our minds, shape our habits, and ultimately lead to spiritual bondage.

But we are not powerless.

Scripture declares that the weapons of our warfare have divine power—power to demolish strongholds. And the method? We take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. 

Strongholds often begin with deep wounds that the enemy uses as open doors to lie about our identity, value, or God's goodness. We see this pattern across stories of addiction, pride, performance-based identity, and unforgiveness. Satan, described in the sermon as the "prince of the power of the air," bombards us constantly with these messages. But as believers, we stand on the finished work of Christ. Through the Spirit, we can resist lies, replace them with truth, and walk in freedom.

For every one look at your sin, take five looks at your Savior. For every one look at your pain, take ten looks at His promises.

Reflection Questions

1. Can you remember a time when someone spoke truth to you that really made a difference? What stood out about that moment? How did that truth counter the lies the enemy was presenting?

2. What is a “stronghold,” according to 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 and the sermon teaching? How is it different from a single sinful act?

3. Strongholds often begin with a lie. Can you identify a lie you've believed in the past that shaped your behavior or identity? How did truth begin to bring healing?

4. What are some common cultural lies we are exposed to today? How can we practically take those thoughts captive and replace them with biblical truth?

5. “A foothold becomes a stronghold when sin becomes a habit.” Can you identify a destructive habit that started with a small compromise? What would repentance and renewal look like in that area?

6. Paul says we have divine weapons. What are these weapons? How have you personally used tools like Scripture, prayer, or community to fight against lies or sin?

7. What role does community play in helping us demolish strongholds? How can we lovingly speak truth to each other when we see someone believing a lie?

8. What thoughts do you need to take captive this week? What truth from Scripture can replace them? (Consider journaling or sharing these in your group.)

9. “Stop placing more value on what has been done to you than on what Jesus has done for you.” How can this perspective reframe your past, your pain, or your identity?

Action Step

Daily Thought Inventory

Take five minutes each day this week to:

Reflect on any anxious, bitter, or destructive thoughts you’ve had.

Ask: “Is this thought true, or is it a lie?”

Find a Scripture that speaks truth over that thought.

Pray: “Lord, I take this thought captive and make it obedient to You.”

Example: Lie: “I’m not good enough.” Truth: “You are fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14).