2-20-07 2 Corinthians 10:4, 5

2 Corinthians 10:4, 5 (NAS)
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 10:4, 5 (NIVUS)
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 (Philips)
The very weapons we use are not human but powerful in God’s warfare for the destruction of the enemy’s strongholds. Our battle is to break down every deceptive argument and every imposing defense that men erect against the true knowledge of God. We fight to capture every thought until it acknowledges the authority of Christ.

You are a warrior, enlisted in the army of the Lord of Hosts. In Him you are not weak or fearful; in Him you are strong and mighty. When you come against any enemy, you can stand and fight, for the Lord has given you the implements, the tools, the weapons, and the armor that you need for the battle. You can trust these weapons for they are not governed by mere human nature, but they are strong, mighty, and powerful. God's weapons give you the advantage over the enemy. With them and through them, you are able and capable to pull down, demolish and destroy the fortresses and strongholds of your opponents.

When the enemy comes against you with subtle reasonings, trying to build or reinforce a stronghold in your life, you must refute and cast down those thoughts. Do not meditate on those things which are trying to lift themselves above the word of God. They are trying to build a barrier between you and God. Do not allow that to happen.
You have developed an intimate knowledge and understanding of God. You have come to know Him through your own personal experience. He has become your closest friend. Do not let anything, any person or any thought take away what you have already committed to the Lord.

You have authority over your own thoughts; so take any negative, fearful, or doubt-filled thought captive. These only have evil purposes for you. Instead think about, ponder on, and heed those thoughts that are based on God's word. Let your thinking become obedient to Him and His purposes for you. Listen to and submit to Him. For Jesus Christ, God's anointed Son, is your Lord and Messiah!