What Is Our Responsibility in the Spiritual War?

casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Today’s big question: what is our responsibility in the spiritual war?

The church has a task in this spiritual war. Strengthened by Christ, we must stand on the Word of God and be led by the Holy Spirit. We are called to cast down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. Can we do this? Do we know how? Are we equipped? Do we have the answers?

In today’s text, Paul urged believers to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. This means that we must reject human philosophy and have a reasonable answer based on the authority of Scripture. 

We must first be sure that we are not deceived by the lies of human philosophy. Paul warned the Colossians of this when he wrote, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8). Every thought must be and will be judged in the light of God’s Word (Matthew 12:36).

Many people attempt to argue from a position of false authority while claiming neutrality. The Bible clearly reveals that there is no such thing as neutral position because we are either for Christ or against Him (Matthew 12:30). Think about this: if someone claims neutrality, then they are saying that Jesus was wrong about being the only way (John 14:6). Consequently, they are against Him.

It is important to understand that science is only possible because the Bible is true. Only Scripture provides the basis for the uniformity of nature, morality, and laws of logic—all of which are necessary for science to some degree. Other worldviews cannot account for these preconditions.

For example, the laws of logic are upheld by the constant, unchanging, and provident God. Attempting to explain anything while denying the Word of God is illogical since logical thinking comes from and is consistent with God’s thinking.  

The church’s part in this battle starts in the mind. Before we attempt to correct others, we must ensure that our minds are first captive to the obedience of Christ. We must reject human philosophy and obey His Word. We must stand on His Word to cast down the arguments and “every high thing that exalts itself above the knowledge of God.” In Romans 12:2, Paul also tells us that the battle begins with the renewal of our minds.

Today’s big idea: we use God’s Word to wage this spiritual battle.