Andrew Alexander Bonar warns, “Let us be as watchful after the victory as before the battle.” Christians find themselves amid a spiritual battle. It is a battle for your mind. 2 Corinthians 10:1-4a reads, “Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ — who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you. But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God...” Ray Stedman refers to “the weapons of our warfare” as “our secret weapons.”

Our secret weapons are to be used for pulling down. 2 Corinthians 10:4b reads, “for pulling down strongholds...” These deeply engrained patterns of thought must be eradicated if you are to win this spiritual battle for your mind. Paul provides a practical prescription for proper patterns of thought in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things.”

Our secret weapons are to be used for casting down. 2 Corinthians 10:5a reads, “casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God...” You must cast down those ungodly arguments and assertions that seek to undermine God’s authority in your life if you are to win this spiritual battle for your mind. You must beware of thoughts marked by pride and presumption.

Our secret weapons are to be used for holding down. This involves holding down the fort of your mind. 2 Corinthians 10:5b-6 reads, “bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.” Your thoughts must be accurately assessed and adequately addressed if you are to win this spiritual battle for your mind. “The obedience of Christ” is the primary objective of every Christian in thought, in word, and in deed. It is impossible to overestimate the importance of your thought life.

Later in 2 Corinthians 11:3-4, Paul expresses the following concern for those in Corinth: “But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted — you may well put up with it!” Dear Christian, don’t let this happen to you. Remember our secret weapons.

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.