1. Making our thoughts obedient to Christ (1-6)

Paul was fighting a war with the devil. He did not use worldly weapons. We, like Paul, must not follow the standards of the world--even though we live in the world. Our battle with sin begins in our own inner thought life. The devil tries to undermine the Christian faith with worldly knowledge and ideas that are opposed to the knowledge of God. We, like Paul, must take every idea and thought captive and make it obedient to Christ.

2. Spiritual authority (7-11)

Paul was the same, whether present or absent. He belonged to Christ, so he stood on God's side. This was the source of his authority. He challenged sin and called God's people to repent. He used his spiritual authority to build up believers, not to tear them down.

Application: Lord, come into my heart and be the Lord of my thought world and the Ruler of every part of my life. Help me to use whatever gifts you give me to build up your church.
One Word: Every thought captive to Christ