Self Apologetics

The Apostle Paul actively engaged the people of his generation, logically and persuasively “destroying arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and taking every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). Such is the work of apologetics, evangelism, and discipleship. But this is not only the work we should seek to do in the minds and hearts of others, it is a job that starts with our own thoughts and feelings.

Earlier in the same letter Paul wrote, “we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs” (2 Corinthians 2:11). Consider the first record of the Tempter’s work. He was insidiously twisting and contorting the commands of God in unsuspecting minds. He was tragically successful in leading those who should have known better to rationalize and justify their compromise with a series of distorted thoughts and feelings. We can read of Eve’s sinful negotiations and we can easily imagine Adam’s.

So be careful. Police your heart and mind, deny and biblically counter any line of thinking or set of feelings that are not in keeping with the truth God has revealed in his word. Don’t underestimate the battle that goes on in your mind. Be ruthless with self-serving “arguments” and “lofty opinions.” With hope in Christ and our eyes in the Book, may we see increasing success in taking our own thoughts captive to obey Christ.