Let the Spirit Control Your Mind

A spiritual battle rages for control of your minds because the way we think determines how we will behave. If we want to conquer our sinful tendencies, we must learn to see ourselves as God sees us—new creations no longer under the mastery of sin. Because of the presence of Christ’s Spirit, we have the capacity to be “more than conquerors,” regardless of our previous sins. “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. “ (Romans 8:37 NKJV)

We also need to recognize the enemy’s lies that tell us we are weak and will fail again. We are to fight back with God’s truth that declares Christ’s Spirit is greater than Satan. “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4-5 NKJV) We are to focus our minds on spiritual things so we will learn to distinguish between what fits us as believers and what doesn’t. “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. (Phil 4:8-9 NKJV) Finally, we must choose what’s suitable (Read Matthew 5:3-11) and reject what’s ungodly (Read Galatians 5:19-21). The longer we’re Spirit-led, the more sensitive we’ll become to God’s warnings about temptation and the greater our strength will be to win the battle for our thoughts and lives.

The Spirit-filled life starts with the gift of the Holy Spirit to all who receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It becomes a reality as we place ourselves under the Spirit’s control. It’s best lived out by using the divine power He releases into our lives. It also requires diligence on our part to resist temptation and to maintain our surrendered state.

Trade in your “independent mind,” and experience the victories that God gives to those who are Spirit-filled.