CAPTIVITY OF THE
MIND
INTRODUCTION
Captivity of the mind is a dominant feature in a society that has lambasted the culture of yesterday ushering in ungodly precepts towards domination of the mind in regards to acceptance of ungodly ways; with a need to awaken to one’s responsibility as to what is allowed to nest in the mind.
What is programmed in the mind can tarry; to be recalled later after one has divorced themselves from what was placed in the mind. Many are allowing the ungodliness of man to pollute the mind rather than apply safeguards to offset such an influence.
The Apostle Paul wrote: To be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is at enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh (carnally minded) cannot please God (Romans 8:6-8). This reveals the importance of what one is entertained with; through it may seem pleasurable at the moment, it can be detrimental to one’s soul and eternal destiny.
Captivity of the Mind
Escapism from Godly Instruction
Captivity of the mind can introduce escapism from godly instruction; with an electronic world helping provide an ungodly environment and sinful ways that would have been considered untouchable in previous years. Escapism is an inclination to retreat from traditional ways; with new provocative ways being introduced, that are more appealing to the fleshly side of man.
Captivity of the mind, by the ungodly, has opened the door for all forms of evil; promoted by laws and judicial rulings to help advancement, as a story told in Greek mythology, that a box was sent by the gods to Pandora which she was forbidden to open. She opened the box out of curiosity and loosened a swarm of evil upon mankind, a prolific source of troubles.
Beyond Human Decency
Apostle Paul wrote: Be not conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (godly values), that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:2). We are living in a society that, in many instances, have gone beyond the bounds of human decency; geared towards a mentality of readily accepting what is placed before one.
Paul wrote: Casting down imaginations (arguments), and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). It was noted that the carnal (fleshly side of man) opposes God, His providence and purpose; that every proud thought, swelling words of vanity, even the lofty looks and haughtiness of man, are to be brought into captivity through the power of God and Christ.
Held in Bondage
The Prophet Jeremiah raised a question concerning the captivity of the mind: How long shall your offensive thoughts lodge with you (Jeremiah 4:4)?
Such thinking today can arise from many sources: absorbing immoral movies and television; carelessly surfing the Internet; listening to malicious talk; ignoring the Word of God; giving into a materialistic worldview. A question was asked: Will we allow the sanctifying Scriptures and the purifying blood of Christ to cleanse our heart and mind or will we persist in sin-filled thinking and experience God's judgment?
The Psalmist David declared victory over captivity of the mind, in writing: I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined to me, and heard my cry. He brought me up out of a horrible pit (the clutches of Hell), and out of the miry clay (that which was attempting to hold him there), and set my feet upon a rock (firm foundation), and established my goings (steps) (Psalm 40:1-2).
Captivity Prior to
Salvation
Apostle Paul revealed the nature of captivity of the mind, in writing: Among whom also we all have our conversation (conducted ourselves) in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us; when we were dead (lost) in sins, has quickened (made us alive) together with Christ, by grace you are saved (Ephesians 2:4-5). It was noted that God did not allow one to remain in the confines of their old life, with its sinful ways and habits, but brought the believer into a new life in him (Being Born Again), through Jesus Christ as one’s Lord and Savior.
Renewed in the Spirit
Apostle Paul wrote: Put off concerning the former conversation (conduct) the old man (prior to salvation), which is corrupt according to deceitful lusts (through captivity of the mind), and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, that you put on the new man (upon conversion in Christ), which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:22-24).
It was noted that to put off the old man is to renounce one’s pre-conversion life and sins; to be renewed in your mind, that is, to assume a new nature (character) and conduct (life) at conversion. No longer walking as before in the principles and dictates of the corrupt nature, but walking in the principles of grace and holiness formed in the new man.
Perverse Disputing
of Men
Apostle Paul spoke of perverse disputing of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness (a means of gain); from such withdraw yourself (1 Timothy 6:5). It was noted that such are corrupt in their principles, carnal, sensual, having not the Spirit of God.
Paul informed Timothy, a young evangelist, to come not near them, have nothing to do with them, admit them not into the ministry, do not encourage them by hearing them, avoid all conversation with them. Such may seem harsh but otherwise would open the door towards captivity of the mind to what is contrary to God’s Word.
Mind and Conscience
Defiled
Apostle Paul wrote: To the pure all things are pure; but to them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure, but even their mind and conscience are defiled (leading to captivity of the mind) (Titus 1:15). It was noted that those of the last category did not hold faith of a good conscience, nor follow after purity of life and conversation (conduct).
They are defiled by their own evil thoughts, who wallow in their impieties. They have no faith in Christ, through they profess such, being destitute of true faith, not that which would be acceptable and pleasing to God. It was as Abel and Cain; Abel offered what was acceptable to God, Cain did not (Genesis 4:3-5).
Fully Persuaded
Apostle Paul wrote: One man esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded (convinced) in his own mind (Romans 14:5). We are witnessing a falling away from traditional Biblical values; especially in a younger generation who have allowed worldly influence to intermingle with basic Biblical teachings of the past.
Paul was instructing the believer to be fully satisfied in their own mind as to the course to take. He stated concerning those who are in opposition: In meekness instruct (correct) those that oppose themselves, if God peradventure will give them acknowledge of the truth; that they may recover themselves (come to their senses) out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at (to do) his will (2 Timothy 3:25-26).
Renewing of the Mind
Apostle Paul wrote: Be you not unequally yoked together with unbelievers; for what fellowship (in common) has righteousness with unrighteousness and what communion (fellowship) has light with darkness (2 Corinthians 6:14)? Wherefore come out from among them, and be separate saith the Lord and touch not the unclean thing (allowing captivity of the mind to take place); and I will receive you (2 Corinthians 6:17).
Be not conformed to this world; but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:2) (Previously Mentioned). It was noted that the believer is to resist being poured into the mold (captivity of the mind concept) of present day thinking, value systems, and conduct of this world.
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