What Does It Mean to “Cast Down Imaginations”?
“Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; and having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled” (2 Corinthians 10:5-6).
In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he gives them some of the greatest spiritual advice any believer could ever receive to live a victorious life in Christ. In spite of this spiritual wisdom, many believers today are confused about how to implement this vital biblical practice.
Paul makes a very powerful connection here that many believers overlook. He tells believers to reject
“cast down”
every thought, idea or view of God that violates the
“knowledge of God.”
Simply put, if it doesn’t line up with who God is then stop thinking or meditating on those thoughts. Here is the powerful connection Paul makes that many people miss. Notice the next verse says bringing
“every thought”
into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Wow! I just absolutely love that phrase. You will too when you grasp its immense significance in helping us recognize which “thoughts” we should capture and take into captivity.
Paul tells believers to bring these rogue thoughts into the obedience of Jesus because Jesus said, “When you see me you see the father” (John 14:9). Paul wants us to understand Jesus is the
“knowledge of God,”
so we can clearly see what God is like. If what we believe about God does not line up with the character of Jesus, we should take hold of that false view and cast it down. It is an imagination that should no longer haunt or deceive us ever again. Why is this so important? Because how we view or see God determines the quality of the relationship we will have with Him. If our perception of God is inconsistent with whom Jesus portrayed Him to be then we are worshiping a false image of God. If we are worshiping a false idol, not the true God, our lives will be in turmoil.
Paul says we can
“revenge all disobedience when our obedience is fulfilled.”
Our obedience is to see Jesus clearly, so we can know the Father. When we know what God is like through Jesus, we are equipped to take revenge on the false thoughts and vain imaginations that counterfeit the truth about who God is.
Knowing Jesus prepares us to reject the false views about God religion tries to make us believe.
O just
and
righteous Father, although the world has not known You
and
has never acknowledged You [and the revelation of Your mercy], yet I have
always
known You; and these [believers] know [without any doubt] that You sent Me; and I have made Your name known to them, and will
continue to
make it known, so that the love with which You have loved Me may be in them [overwhelming their heart], and I [may be] in them. (John 17:25-26, Amplified Bible)
