The bulk of the spiritual battles we face happens between our ears. Yes, most often it’s our minds that the devil is after, which is why it’s said, “The mind is the devil’s playground.”
And that’s not just a clever saying—it’s also what the Bible teaches. Allow me to explain.
Schemes and Devices
There are at least a couple keywords that Scripture uses to describe Satan’s battle plan. The first is “schemes.” In Ephesians 6:11, Paul encourages: “Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (MEV). The second word to note is “devices.” This is from 2 Corinthians 2:11, where Paul instructs us not to be “ignorant of [Satan’s] devices.”
“Schemes” comes from the Greek word methodos, which is formed from two words: meta, which means “with,” and odos, which means “a road.” In short, “schemes” may be literally defined as “on a road.” But a road always goes somewhere. And that’s what “devices” uncovers. Now stay with me.
“Devices” is a word noema, which means “the mind.” Some maintain that its meaning is actually closer to “mind games.” Whatever the case, when we put this all together, we clearly see Satan’s spiritual warfare strategy: he seeks to make inroads into our minds.
Of course, we know that the devil isn’t trying to inject positive thoughts into us. No, as the accuser, the thoughts he wants to plant are ones that question who we are—accusations like, “You’re worthless,” “You’re a failure” or “God could never love you.” He knows that if he can make an inroad into your mind with lies, then he has an inroad into the rest of your life.
The Renewal of the Mind
This must be why Paul emphatically exhorts us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Rom. 12:2, MEV). May I give you one final definition? It’s the word “renewing.” It means to “resume after an interruption.” In other words, Paul says it’s crucial that we get our minds back to the place before Satan interrupted it with his stinkin’ thinkin’.
Consistently running the truths of God’s Word through your thoughts is a good start toward renewal. But there’s something even more effective: speaking the truth of God’s Word. In fact, scientists report that the brain responds quicker to our voices than it does our thoughts.
Additionally, when you speak, you involve more of yourself. You think, you speak, you hear, you think and the cycle repeats. As God’s Word keeps going out of you and back in you, eventually, you begin to believe what it says. And that’s when Satan’s inroads are interrupted and the mind is renewed back to the state of having “the mind of Christ.” {eoa}
Kyle Winkler equips people to live in victory. His mobile app, Shut Up, Devil!, is the #1 spiritual warfare app; and his recent Scripture confessions album, Experience Freedom, has helped thousands identify with the truths of God’s Word. Kyle holds a Master of Divinity in biblical studies from Regent University. Get daily encouragement from Kyle on Facebook and Twitter.
