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Writer's pictureBishop Keith Butler

Winning in the Mind

For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. (Romans 7:14-21)


Not every thought comes from God, and not every thought comes from the devil. Some thoughts arise from our natural five senses—what we see, hear, touch, smell, or taste. Even the most mature saints have thoughts that come into their minds that are not godly (that doesn’t mean you have to continue to think about them). Paul taught in Romans 7 that our flesh can be weak, so our spirit must remain strong. Thoughts can also come from our spirit—our born-again nature. These thoughts align with God’s Word and are guided by the Holy Spirit.


The enemy wants to attack your mind. I have often met new believers who ask if they are saved. The enemy attacks their minds with doubt and disbelief, saying things like, “If you were saved, you wouldn’t think this way” or “You wouldn't do this thing.” Salvation is based on the truth of God’s Word, not feelings.


Living in victory over our flesh is not achieved through solid willpower but by walking in the Spirit. When walking in the Spirit, we do not fulfill the lust of the flesh because we meditate on God’s Word and throw out the enemy's ideas.


Practical Application


When the enemy tries to make you doubt your salvation or any of God's promises, stand firm on the truth of God’s Word and declare it out loud. Salvation is not based on how you feel in the moment but on your faith in God’s Word and Christ’s sacrifice.


Galatians 5:16; John 6:63




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