Bible Reading2 Corinthians 10:3–5 “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
[02:37]Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
[19:34]John 8:31–32 “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’”
[18:01]Acts 13:42–52 “And when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. And when the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God. The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, ‘It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.”’ And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”
[12:14]Acts 14:1–7 “Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles. When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them, they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country, and there they continued to preach the gospel.”
[17:17]Acts 14:8–18 “Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, said in a loud voice, ‘Stand upright on your feet.’ And he sprang up and began walking. And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, ‘The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!’ Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, ‘Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.’ Even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them.”
[27:02]Observation questions- In 2 Corinthians 10:3–5, what are the specific things Paul says must be destroyed or brought under obedience to Christ?
- What changed in Antioch when almost the whole city came to hear the Word of the Lord, and how did Paul and Barnabas respond to the rejection that followed? [10:15]
- In Iconium, what did the unbelieving Jews do to the Gentiles’ minds, and what did Paul and Barnabas do instead of becoming silent? [15:38]
- After the man in Lystra was healed, how did the crowd interpret the miracle, and what did they prepare to do to Paul and Barnabas? [27:31]
Interpretation questions- Why does Paul describe harmful arguments, prideful ideas, and repeated patterns of thinking as “strongholds” rather than simply passing thoughts? [16:42]
- Acts 14 shows Paul staying and speaking boldly for a time, but later leaving when a violent attack was planned. How can a believer discern the difference between standing faithfully and moving forward wisely? [20:50]
- Jesus says that truth known brings freedom. What is the difference between having a Bible nearby, knowing biblical truth personally, and applying that truth to a specific lie? [18:10]
- The people in Lystra saw a genuine miracle but explained it through their old beliefs about Zeus and Hermes. How can old beliefs cause a person to misunderstand something God is doing in his or her life? [28:47]
Application questions- Is there a repeated thought that has begun to feel settled or protected in your mind—such as “I will always be rejected,” “nothing will ever change,” or “this is just who I am”? What truth from God’s Word speaks directly against it? [05:01]
- Rejection does not have to become a stronghold. Is there a rejection, offense, accusation, or painful memory that you continue to rehearse? What could it look like to name it before God and refuse to let it define you? [13:33]
- Culture constantly tells people what is normal, valuable, desirable, acceptable, and true. What voices most shape your thinking right now—social media, family, friends, news, past experiences, or Scripture? [06:03]
- When God’s Word challenges a belief you have held for a long time, what is usually your first response: openness, fear, defensiveness, or avoidance? What might you be protecting? [22:56]
- Is there an unresolved relationship or situation that is consuming too much of your emotional, spiritual, or mental energy? How might you keep loving and praying while also continuing in the direction God has given you? [24:35]
- Are there any superstitions, lucky objects, horoscopes, family sayings, or fear-based expectations that still influence how you view identity, protection, blessing, or the future? What would it mean to let Christ, rather than fear, define those things? [29:56]
- Think of one fearful pattern that turns a past pain into a prediction for the future. What is one practical way this week to renew your mind with God’s truth instead of agreeing with that prediction? [33:30]
