Print this study

The Battle for the Mind


We’ve all heard the saying, “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” There is a lot of truth in that statement. Satan is like a saboteur who is looking for an opportunity to tinker with our minds and our souls. Ephesians 6:12 tells us that there is a war going on, and it’s of a spiritual nature. Satan’s desire is to conquer and control your thought life and then make it a citadel from which he can war against God.

While we recognize that there is a battle and it is with Satan himself, what are we to do? We cannot outwit nor out war the devil.. We must be transformed from the inside. Let’s look into this problem a little more and seek what God’s Word says to do.

1. If you have not already done so, read 2 Corinthians 10:3-5. In verse 5, what three words are used that refer to our mind making it clear what Satan is fighting for?

_______________________   ________________________   ______________________

2. Why would Satan want control of your mind?

3. Read Ephesians 4:17-23. How does God communicate to you?

God communicates with us through our minds, and God changes us by changing our minds. I hope you realize that God does not want your mind to be an empty slate waiting to be filled up with any idle thought. He wants our thoughts to be on Him and His will.

That is why Romans 12:2 is so very important to know and to meditate on. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

4. Satan tries to hinder your communication, and therefore your relationship with God, by disrupting, interfering with, and finally destroying your mind. When you sin, where do you think the idea comes from?

Your eyes don’t decide on their own to look at something unwholesome. Your hands don’t reach out automatically and commit a crime. No, they get their signals from the mind. The mind controls what actions and behavior we take.

5. Describe a way Satan has used your thought life to disrupt your communication and relationship with God?

Now that we have identified the problem, let’s talk about the solution. 

6. First, answer this question: did God save you to victory or defeat?

7. If He saved you to be victorious, do you think He can equip you for that victory?
How do you think He will do this?  Find Scripture that will support your answer.

8.In the past, what have you done to try to win the battle for your mind?

9. Have these methods proven successful? Why or why not?

10. According to James 4:7, you should ___________ the devil, and he will ___________.

11. How can you resist the devil when it comes to keeping your thought life clean?

12. Read Philippians 4:8. What does God want your mind to think of?
Things that are:
________________________          ___________________________
________________________          ___________________________
________________________          ___________________________
________________________          ___________________________

13. If your mind is dwelling on these thoughts, can it be thinking of evil, negative, or destructive thoughts?

14. Place a check mark beside some of these practical things you can focus on in order to refocus your mind when it begins to wander into negative territory:

  • Meditate on a Bible verse
  • Sing a praise chorus to yourself (or out loud)
  • Quote Scripture you have memorized (Hint: ones in this study are excellent to start with.)
  • Thank God for your blessings
  • Pray phrases to God such as: “I give my mind to You, Lord.” “Use my mind for Your glory, God.”
  • Pray with God-given authority to resist Satan.
  • Keep your mind actively engaged and challenged, not allowing it to just drift.
  • Remove temptations that you know will lead you down the wrong paths (inappropriate music, movies, TV, conversations, words, etc.)

You see, God made us so that we can’t think two thoughts at one time. If we’re thinking what’s right, we can’t be thinking what’s wrong.

15. Finally, look up Isaiah 26:3 and write it in the space below.

Notice that the result of focusing our minds on God is peace, the opposite of war. We can be victorious in the battle with Satan for our minds. When we are, we will find our minds at peace with God. That prepares us to worship and serve Him with all of our hearts, and minds.

  • Pray now committing your mind to God and asking Him to help you be aware of the ways Satan is attacking you in this area.
  • Pray continuously throughout the day to rid your mind of the empty or destructive thoughts and to replace them with positive, constructive ones.
  • Pray God will use your victories to encourage others that are in the battle of their mind.
This Bible Study is protected by copyright and International Law, and is solely owned by Love Worth Finding. Reproduction of this study for personal use is granted. But, the reproduction of this study, or any portion of it for distribution via print, audio, video, or Internet is prohibited. Remember, this Bible Study is to inspire the development of new messages to further the kingdom's work. All active news articles