Think counterculturally. Do not let your mind be conformed (lit., “squeezed into the mold”) of this world, but be transformed (μεταμορφόω, i.e., metamorphosized like a caterpillar is changed into a butterfly) by the renewal of your mind (Rom. 12:2). The Greek word translated “renewal” is ἀνακαίνωσις, from ἀνά, meaning “up, into the midst,” and καινός, meaning “newness.” The idea here is that we are inwardly transfigured as we take hold of the truth of the new covenant and make it central to our lives. For this we must “put on the mind of Messiah” and repudiate the world’s values and vain philosophies (1 Cor. 2:16). “When the devil is called the god of this world, it is not because he made it, but because people serve him with worldliness.” The “god of this world” blinds the eyes of those who do not believe so they cannot see the truth of the gospel of Messiah (2 Cor. 4:4). The philosophy of this world is always based on lies, propaganda, fear, lust, pride, anger, appeals to vanity, and so on. We must use discernment and test the world’s assumptions against the truth of the Scriptures.
The secret weapon of spiritual warfare is heartfelt praise offered up to God. When you are feeling oppressed or troubled, lift up your hands by using the powerful weapon of praise… Satan and the powers of darkness simply cannot stand before someone offering praise and thanks to the LORD for their personal deliverance. “As you call upon the LORD – the Blessed One who is worthy to be praised – so you shall be delivered from your enemies” (Psalm 18:3).
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