“...and bringing into captivity every thought...” mighty through God...

2 Corinthians 10:4-6 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds [5] Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; [6] And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

consider this bringing into captivity every thought ...unto the obedience of Christ. “Having a readiness...” to revenge all disobedience...Philemon 1:9 Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

“Having a readiness ...” 2 Corinthians 8:16-17 But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.

• 2 Corinthians 5:5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. (the same earnest care; for the Lord careth)
  
  
• 2 Corinthians 1:22-24 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. [23] Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth. [24] Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.

[17] For indeed he (Titus) accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord (in readiness and willingness of mind) he went unto you.
Remember from the above: ‘Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth. [24] Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your for by faith ye stand.’
1 Peter 5:2-4 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; [3] Neither as being lords over God's heritage, (Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy) but being ensamples to the flock. [4] And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Philemon 1:14-16 But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. [15] For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; [16] Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

“and bringing into captivity every thought into the obedience of Christ(the same earnest care)” who put the same earnest care —shed abroad—in hearts crying Abba, Father. that we do nothing against the mind as if it is of a necessity but willingly (out of the abundance of the heart, willingly to joyfully give as you have been given); that same like-minded earnest care ‘in readiness and willingness of mind he went unto you.’

amadeus said:

@VictoryinJesus These words from Jesus speak I believe along the same line as the OP.

"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart" Matt 5:27-28

Not every man is a physical rapist or murderer or thief and so forth, but in his heart if his thoughts run rampant and he does not control them or ask God to help him control them, as Jesus indicated he has already committed the sin.

How much like Him are we now? First see us as the prophet wrote it here:

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

But then see us as God would have us to be and also has made provision so that we may indeed arrive to that place of being so like Him that our thoughts reflect His thoughts:

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him" I John 3:16

Click to expand...

This topic is important to me because there seems to be a promise in taking every thought captive unto the Lord. When a ‘willingly’ is produced and flourishes. Like when Paul spoke of their care flourishing, their thoughts turning towards ‘you have done well’ communicating with my afflictions. Their thoughts...not against their minds but with ‘a readiness and willingly’ towards the brethren which manifest Christ in them. Could suggest this: I will not be ashamed; when your love flourishes because I know whom I have believed and He will perform this good thing in you. Long suffering, patience ...hoping in that unseen ready to be revealed. Wait for the Lord? Consider where is the promised land Entered into?

you know I struggle to communicate with words but (Imo) there is hope in ‘taking thoughts captive unto the Lord’ and ‘I would do nothing against your minds’ but patient until ‘willingly’ that same earnest care flourishes as God gives the increase.