"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." 2 Cor 10:3–5
A stronghold is defined as anything you know to be against the will of God that you also believe is unchangeable. A stronghold is a defensive structure, an inaccessible place, figuratively, a refuge. Ps 9:9 states, "The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." God knows all about strongholds, and He knows how to take them down if we’re willing to fight to break the stronghold. Strongholds are captured by people who are willing to fight. So if there’s a situation in your life you believe God disapproves of, but you don’t think it will ever change or be broken, that’s a stronghold. The good news is that the Word of God is the top strongest weapon to destroy strongholds. The Spirit of God captures every demonic strongholds that holds us captive.
Rom 8: 5-6 says, "Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.." A spiritual stronghold is not a demon but a habitual pattern of thought and feelings built into one’s thought life. It's a way of thinking and feeling that has developed a life of its own in a person. It might be depression, a recurring unbelief, or habitually bad temper. It might be a stockpile of negative thoughts, resentment, and feelings of worthlessness that keep out the truth of God’s love. A string of lies, excuses, and laziness may create inner captivity to deception and misery. Stronghold keeps a person from thinking clearly, accepting the truth, repenting of sin, and receiving deliverance. These patterns create an attractive environment for Satan and his minions to attack our minds: He who controls the mind controls a very strategic place! Matt 12:34-35 says, "Christ said, For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him"
In the midst of our earthly journey, we're constantly engaged in a spiritual battle. While we may walk in the flesh, our warfare is not of the flesh. If we want the abundant life and peace that Christ promised, we must let His Spirit capture the strongholds in our minds. Prov 23:7 says, "For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he." We must first recognize what we're dealing with to overcome these strongholds. It’s mission impossible to take a stronghold you can’t even see. Strongholds of the mind are hidden. Evil things hang out in the darkness. Satan is the prince of darkness, but Christ is the prince of light. He's called us out of darkness into his wonderful light! Eph 5:11 urges us to "have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. If we want the light of God to expose the darkness, we'll need an attitude of humility. Paul reminds us to take every thought captive and bring them into obedience to Christ.
In the battles we face, whether they be temptations, doubts, or spiritual attacks, we can rely on these weapons to see us through. We don't have to rely on our own strength or understanding but lean on the power and wisdom of God. What are these powerful weapons at our disposal? They are the truths of God's Word, the authority of prayer, the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, and the indwelling presence of Christ within us. When wielded with faith and obedience, these weapons become unstoppable forces against the forces of darkness. 2 Cor 10:3-5 reminds us that our weapons are not physical or worldly but are infused with divine power. These weapons are capable of tearing down strongholds, demolishing arguments, and overthrowing anything that opposes the knowledge of God. May we boldly wield the sword of the Spirit, pray without ceasing, and surrender our thoughts and desires to the obedience of Christ. In doing so, may we experience the triumph and freedom that come from walking in alignment with God's will.
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