Today's post is the first in a series, on a topic many might want to avoid...and that is "strongholds." There are many different strongholds present in the lives of people and even the believer has to wrestle with strongholds. I believe strongholds are
the leading cause of many emotional disorders and are a great hindrance to the believers spiritual
growth. That's why it is important to understand what a stronghold is and how they can be destroyed in your life.
What Are Strongholds?
A stronghold in our life is a source of Satan’s influence. In 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 the Apostle Paul identifies a stronghold as speculations or lofty things raised up against the knowledge of God. It is any type of thinking that exalts itself above the knowledge of God. It is a mindset that causes us to accept things that we know are contrary to the will and Word of God. It is important to recognize that when we speak of strongholds, we are not talking about random thoughts of temptation. We are talking about areas in your life that you are in bondage too and are having a hard time breaking loose from. A clear definition of a stronghold would be "any area of your life where spiritual darkness reigns." Spiritual darkness exists where there is an absence of spiritual light and truth.
How Strongholds Take Root
In order to fully understand how to destroy strongholds, it is first important that we understand how they take root in our lives. Strongholds come from a worldly influence! 1 John 5:19 "And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness." Many strongholds are a result of an accumulation of worldly influences that are left uncrucified in our life. Because we have a mindset that has, for the most part, been shaped by the ungodly environment in which we live it is easy for us to allow these influences to take hold of our lives. As Christians the only suitable answer to this is the truth of the Word of God.
Common Strongholds Many Deal With
Just because we are Christians doesn't mean we are exempt from having strongholds in our lives. These strongholds can include: fear, resentment, bitterness, unforgiveness, depression, lust, pride, drugs, alcohol, pornography, and many others! When you are identifying your strongholds, you have to begin with an examination of your heart; as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. Any system of thinking that doesn't line up with the Word of God is potential for a stronghold which must be done away with.
Our Part In Destroying Strongholds
How Strongholds Take Root
In order to fully understand how to destroy strongholds, it is first important that we understand how they take root in our lives. Strongholds come from a worldly influence! 1 John 5:19 "And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness." Many strongholds are a result of an accumulation of worldly influences that are left uncrucified in our life. Because we have a mindset that has, for the most part, been shaped by the ungodly environment in which we live it is easy for us to allow these influences to take hold of our lives. As Christians the only suitable answer to this is the truth of the Word of God.
Common Strongholds Many Deal With
Just because we are Christians doesn't mean we are exempt from having strongholds in our lives. These strongholds can include: fear, resentment, bitterness, unforgiveness, depression, lust, pride, drugs, alcohol, pornography, and many others! When you are identifying your strongholds, you have to begin with an examination of your heart; as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. Any system of thinking that doesn't line up with the Word of God is potential for a stronghold which must be done away with.
Our Part In Destroying Strongholds
- We are to receive the light of the Word of God (The Word exposes the stronghold)
- We are to apply the Word of God (The Word opposes the stronghold)
- We are to exert the truth of the Word of God (Declaring the Word disposes the stronghold)
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