Destroying Strongholds (Part 4)

In this final post on destroying strongholds, I want to cover the things you need to know in order to prepare to destroy the strongholds and then once you are prepared, how to break the strongholds and keep them broken.  There is no reason for Christians to live a "defeated" life!  God is our strength and through His Word and Spirit we can be free from the enemies grasp.

Things To Know In Preparation

• Know your right to use your authority!  Every believer has the right to use the authority of Jesus' name to take authority over Satan's activities.  Exercising authority in the name of Jesus will expel the Devil's influence. (Mark 16:17)
• Know that intercession is a must.  It is important for you to come together with other believers to pray and intercede against strongholds until you get results.  Your intercessory prayer must be direct, specific, and prayed without fear.  There is an intensified power in the gathering of believers.  It is prayer and fasting that intensifies our faith and it is faith that breaks strongholds.  (Matthew 17:19-21)
• You must establish the Word of God in your life.  "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15).  It is through the Word of God that we have our strength!
• You must resist the devil on every occasion. "Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."  (James 4:7).  The devil wants nothing to do with the submitted child of God!
• You are to give no place to the devil.  Don't give the devil any place or part of your life.  In other words once Satan is gone, do not provide a place of refuge where he can rebuild his influence or strength.
• You are to clothe yourself with God's armor.  Ephesians 6:11 identifies the spiritual armor we have.  Take it upon yourself daily so that you may be equipped for the battle.

How to Break Strongholds and Keep Them Broken

• Identify the stronghold.  Just call it what it is.  Don't beat around the bush and try to soften what Satan has done.  If the stronghold is lust then call it lust!  If it's lying, then call it lying!  This is the first step to being free from the stronghold of Satan.
• Be prepared.  Your enemy is always prepared so you must be spiritually prepared to break the stronghold.  This is where many Christians lose the battle, they are not prepared for the fight!  It is imperative that you be on constant guard. (1 Peter 5:8).
• Deal with strongholds as soon as they are recognized.  Don't wait for the "right time."  You have to deal with it as soon as you know what it is, else it will just continue to anchor in.
• Depend on God and His Word to help you.  "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free!" (John 8:31-31).  Don't depend on yourself, but put your trust and reliance in God.
• Stand firm against the stronghold.  You cannot waver.  Even though you have conquered the stronghold, always be prepared to battle again. (Ephesians 6:13-14)

Remember, God wants us to walk in victory and victory is possible through the power of the cross and the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit!  You can be free from Satan's powers over your life, your marriage, your family, your children, and your business.  Are you ready to be freed today?  God's ready to free you!  The audio for this series can be found at http://bethelchurch.sermon.net