How To Battle Strongholds

How To Battle Strongholds

Believers are battling with anxiety, depression, OCD and addiction, at a record high rate. Some blame the exposure of social media, stress, and some conclude it as “the times we live in.”

While the world offers solutions, the Bible says that our fight is not of the carnal, earthly realm, but

“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” 2 Cor 1-:4-5 ESV

Stronghold, in Greek, is the word “ochyrōmatōn”  and means “a fortress.” Some versions of the Bible even use the word “fortress,” instead of “strongholds,” in this text.

Arguments or in some versions is used “vain imaginations” is referring to lies. Here, Paul is speaking about lies or lofty opinions that  disagree with what God says.

When one is living with a stronghold, they have believed a lie that is so big, so controlling and has been there so long that this lie now controls the person’s thought process. It controls how they make decisions about themselves and even others. They are oppressed.

The word “oppressed” in this text is used and its purposefully strong meaning: to be ruled over by a wicked king or tyrant. A stronghold is held over a person as if by a wicked tyrant.

Many people are depressed because they believe they are unworthy. If that has been believed for a long time, they will become self conscious, shy, and virtually ineffective in kingdom work. Those who feel unworthy often have few or no personal relationships because of the way they view themselves. They are oppressed by a stronghold or allowing a tryrant to imprison them in a lie.

They often live life looking around and see others don’t struggle with that thought process and wish to be free of it. However. they have no idea how to get rid of their negative thoughts, which creates more depression.

Paul says we must cast out all lies that come against what God says. Resist the devil and he will flee!  It is the same battle that started in Eden and that Jesus himself had to deal with.

Do you believe God or the enemy? That’s the question we deal with every day, a lot of the day. Lies is all Satan really has and he uses them against us.

 Jesus said, 

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” Luke 4:18 ESV

Our Heavenly Father is the ultimate optimist! He is love and love always thinks the best of us and never fails.

When the liar tells you that you don’t matter, tell him “The word says  I am a chosen one, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that I will declare the praises of him who called me out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9

When the liar tells you that no body loves you, tell him “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom 5:8

When the liar tells you that you are a loser, tell him “Blessed shall I be in the city, and blessed shall I be in the country. Wherever I go and whatever I do, you will be blessed!” Deut. 28:3, 6 There is no losing in the blessing!

When the liar tells you that you made too many mistakes, tell him God says “Jesus blotted out my sins. God doesn’t remember them anymore. I am innocent in His sight.” from Isaiah 24:25-26.  Praise God!

And even more….

The word of God says when we know the truth, the truth will set us free. (John 8:32) His word is truth.  If you are dealing with a stronghold, use the authority that you’ve been given in Jesus’ name and tell that lying worm to shut up! Speak God’s word and ask the Holy Spirit to help you mind your mind and focus on the truth of God’s word.