“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,” 2Cor. 10:4-5.
By Michael Adekoya – Dear Reader, in the Bible, “strongholds” often refer to deeply ingrained patterns of thinking or beliefs that are contrary to God’s truth. Destroying these mental strongholds involves aligning our thoughts with God’s Word and truth. Here are key steps the Bible highlights for overcoming and tearing down mental strongholds:
Firstly, recognise the strongholds – 2Cor. 10:4-5. The first step is recognizing that a mental stronghold exists. Paul describes these strongholds as “arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God,” indicating that these are wrong patterns of thought that oppose God’s truth.
Secondly, identify lies and replace them with truths of the Word of God. Rom. 12:2. Mental strongholds are often built on lies, false beliefs, or misconceptions about God, ourselves, or the world. The Bible calls for us to replace these lies with the truth of God’s Word. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will” Rom. 12:2, NIV. Renewing the mind involves identifying specific lies, for example., “I’m not worthy” or “God doesn’t care” and replace them with truth, such as e.g., “I am loved by God,” from John 3:16, or “God is my refuge,” from Psalm 46:1.
Thirdly, take every thought captive. 2Cor. 10:5. The Bible emphasizes that believers must actively engage in controlling their thoughts, not allowing destructive, sinful, or untrue ideas to linger. Every thought should be measured against the truth of Christ. In the above mentioned Scripture, “We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ”. This requires an active effort to challenge and redirect harmful thoughts, using the authority given through Jesus.
Fourthly, rely on God’s power, not human effort. Zech. 4:6. Breaking strongholds is not something that can be done by human effort alone. God’s power through the Holy Spirit is essential for victory over these spiritual battles. We must rely on prayer, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Zech. 4:6 says, “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty”. Prayer, reading the Bible, and worship are key ways to invite God’s power to work in breaking strongholds.
Furthermore, use the Armor of God. Eph. 6:10-18 outlines the “armor of God,” which includes truth, righteousness, faith, and the Word of God. This spiritual armor helps protect the mind from the lies and attacks that can create or sustain strongholds. “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes”. Eph. 6:11, NIV.
Moreover, renew your mind through God’s Word. John 17:17. Regular reading, meditating, and memorizing Scripture plays a crucial role in reshaping thinking. When we fill our minds with God’s Word, it helps to dismantle strongholds and build new patterns of thought rooted in truth. “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth”. John 17:17, NIV. Studying the Bible exposes lies and equips us with God’s truth to confront and destroy strongholds.
Prayer and Fasting. Mark 9:29. Jesus teaches that some spiritual battles, particularly stubborn strongholds, may require additional prayer and fasting.. in Mark 9:29, Jesus said, “This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting”. Seeking God’s help through focused prayer and fasting can be instrumental in breaking deeply entrenched mental strongholds.
Finally, walking in the Spirit. Gal. 5:16. Lastly, walking in the Spirit and depending on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength enables believers to live in freedom. The Holy Spirit empowers us to reject falsehoods and to embrace the truth of God’s Word. “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh”.
In conclusion, mental strongholds are real. They influence the believers’ ways of thinking, this in turn affects one’s way of behaviour, regular wrong behaviour affects one’s lifestyles and contradictory lifestyles shall in turn affect one’s destiny. But by applying these biblical principles, believers can destroy mental strongholds, overcoming harmful thought patterns, and walking in the freedom and truth that God provides. Remain blessed!
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