All Christians are engaged in a battle with their opponent, the Devil (1 Peter 5:8), and his evil spiritual forces, which he dispatches and assigns to carry out his wickedness throughout the world. We “wrestle… against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of this age's darkness, against spiritual hosts of evil in the higher realms,” according to the Bible (Eph. 6:12).
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We are well aware of Satan's nefarious attributes, including as his ability to “murder, steal, and destroy” (John 10:10). But, beyond his regular harassments, temptations, and hit-and-run attacks, the Devil's armies seek territory to construct long-term strongholds that they can control and hold captive. Satanic forces seek out people, towns, and nations where they will not be resisted and can thrive.
“Strongholds” may not always imply “demon possession,” but can simply refer to a “strong” influence or grip, persistent oppression, obsessions, hindrances, or harassment. I don't believe that a child of God, who is filled with Christ's Spirit, can be demonpossessed at the same time… but many Christians are undoubtedly victims of Satan's strongholds.
The devil's major technique is to mask his actions so that someone or something else is held responsible. He wants us to focus on his surrogates, instruments, and roadblocks and “wrestle” with them, so that our conflict is focused on the “symptoms” rather than the “true source.”
A decongestant will help relieve a congested nose, but it will not cure a cold, as we all know. Similarly, you can combat the Devil's symptoms, but you won't be able to solve the problem unless you address the root and bind the “strong man.”
Remember how Peter fought Jesus' choice to return to Jerusalem, knowing full well that He would be crucified there? Instead of rebuking Peter, Jesus turned to him and rebuked Satan. “Get behind me, Satan,” says the narrator (Matt.16:23). Peter wasn't possessed by a demon, and he didn't mean to offend anyone. However, Jesus went for the genuine cause of Peter's allegation, which was the Devil.
Our war, according to Paul, is not with “flesh and blood,” but with spiritual foes (Eph. 6:12). How critical it is that we comprehend the true nature of the situation “who” our realenemy is. It is Satan, not our brothers and sisters, our families, our children, our husbands and wives, our employers, or our government! The Devil is your adversary!
After casting out a devil and healing a deaf and dumb lad, Jesus emphasized that in order to overturn the Devil's deeds and activities, we must first bind him. “How can one enter a strongman's house and loot his belongings unless the strongman is bound first?” Then he'll pillage his own home” (Matt. 12:29). In order to neutralize the Devil's works, we must go straight to the source and bind the devil's hands. Then we'll be able to reclaim what he's taken and put a stop to his criminal activities.
I've preached in a number of cities that have served as strongholds for Satan. There are numerous signs and symptoms of this. Local churches frequently experience pointless fights or unexplainable challenges. Congregations are not growing, and preaching the Word is not easily proclaimed or warmly welcomed by the community. These are the symptoms, but Satan is the true perpetrator. For the ministry to be effective, those spiritual strongholds must be dealt with and bound.
All Christians must understand that God has provided them with the tools they need to defeat Satan's power. “The weapons of our fight are not carnal (of a fleshly or worldly character), but potent in God for breaking down strongholds,” the Apostle Paul remarked (2 Cor. 10:4).
You may recall the seventydisciples returning to the Lord with joy about the outcomes of their work. “Lord, even the devils are submissive to us in Your name,” they said (Luke 10:17). The devils, on the other hand, were subjected to them since their names were “recorded in heaven,” as Jesus pointed out. In other words, they had authority over the devil in the name of Jesus because they were saved because of their relationship with Christ.
All of Jesus' followers all of those who know Him personally as their Lord and Savior have been given the ability to use His name to cast out the forces of evil. “In My name, they will cast out devils…” Jesus proclaimed to all Christians. (Matthew 16:17)
1. AUTHORITY Every Christian has the power to bind and take authority over Satan's operations by using the authority of Jesus' name.
“No one can enter a strong man's house and loot his belongings unless he first binds him, then plunders his house” (Mark 3:27). Give the devil a vocal command that he is chained and must leave the fortress! The Devil's influence will be expelled through exercising power in the name of Jesus. “And these signs will accompany those who believe: They will drive out demons in My name, and they will speak in new languages…” (Matthew 16:17)
2. INTERCESSION Join other believers in praying and interceding against strongholds until you see results. The power of the gathering of additional believers is amplified. Fasting and prayer strengthen faith, and faith will break strongholds. “Why couldn't we cast him out?” the disciples asked privately to Jesus. “However, this kind does not go out unless by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:19,21).
3. DISPLACEMENT Demonstrate God's presence. Fill the space where Satan has been told to leave with God's presence. The Devil does not exist when the Lord is present! Satan avoids areas where people are worshiping, singing, and praying to Jesus. The Devil is displaced by the presence of the Lord. “For what kind of friendship does justice have with lawlessness?” And in what community does light coexist with darkness?” 2 Corinthians 6:14; 2 Corinthians 6:15; 2 Corinthians 6:16; 2
4. RESISTANCE Surrender and draw near to God. According to the Bible, if we resist Satan in this way, he will flee. The Devil flees from Christians who pray, fast, worship, and humble themselves in order to follow and obey God's Word. “As a result, surrender to God.” The devil will fly from you if you resist him” (James 4:7).
5. OCCUPATION Don't give the Devil a seat or a vacancy. Fill the vacuum with God now that Satan is gone. Let righteousness be the guideline and standard of conduct. There should be no pockets of disobedience, corruption, or immorality where Satan can re-establish his power or influence. The Bible warns us not to “give the devil a seat at the table” (Eph. 4:27).
6. FORTIFICATION Arm yourself with the armor of God. Take the entire complement of God's spiritual equipment with you on a regular basis so that you can remain battle-ready. With the shield of faith, the sword of the Spirit (God's Word), and the other links of armor (Ephesians 6:13-17), you will be able to repel any satanic onslaught and engage the strongholds in others. “Put on the complete armor of God so that you can stand against the devil's wiles” (Ephesians 6:11).
How do you break down a stronghold?
The Spirit of God desires each of you to break free from any demonic strongholds that are holding you hostage.
I believe it would be beneficial to think about the metaphor's metaphorical element a little further.
9:9 (Psalms) The LORD is a stronghold in times of adversity for the oppressed.
Because it is high and inaccessible to adversaries, a cliff might be used as a stronghold.
1 Samuel 23:14; 1 Samuel 23:15; 1 Samuel 23:16; 1 David lingered in the fortresses of the desert and the highlands of the Ziph Desert.
and my deliverer; my shield, and the one in whom I put my trust; the one who subdues my people under me
Why would a “high thing” want to elevate itself by hanging out in a high cliff or a high tower?
It's considerably easier to drive an adversary away from a fortress on a high vantage point.
In the history of Israel's conflicts, you can learn about the strategic value of strongholds.
It's just off the main route leading up to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv and the airport.
The problem with this location was that it was a stronghold located along the main roadway.
The Arab Legion held the fortress of Latrun when the War of Independence began.
They could pick off the caravans delivering supplies up to the Jews in Jerusalem from this vantage point.
This was a stronghold that needed to be conquered!
It had a suffocating grip over Jerusalem!
The fledgling Israeli Defense Forces attempted to take it five times in five different ways.
The Arab Legionthe greatest, British-trained warriors on the Arab sidehas proven itself time and time again.
As a result, the Israelis construct a “Burma Road” around the bastion, traversing tough terrain.
Until 1967, the Arabs controlled this fortification, which was located just five kilometers from Ben-Gurion Airport.
Nasser dispatched Egyptian troops to Jordanian garrisons shortly before the 1967 conflict.
includes an impressive display of Israeli army tanks that were purchased, manufactured, or captured.
For the past two decades, that location has posed a threat to our people's safety in the heart of the country.
How long has a stronghold in the center of your thinking life jeopardized your safety?
Is it possible?
Hey, David conquered Jerusalem and established it as his capital!
Joab unlocked the citadel's gates by breaking through a tunnel that led to a spring.
“Even if Babylon climbs the sky and fortifies her lofty stronghold,' Jer 51:53 declares.
by diverting the city's river and marching into the city on the riverbank!
God is well-versed in strongholds and understands how to overthrow them and he'll show you how.
Do you ever want to quit up when you come up against a stronghold in your life?
Individuals who are willing to battle, people with courage, capture strongholds!
God will assist you if you ask for it. The Bible and the Holy Spirit will show you how. Amen?
One thing to remember about a stronghold: it's a location, not a person.
The mind is the castle of the soul, and Satan and his henchmen aim to capture people's minds.
“Have nothing to do with the unproductive deeds of darkness,” Ephesians 5:11 exhorts us.
If you wish to allow God's light shine on the darkness, you must have a humble attitude.
“Test me, O LORD, and try me, probe my heart and my intellect,” David begged in Ps 26:2.
After you've identified the stronghold, repentance is the next stage in bringing it down.
Honesty before God is the best policy, and humbly allowing the Spirit to reveal the stronghold in the darkness is the best policy.
It's possible that you'll have to mute the tiny lawyer who emerges from a dark corner of your mind.
A frontal assault on a stronghold doesn't always appear to work.
So, what are your options?
With a frontal attack, Jewish warriors attempted to take the Old City of Jerusalem.
From the east, I've seen a photo of Israeli generals looking down on the Old City!
They were able to cut off supplies and reinforcements after encircling the city.
After that, the Israelis were able to enter the city with little resistance.
What was the game plan? March for seven days around the city, then blow your trumpets!
How can you encircle a fortress of pessimistic thinking and old rumours?
How about some compliments?
32:7 in Psalms. “You are my safe haven; you will keep me safe from harm and surround me.”
Praise God by singing psalms and spiritual hymns around the fortress.
There's a powerful technique to surround every bad stronghold with God's contrary truth.
If you're fighting a stronghold of rejection, surround it with Abba's acceptance.
If you're having trouble dealing with unresolved anger, try surrounding it with forgiveness.
Surround yourself with the knowledge of God's love if you're battling with a stronghold of fear.
If you're fighting a failing fortress, surround it with the triumph of the resurrection!
Once you've recognized a stronghold, go to the Bible and look up the contrary truth that God has revealed.
If rejection is your stronghold, read everything the Bible says about God's acceptance.
His resistance will swiftly wane, and if he isn't already gone, he will be soon!
Please forgive me for making a compromise. Give me the guts to demolish every stronghold I own.
I bind any evil powers within me that were encouraging compromise and sin.
I submit to the light of the Spirit of Truth in order for any sin strongholds in me to be exposed.
I declare that every satanic stronghold is being demolished by the great weapons of the Spirit and the Word!
I intend to envelop this demonic stronghold in praise and affirming truth from God's Word.
I intend to capture every negative thought pattern and bring it into submission to Messiah.
By God's grace, I intend to persevere until even the ruins of this stronghold are razed.
I intend to consider everything that is genuine, noble, right, and pure.
If there is anything charming or admirableif there is anything worthy of praise
By God's grace, I intend to construct one fortress within my mind and heart:
“The LORD's name is a strong fortress; the virtuous will flee to it for safety.”
What are some examples of spiritual strongholds?
Strongholds Examples
Despair, a whiny attitude, or a lack of confidence keep you from living for God.
Who is the strong man in Matthew 12 29?
This tale is included in the Beelzebul argument in the canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, in which Jesus' opponents accuse him of earning his power to banish demons by collaborating with Satan. The powerful guy is Satan, while the attacker is Jesus, according to one interpretation. However, this is the polar opposite of what Jesus meant. The demon is the one that “binds” the strongman before seizing him in Matthew 12:22-29, as they bring Jesus a man afflicted by a demon. The demon has taken the strongman's life. Because of the possession, the demon had rendered the strongman blind (to the truth) and unable to communicate. For example, if a demon “blinds” a strong man from the truth of the 7th-day Sabbath of mentally resting on Saturday, he will be unable to think properly and logically (not mentally resting at the proper time, just like not sleeping for two or three days, a person will be unable to think straight), making him easier to deceive and influence (possession). Many people misunderstand this to suggest that Jesus binds the strongman, but it is the demon who binds him before possessing him (his now-possessed illogically-thinking mind, as many people, including many Christians and theologians, have).
As a result, Jesus claims that he couldn't perform exorcisms (represented by stealing the strong man's property) unless he was opposed to Satan and had vanquished him (represented by tying up the strong man). R. T. France and others see the tale as echoing the Book of Isaiah: “No one plunders a strong man,” according to Craig S. Keener, while R. T. France and others see the parable as echoing the Book of Isaiah:
What is a mental stronghold?
Strongholds are thought patterns that have been ingrained in your mind. They're referred to as “flesh patterns” by some. Memory traces seared into our minds over time or the intensity of traumatic experiences create these strongholds. A stronghold will form if the behavior continues. An inferiority complex, for example, is a mental fortress.
How do you break strongholds in the Bible?
1. AUTHORITY Every Christian has the power to bind and take authority over Satan's operations by using the authority of Jesus' name. “No one may steal a strong man's goods until he first bonds the strong man, after which he will raid his house” (Mark 3:27). Give the demon a verbal command that he is shackled and must leave the fortress! The Devil's influence will be cast out when authority is used in Jesus' name. “And these signs will accompany those who believe: They will drive out demons in My name, and they will speak in new languages…” (Matthew 16:17)
How do you take thoughts captive?
Every idea must be taken prisoner, according to the Bible. It's a crucial aspect of Christian living that many of us miss out on. But what does it mean to take thoughts captive, why is it important, and how do we go about doing it? Today, we'll go over each of these concerns one by one and give you advice on how to deal with worry in your thoughts based on biblical principles.
Anxiety is a major area where it pays to hold on to every thought. Many people who suffer from anxiety are unaware of how their issues begin in their minds. For instance, you might have had an apprehensive thought train like this:
What exactly is this blemish on my arm? It's the first time I've seen it there. I'm wondering whether it's cancer of the skin. That would be awful! Skin cancer is extremely dangerous. Is it possible that I caught it in time? What will become to my family if I pass away? I'm far too young to perish!
As in this scenario, we've all had thoughts that quickly slide downward. Taking control of your ideas could look like this instead:
What exactly is this blemish on my arm? I'll keep an eye on it for a few days to see if anything changes, and rest certain that God is in charge. If it doesn't get better by Friday, I'll make an appointment with the doctor. But I'm not going to let this insignificant blip on the radar take over my thoughts for the rest of the week. God is the Great Physician, and no matter what, he can heal me.
See how much of a difference it makes to take control of your thoughts? Fear and concern will inevitably run rampant in our minds. You can regain control and choose peace if you study things before they go downward.
You'll need a lot of work to be able to hold your thoughts prisoner. When anxiety is aroused, the previous example of actively choosing not to worry may need to be repeated thousands of times. If you're prone to anxiety, practice makes perfect, especially in your mental life. The less dread and fretting you experience, the more you replace your worried thoughts with what is real about God and what you can control.
How do I cast down imaginations?
You must become a person of prayer and study of God's Word in order to actively strike down the enemy's fantasies. A person who prays will be aware of spiritual matters. If you don't have God's ideas, you won't be able to cast down or fend off the enemy's imaginations (vision, and images that come through His Word for you).
Whats bound on earth is bound in heaven?
“I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth, you will bind in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth, you will loose in heaven.”