A stronghold is an area in which we are held in bondage to a certain way of thinking. A stronghold means a fort or fortress; a fortified place and place of security. Strongholds are formed from our thought patterns of imaginations, logic, emotions and perceptions.

When sin or emotional wounding enters our heart then we are most vulnerable for strongholds to form in our thinking. Sin has devastating affects upon our lives however, after we repent what can become more devastating than the sin itself is what we tell our selves about the sin. What we tell ourselves (perhaps with the negative feelings we have toward the sin) is what forms a stronghold of thinking.

Strongholds are irrational (don’t make sense), uncontrollable, stubborn, habitual, and not true. They form as a protection mechanism to protect the sin that is in our hearts.

We pull down strongholds (lies) and cast down imaginations that are not true by replacing them with what IS true from God’s Word. When we do this then the strongholds are brought into the obedience of God’s Word.

John 17:17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

II Corinthians 10:4-5 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought to the obedience of Christ.

When we act on the truths God reveals to us then he brings freedom to our minds and we are no longer captive to the lies.

John 8:32, 36 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

To stay free from strongholds we must renew our minds daily with God’s truth.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Ephesians 4:23-24 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Memorizing the Word in the areas of your strongholds is the path to keeping real victory.

Download the complete Bible study which includes prayer and scripture guides for Pulling Down 15 Strongholds of the Mind With the Weapon of the Word. 

Author

Kathy Shaw is a pastor’s wife in Denver, Colorado. She spends her time blogging, writing, and teaching Bible studies, running a Facebook group called “Jesus the Wounded Healer,” reaching out to multicultural groups through outreach, and has served the Colorado District as the Ladies Ministry Secretary the last six years. Her greatest passion is to spiritually help the wounded and those who have come from dysfunctional homes. She writes and teaches with a burden to help them become healed emotionally and grow in the Scriptures and their relationship with God, through which they can find their freedom. You can visit her website at kathyshaw.net

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