Dealing with Strongholds Romans 13:12 “The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.” 2 Samuel 22:1-2 “1 Then David spoke to the LORD the words of this song, on the day when the LORD had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. 2 And he said: “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;”

Dealing with Strongholds 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 “4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 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, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.”

Dealing with Strongholds 1. What are strongholds Old testament definition of a stronghold: “a fortified dwelling used as a means of protection from the enemy” 1 Samuel 23:14 - “14 And David stayed in strongholds in the wilderness, and remained in the mountains in the Wilderness of Ziph.”

Dealing with Strongholds Romans 6:16 - “16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?” The apostle’s definition of a stronghold: “any type of thinking that exalts itself above the knowledge of God”

Dealing with Strongholds 2 Corinthians 10:5 “5 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” Another definition of a stronghold: “a mindset impregnated with hopelessness that causes us to accept something that we know is contrary to God.”

Dealing with Strongholds Romans 6:6 - “6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.” 2. How strongholds take root Strongholds come from worldly influence. 1 John 5:19 - “19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.”

Dealing with Strongholds Proverbs 23:7 - “7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” Isaiah 57:7-8 - “7 Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. 8“ For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD.”

Dealing with Strongholds 3. Common strongholds many deal with Fear, Rejection, Resentment, Bitterness, Unforgiveness, Apathy, Unbelief, Depression, Anxiety, Lukewarmness, Sinful thoughts, Lust, Pride, Greed, Drugs, Alcohol, Pornography 4. Faith principles for pulling down strongholds

Dealing with Strongholds 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 “4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 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,”

Dealing with Strongholds a. We bring our thoughts into captivity to Christ Romans 3:4 “4 Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: “ That You may be justified in Your words, And may overcome when You are judged.”

Dealing with Strongholds b. Obedience brings us into the stronghold of Christ’s likeness Romans 8:28-29 “28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

Dealing with Strongholds c. Building a stronghold of Christlikeness involves a struggle 1 Peter 5:9 “9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”