#86: BE FREE FROM STRONGHOLDS
A MESSAGE FROM MONICA:
So, what is a stronghold? Before I studied up for this episode, I would have told you it was a sin that I couldn’t escape; doing that thing you don’t want to do but can’t help but do — react with harsh words to those you love, engage in that relationship you know is wrong, lie to God, others and even yourself. A stronghold is sin, I would have told you. And I would have been so very wrong.
While those things are sinful, and definitely feel as though they have a grip on us, a stronghold is really a mindset that elevates itself against the truth of God’s word. And once we unpacked that, it was such an ah-ha moment. Isn’t that exactly what our sins are like? We know we should find the way out of the temptation, but the stronghold is really the mindset that whispers to us,
You have every right to be angry, and to share those harsh words.
You deserve to be loved, it doesn’t matter if he’s married.
I can stop any time I want to.
Am I right? Or is that just me?
As we always discover, the heart of BEING comes down to mindset. What we think about absolutely determines where our emotions, actions and spiritual life follow. And the things that keep us bound and captive can a lot of times be traced back to lies we believed — mindsets we’ve stayed anchored to — that we elevate higher than the truth of the Word of God.
I hope that this revelation about strongholds frees you up to shed the ones that bind you once and for all; that you’re able to recognize those whispers and submit them to the authority of the word of God. Why? Because WE WERE MADE TO BE FREE, friends!
BE IN THE WORD (this week’s verses):
The weapons of the war we’re fighting are not of this world but are powered by God and effective at tearing down the strongholds erected against His truth. (2 Cor 10:4)
We demolish arguments and every pretention that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Cor 10:5)
He sent Me to tell those who are held captive that they can now be set free. (Luke 4:18)
So think of it this way: if the Son comes to make you free, you will really be free. (John 8:36)
I am here to bring light in this world, freeing everyone who believes in Me from the darkness that blinds him. (John 12:46)
Let us drop every extra weight, every sin that clings to us and slackens our pace, and let us run with endurance the long race set before us. (Hebrews 12:1)
Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you. (Galatians 5:1, Message)
All your lives you’ve let sin tell you what to do. But thank God you’ve started listening to a new master, one whose commands set you free to live openly in his freedom! (Romans 6:18)
BE DOERS, NOT JUST HEARERS (practical application):
1. The first thing we have to do is know the truth. Christ has set us free to live a free life! Read and study every verse you can find that
2. Put 2 Corinthians 10:5 into practice: “Take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ.” When a mindset threatens to become a stronghold, immediately turn it over to God and replace it with truth.
3. Remember your position in Christ. God raised us up with Him and seated us in the heavenly realms with Jesus (Ephesians 2:6). He chose us to be in a relationship with Him even before He laid out plans for this world He destined us to be adopted as His children through the covenant Jesus made for us.
BE EDUCATED (additional resources):
- Tearing Down Personal Strongholds by Dr. Tony Evans. Sermon video with steps to get out of a stronghold.
- Breaking Free by Beth Moore. Through the 11 weeks of Breaking Free, Beth Moore looks at the Book of Isaiah through the lives of the kings who ruled during the prophet’s ministry. These kings exemplify many of the obstacles to freedom with which we must deal. Using Scripture to help identify spiritual strongholds in your life, no matter how big or small, Beth explains that anything that hinders us from the benefits of knowing God is bondage. God intends for you to know and believe Him, glorify Him, experience His peace, and enjoy His presence.
- Pulling Down Strongholds by Derek Prince. This book will help you discover why warfare exists, learn the six weapons of spiritual warfare, implement strategies to bind the enemy’s schemes and tap into the power of the Holy Spirit.
- 30 Days to Overcoming Emotional Strongholds by Dr. Tony Evans. Examine key emotional strongholds and their corresponding biblical truths that you can declare and apply to bring victory into your life.
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