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A stronghold is a fortified place of the old man, and a part of every thought life. It may seem strange, but true, that the weakest position of man can be found in his stronghold. It is a place where a sinner entrenches against the principles of truth, against rebukes and corrections from the Word of God.
When Paul spoke about strongholds he was not talking about visible place, but he was referring to an unseen stronghold where our old man entrenches. Knowing more about this subject offers us a better and wider understanding concerning spiritual warfare. It will lead us to a Spirit-controlled life and a wisdom-filled life.
Christian life is not a life filled with worldly pleasures, nor a playground, but a battleground between truth and falsehood. Spiritual struggles experienced by many Christians are living proofs of spiritual battles. As Christians, we are engaged in a war in other form - an internal warfare. It is a war between our old man and our new man in Christ. It is a war of principles: principles of Truth against principles of men.
Pulling down of strongholds is an excellent step to total freedom from the bondage of man's philosophic slyness. It is so sad that many professing Christians are not growing spiritually as they ought to because of their fortified strongholds. They became victims of their own permissive philosophy. Many people are more inclined to become world-friendly rather than doctrinally sound.
The Apostle Paul said, "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
And having in readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled."
Paul's concern to the believers in Corinth was clearly seen and demonstrated by his fair dealings and his weighty words. He intelligently taught the importance and the advantage of demolished strongholds.
Time after time, God uses His servants to remind Christians how to cast down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. Through the Bible, He keeps reminding us to submit our thought-life to God so we can be freed from the bondage of human reasoning. It is the best way we can show our love and obedience to His Word.
The spiritual problems of the Corinthians during their days are still the threatening sins of Christians today. As we are threatened by the same problems, the Word of God amplifies its power and relevancy in all places at all times.
In times of spiritual crises, we must not neglect the teachings of Christ written in the Bible. It is needful then to ask God for spiritual wisdom as we study and know more about what Paul taught concerning strongholds.
I. Internal Warfare
Believers crucial battles of life are always won or lost in the mind. Every decision we make, and every principle we treasure is an outcome of internal warfare.
II. Way To Spiritual Victory
Believers are always on the winning side. The victory is our's forever. Many Christians seem to be defeated, not because they are weak, but because they are neither obedient to the Word of God, nor are they using the power the Holy Spirit.
III. Obedience To Christ
Victorious believers in the past have won many battles of life not because of their own strength but because of their remarkable faith in God and total obedience to His Word. A well-demolished stronghold leads a believer to a well-polished spiritual life.
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