Sermon Notes
2 Corinthians 10:3–5 (NKJV)
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
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
WHAT ARE SPIRITUAL STRONGHOLDS?
A spiritual stronghold is a heavily fortified (defended) argument, teaching, or
philosophy in defense of one’s disobedience to God. There is most likely “demonic
spirit” support since disobedience is at the heart of who they are.
Beth Moore in “Praying God’s Word” says, “a stronghold is anything that exalts itself in
our minds, “pretending” to be bigger or more powerful than our God. It steals much of
our focus and causes us to feel overpowered. Controlled. Mastered. Whether the
stronghold is an addiction, unforgiveness toward a person who has hurt us, or
despair over a loss, it is something that consumes so much of our emotional and
mental energy that abundant life is strangled—our callings remain largely unfulfilled and
our believing lives are virtually ineffective. Needless to say, these are the enemy’s
precise goals.”
Signs of Spiritual Strongholds:
1. Conflicts, stances, and ideas opposed to God’s intentions.
2. Forces of darkness and deception that take root in a person’s mind and spirit.
3. Deeply rooted patterns of negative thinking, emotions, or behaviors that hinder
spiritual growth and connection with God.
4. Negative thought patterns, behaviors, and influences that impact spiritual, emotional,
and mental well-being.
5. Arguments or lofty opinions raised against the knowledge of God.
STRONGHOLDS MUST BE DESTROYED!
Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers,
against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in
the heavenly places.
WHAT ARE THE SPIRITUAL WEAPONS THAT WE HAVE AT OUR DISPOSAL?
The spiritual weapon against a heavily fortified argument of a person, invested
emotionally, must be from a divine source.
1. Spiritual weapons are mighty, in God. A stronghold may be beyond your ability to
destroy. Which is why we become the weapon in God’s hands. We pray. We read
the word. We fast.
2. The Bible (word of God) is the most effective offensive spiritual weapon. Jesus used
this one. He quoted memorized scriptures destroying the lies before they could get a
grip on HIM.
3. Intercessory prayer is an offensive spiritual weapon. Jesus had to get alone with
his FATHER to pray. If Jesus had to get alone and pray, what do you think you
should do?
4. Fasting is an offensive and defensive spiritual weapon. Setting aside our pleasures
for a time to spend quality time with Jesus and allow Him to have access to us. He
instructs, reveals, repremands…whatever He needs to do to communicate with you.
5. Spiritual Discernment is an effective defensive spiritual weapon. This is something
that the Lord must give you. (Spiritual gift) You may recognize the hand of the enemy
in your thoughts or in your decisions.
6. Praise is an offensive spiritual weapon. This one is a fun one. The enemy cannot
stand it when you lift of the Name of Jesus. Why do you think he tries so hard to shut
down any mention of the name of Jesus. Not Buddah. Not Muhhamed. Not
harchrishna. Only Jesus. Why only Jesus? Unless… his name has authority.
WHAT DO I DO WITH THIS?
1. Example: Someone hurts you deeply. The enemy begins to speak lies into your
that make you feel ugly, less than, angry, desperate etc. When you allow those
feelings to take root, the enemy forms defenses… a stronghold in your life.
2. Example: You are addicted to something. You know it is wrong but you do it
anyway. The enemy begins to speak half-truths or lies into your life. “You are a
loser. You can’t brake away from this. Or I can break away at any time that I
choose.” You begin to ignore the weapon that can help you. The Word of God.
The enemy begins to build defenses within your heart and mind. He then has a
stronghold.
3. Strongholds must be destroyed! We have the spiritual weapons. We just have to
use them. The lies and the hatred of the enemy can be undone. God is all about
forgiveness… redemption…helping us become a whole person again.