Processing the Past - Part Two: Strongholds

2 Corinthians 10:3-6
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 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, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

Why We Challenge Strongholds

Proverbs 21:22
A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and brings down the trusted stronghold.

Definition of stronghold:
An entrenched pattern of thought, an ideology, value or behavior that is contrary to the Word and will of God.
A mindset impregnated with philosophies, ideologies and belief systems that are accepted as unchangeable.

Paul enlists the word "stronghold" (KJV) to define the spiritual fortress wherein Satan and his legions hide and are protected. These fortresses exist in the thought-patterns and ideas that govern individuals and churches, as well as communities and nations.

What is the biblical meaning of this word "stronghold"

In the Old Testament, a stronghold was a fortified dwelling used as a means of protection from an enemy. We find that David hid from King Saul in wilderness strongholds at Horesh. [1 Samuel 23:14]

An ancient fortress or stronghold had a five-tower stronghold that created a strategic advantage.

It is the plan of the enemy to implement strongholds and maintain them by employing layers of defensive mechanisms such as shame, fear and pride.

Types of Strongholds
Control
Becoming passive
Living a secret life
Occult
Dreams
Torments - Great mental anguish, pester, harassed, torture, agitated, restless sleepless
Fear
Flesh
Walking according to the flesh
Driven by money
Driven by our appetite
Driven by our feelings
Self
Worthlessness
Inferiority
Negative self image
Self hate
Fear
Death
Abandonment
Fear of not been able to find love

Strongholds are only broken by Spirit-led strategies.

Case Studies:
Jericho
Egypt
Gideon
Jehoshaphat

Spirit-led Strategies in the New Testament

The renewed mind:
The battleground is the mind.
The location is ungodly beliefs.
The war is over arguments, theories, ideologies and philosophies that set themselves against the knowledge of God.
By the power of the Spirit we must bring every thought captive to the obedience of God.