DELIVERANCE FROM STRONGHOLDS

DELIVERANCE FROM STRONGHOLDS WITHIN AND WITHOU

   Romans [GW] 12:1-3 Brothers and sisters, in view of all we have just shared about God's compassion, I encourage you to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, dedicated to God and pleasing to him. This kind of worship is appropriate for you. Don't become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants-what is good, pleasing, and perfect. Because of the kindness that God has shown me, I ask you not to think of yourselves more highly than you should. Instead, your thoughts should lead you to use good judgment based on what God has given each of you as believers.

   2Corinthians 10:3-5 Of course we are human, but we don't fight like humans. The weapons we use in our fight are not made by humans. Rather, they are powerful weapons from God. With them we destroy people's defenses, that is, their arguments and all their intellectual arrogance that oppose the knowledge of God. We take every thought captive so that it is obedient to Christ.

   Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, receive your power from the Lord and from his mighty strength. Put on all the armor that God supplies. In this way you can take a stand against the devil's strategies. This is not a wrestling match against a human opponent. We are wrestling with rulers, authorities, the powers who govern this world of darkness, and spiritual forces that control evil in the heavenly world. For this reason, take up all the armor that God supplies. Then you will be able to take a stand during these evil days. Once you have overcome all obstacles, you will be able to stand your ground. So then, take your stand! Fasten truth around your waist like a belt. Put on God's approval as your breastplate. Put on your shoes so that you are ready to spread the Good News that gives peace. In addition to all these, take the Christian faith as your shield. With it you can put out all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Also take salvation as your helmet and the word of God as the sword that the Spirit supplies. Pray in the Spirit in every situation. …

  I’ve been asked to write about strongholds, something that is very real in life whether trapped in or outside of and attacked from fortress walls.

  Interesting, though much is said about the topic in some religious groups, “strongholds” is used only one time in God’s Word. In some translations it is rendered “fortresses”. Either way we must note that it is plural, multiples.

  Examining His Word we see the truth that:

·         As Christians, though born-again, we are still very much human with all possible that our flesh encompasses. This includes our constructing hindering strongholds.

·         We are not to attempt assault or dismantle of fortresses in our own strength.

·         God provides the armor, tools, and tactics. God’s ways are contrary (Isa.55:8) to mans’ arrogant philosophies, strategies, and action plans. (1Cor.2:1-26; Eph.6:10; Col.2:6-10; Heb.4:9-12)

·         God’s provision shows us that He wants strongholds destroyed.

·         Our pride, unforgiveness, embracing worrisome situations, love of drama, unrealistic expectations of others and more such stumbling can hinder or obstruct destruction of strongholds. Fact is these practices construct barriers to maturation, peace, and strength.

  Deliverance from flood or Egypt or individual strongholds is no different. If we trust the Word and comply with His conditions, we will be delivered.

EBB4