Tearing Down Strongholds

Text: 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Spiritual Warfare
 
Introduction: Are you facing some spiritual attacks from the enemy? In order to “Win the Spiritual War” over Satan and his hordes of hell, you have got to know your enemy, your weapons against your enemy, and the mighty power of Jesus Christ!
 
It appears that the arch enemy of God, called in the book of Revelation, the Great Red Dragon, is unleashing an all out attack on our families, our nation, and our CHRISTian faith. Do you agree?
 
Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, writes to the Church of Corinth concerning “Spiritual Warfare.” Therefore, consider the following strategy against the Prince of Darkness:
 

1. Do you know the REAL ENEMY? (2Cor 10:3)

“3For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh.”

Did you notice “Spiritual wars” are not flesh and blood battles?

Paul also wrote,
“2For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Eph 6:12)
 

Simply put, these attacks are unleashed in an invisible world with demonically controlled angels.

If you could open your spiritual eyes right now, you could see.
 

2. Do you know your WEAPONS against the REAL ENEMY? (2Cor 10:4)

“4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.)”

Just as one would not dare attempt to fight a fierce military force like China with a water pistol, our artillery against a disembodied- evil army is not conventional weaponry. But why is it that we try to fight these battles with carnal guns?

Do you need help right now from heaven because of the onslaughts of Satan?

The believer’s weapons are “Mighty thru God”!
 

3. Do you know the MIGHTY POWER of JESUS CHRIST? (2Cor 10:4, 5)

“(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5Casting 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.”

The word “strongholds” is ὀχύρωμα, (okh-oo’-ro-mah), which means a fortress, strong defense, stronghold.

The words “pulling down” is καθαίρεσις. (kath ah’-ee-res-is,) which means taking down, razing, destroying.

The word “taking captivity” is αἰχμαλωτίζω (aheekh-mal-o-tid’-zo), which means -I take captive (in war); I subdue, ensnare.

The word “imagination” is λογισμός, which means reasoning, thinking; a conception, device.

You get the picture:
These demonically controlled evil spirits called “seducing spirits” work behind the scenes bringing deception, misinformation, and confusion, which pushes self-gratification…supposedly without consequences.
 
Can you see thru it? Hope so.
 
Conclusion: While it seems like we are warring against people (flesh & blood), this passage reminds us the origin of this battle. This is a BATTLE over the mind!
 
Who wins? JESUS always win…if we let Him in our corner!
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese