A stronghold is a pattern and ideas that govern individuals, nations, and communities. They are mind-sets, thought patterns, and processes that cause people to act, react, and respond contrary to the way, will, and the word of God, and a godly lifestyle. Strongholds are what we rationalize and justify. We may say things like , "My whole family has a temper and is hot-headed," "I can't help it because of the way I behave. I was born like this," "This is just the way I am," or "Everybody in my family acts this way." This is how your rationalization and justification of certain thoughts, behavior, and attitudes form a stronghold. Strongholds can also be cultural entrenchment.
We have to understand that God wants to give us a better way of living and operating in the earth realm. All successful deliverance must begin by removing that which defends the enemy. In speaking of spiritual warfare, the apostle Paul uses the word stronghold to define the spiritual fortresses where Satan and his legions hide and are protected. These fortresses exist in the thought patterns and ideas that govern individuals, organizations, communities. and nations. We must not allow the enemy to hide himself and his tactics within these fortresses. Every arsenal of the enemy must be removed and replaced with the Word of God. "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). Through reading and applying God's Word, the strongholds of the enemy can be forced out and the things of God can come in and occupy our thought life. Through God we are victorious in the pulling down of strongholds!
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