2 Cor 10:3-5: For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:4 (For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)5 Casting 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;
A stronghold of the mind is a lie that gets established (as a lifestyle/pattern) in our thinking and actions.
Satan will use guilt, thoughts about our past, what people may or may not be saying about us, or speaks lies that ultimately cripples an individual Christian walk.
ADDICTIONS CAN BE STRONGHOLDS OVER THE MIND THAT CHOKE THAT WORD
Rom 8:6-8 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
TRULY AN ENEMY IS HOLDING THE STRONGHOLD OF THE MIND, ACCORDING TO :
2 Cor. 4. 4: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them
Stronghold of a Reprobate Mind:
Romans 1:28: And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
A BLINDED MIND
2 Cor 3:14: 14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
CAUSING PEOPLE TO WALK IN THE VANITY OF THEIR MINDS
Eph. 4.17-19: 17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
INTRUDING INTO THINGS WHICH THE MIND CANNOT FATHOM, “VAINLY PUFFED UP” BY A “FLESHLY MIND
Col. 2. 18: Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
OUTLINE OF SOLUTIONS TO ADDICTIONS:
1. WE MUST ACKNOWLEDGE THAT WE HAVE AN ADDICTION.
Matthew 9:12: But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need, not a physician, but they that are sick”.
2. WE MUST DESIRE TO BE FREE FROM THE ADDICTION.
Mark 10:51: And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.
3. We must be willing to turn from the addiction.
Luke 9:23-25: And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
4. WE MUST SEE THAT GOD IS THE REAL GOLD.
Matthew 6:33: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
5. WE MUST BE WILLING TO LAY OUR ADDICTION BEFORE GOD.
I Peter 5:7-9: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
6. WE MUST COME TO DEPEND UPON GOD TO FULFILL OUR NEEDS.
Philippians 4:19: But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
7. WE MUST WAIT UPON GOD TO FULFILL OUR NEEDS.
Hosea 12:6: Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually.”
Give your heart to Jesus today by saying this prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank you for dying on the cross for my sin. Please forgive me. Come into my life. I receive You as my Lord and Savior. Please, help me to live for you the rest of this life. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus, I pray.
Amen.