The Pulling Down of Strongholds

Dear Brethren,

What does Paul mean when he says that we walk in the flesh?   What does he mean when he says that we do not war after the flesh?  Even though we are physical and carnal, Paul says that the battles we fight are on a higher level - a spiritual level.  As Christians, our battles can be won because of the superior weaponry we possess.  "Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh."  (2Corinthians 10:3)

Because we are not of this world, the battles we fight are much more difficult to win.  The forts and fortified strongholds we fight against are unconquerable by human means.  It takes the power of God's Spirit to overcome the fortified cities that stand against God's Kingdom.  "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds."  (2Corinthians 10:4)

Of all the enemies we must overcome, of all the fortifications that must be torn down, our carnal mind is the most impregnable.  We imagine that we can easily change our minds and hearts when they are set in stone.  Our wickedness is great, and every imagination of the thoughts of our heart is evil continually.  God has given us the power to:  "Cast 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."  (2Corinthians 10:5)

A large part of our battle is to first identify the enemy.  What are the strongholds that must be conquered?  We become so familiar with the ways of this world, we often do not recognize that they are fortresses dedicated to stand against God.  We erroneously think, "It must be okay, because everybody thinks that way - everybody is doing it."  We imagine ourselves having those things, and doing those things that God says must not be done.  How can we think only the thoughts that Jesus thinks?  How is it possible to pull down strongholds and cast down imaginations.  "Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."  (1Corinthians 15:57)

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Sermon:

"Pulling Down of Strongholds"