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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" |
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