Pull Down the Strongholds
ICS Daily Devotions
2 Corinthians 10:4-6 (NKJV) For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.
In the opening Scripture, the Apostle Paul says we have arguments, prideful thoughts, and a disobedient mentality that serve as strongholds in our minds, opposing the Word of God and our obedience to God. We need to take down all these arguments, tear down our pride, and bring everything under the obedience of Christ. To do that, we need to know God and be renewed in the mind.
The strongholds or fortresses mentioned in this passage resemble the Great Wall of China—strong, long, thick, and almost impenetrable. Likewise, many of the lies the devil has planted in our minds have taken root as strongholds. The mind is the last battlefield in the life of the believer if we want to live differently and victoriously. For example, we can become captive in our minds, limited by what we believe we can or cannot do because of past experiences. Old failures or the negative words spoken over us by people we once respected can also imprison us, keeping us from stepping into the breakthroughs God desires for us. Lastly, we might be held captive by fear, doubt, worries, and unbelief.
For example, in the context of marriage, many who were raised in single-parent homes may find it hard to believe that a blessed marriage is possible—that is a lie from the enemy. If we believe that our marriage has no impact on our children’s emotional health and well-being, we have embraced another of the enemy’s lies. We should not live under deception but choose to embrace the truth revealed in the Word of God!
Galatians 3:15 (NKJV) Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it.
God intended a permanent, committed marriage from which we will part only at death. God designed marriage as a covenant, and it is His plan for marriages to be strong and enduring. Those who understand covenantal terms will neither annul nor add to the agreement.
God created for Adam a helper, Eve, because it was not good for Adam to be alone. God’s plan was for them to become one flesh—not merely in physical union, but as one in their goals, direction, will, emotions, mind, and spirit, moving through life together as a single entity.
Lastly, God’s plan also includes our continual connection to Him, like a three strand cord that is not easily broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Every marriage should carry the vision and goal of growing closer to God together.
Reflection: Have your beliefs about marriage been affected by your past experiences? How is God leading you to renew your mind, and what strongholds need to be pulled down?
Sermon Series: As a Man Thinks in His Heart So is He
