BREAKING STRONGHOLDS

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Physical Strongholds

• Strongholds are ‘Real Holding Fortresses’ in the Natural Realm – But just as real are Strongholds in the Spiritual Realm.

• In 2 Cor. 10:3-5 Paul said; “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty, through GOD to the pulling down of ‘Strongholds’ and everything that exalts itself against Christ.”

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Spiritual Strongholds

Isaiah prophesied this to God’s people in: • Isaiah 49: 24-25.

It was also clearly illustrated by Jesus in: • Matthew 12:29 • Mark 3:27

Further biblical examples.. 4

The believer’s authority

If you are born again and JESUS is reigning and has authority in your life – the ‘enemy’ cannot break in and steal.

• (Proverbs 18:10) • (Psalm 18:2)

…Unless you grant him that authority!

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2 Important questions…

1) Can someone bring into their ‘new life’ in Christ (from their past) an enemy stronghold?

2) Can a Christian allow the enemy to ‘set

up’ a stronghold in their new life in Christ?

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Words of warning

The Apostle Paul warned the Christians in Ephesus: ‘Give NO PLACE to the devil!’ (Eph 4 v 27)

The Apostle Peter warned the Christians throughout Asia: ‘The devil goes round like a roaring lion seeking to

devour…’ 1 Peter 5 v 8 There are many other warnings in Gods Word where the

devil will ‘steal, kill and destroy’ when afforded an ‘opportune time.’ (John 10 v10 / Luke 4 v13)

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Understanding the ‘3 Fold Man’ Man is a TRI-FOLD being:

ETERNAL

LIFE

WILL

MIND EMOTIONS

Psalm 139v14

‘The perishable container that

temporarily holds our spirit

and soul’

HOLY SPIRIT

Understanding of the spiritual

realm

The Spiritual man (1 Cor 2 v 12)

The Soul man (Gen 2 v 7)

The Physical man (Psalm 139 v 14)

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Causes of strongholds

False or wrong patterns of thinking based on lies and deception

• Can be generational / inherited issues (Exodus 20 v 5)

Deception- Satan’s greatest weapon

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Powerful strongholds Two of the most devastating strongholds are: 1) Low self esteem 2) Guilt These are rooted in: 1) An incorrect image and understanding of God 2) An incorrect image of yourself and how God

sees you

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Sins that can become strongholds • Anger, temper and violence • Anxiety • Criticism / Judgementalism (can be directed towards

oneself) • Depression / Hopelessness • Cursing / unwholesome speech • Impurity / lust / pornography / wrong sexual thoughts • Pride and arrogance / unteachable • Rejection • Rebellion …

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• Fear: -of physical dangers -of natural things -of darkness, death and the spiritual realm -of Hell / losing salvation • Bitterness • Unforgiveness • Resentment

Sins that can become strongholds (continued)

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