SPIRITUAL WARFARE

1: Pull down Strongholds
In the Old Testament, a stronghold was a literal fortress that was ruled over by a king or someone with great power - strongman! If one was intending to attack the king with a view to being victorious - a wise man’s strategy was first to identify the king, and his locality; in addition to ascertaining what resources were available to him prior to engaging in battle.

However, is this still the case within the New Testament? We think not! "When they came to Jesus and saw the man who had been possessed by the legion* of demons, sitting there dressed and in his right mind, they were frightened." (Mark 5:15). "But I see in my body a different law waging war with the law in my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin that exists in my body." (Rom 7:23). "For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind…" (2Tim 1:7).
* LEGION: A division of Roman soldiers (numerically between three and six thousand).

A New Testament definition of ‘stronghold’ can be found in 2 Cor 10: 4-5, "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (worldly), but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds. Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."

We emphasize: our weapons are spiritual and not physical. By now, the obvious question should be going through our mind. What is a stronghold? Clearly defined a stronghold is a thought/s (demon/s) that is placed in our mind. Once we accept the thought/s (carry out the deed/s) our mind is no longer in obedience to Jesus Christ - hence the need to bring every thought captive to Him. Therefore, a stronghold is any thought/s that is in opposition to the objectives of Jesus Christ.

The following diagram illustrates this principle:

STRONGHOLD
(Mind)

This is a self-diagnostic chart. In other words, if we entertain negative or evil thoughts we instantly know that we are not in our 'full armour position’. We must straightaway ask forgiveness (for our disobedience) and immediately bring every thought captive (quote the Word) to the obedience of Jesus Christ. Thereafter, carefully examine our armour and see where an opening has occurred through which the enemy has gained access to our minds.

2: Armour of God

According to the scriptures there is a natural structure to the ‘Armour of God’. This structure comprises the following seven components or aspects:

	HELMET = Salvation (gift). You must be saved! Also, ensure that your salvation is not just intellectual but has in fact transcended from head to heart. The helmet also signifies the necessity of protecting the mind and guarding at all costs what we allow to enter through our mind-gate. Be ever vigilante over what we read or watch! Later in the teaching we shall come to understand that the mind is the battle ground!!!
	SWORD = The Word (offensive). Satan and his cohorts (wicked spirit beings) cannot prevail against the spoken word. We must cultivate the habit of committing to mind powerful short verses and speak them out: "Satan, it is written!!"
	SHIELD = Faith (defensive). Hebrews chapter eleven defines faith as: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not see (vs1). But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is…(vs6)." It is clear that we must be rooted in Jesus - the author and perfector of our faith.
	BREASTPLATE = Righteousness (protective). The primary meaning of the word Righteousness is to be ‘made right’ or, to be in ‘right standing’ with God - in a nutshell, to be reconciled to God. Positionally, it is only ‘in-Jesus’ that we are reconciled to Abba Father.
	BELT = Truth (integrity - walk). Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life…" (Jn 14:6). Once again, it is only in our ‘in-Jesus’ position that truth will become an experiential reality in our daily living. We must also manifest the ‘Fruits of the Spirit’ which are: "… love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things." (Gal 5:22-23).
	SHOES = Proclaim (action). "Therefore, as you go, disciple all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you each and every day until the end of the age." (Matt 28:19-20)
	PRAYING = Supplication (action). Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. (Eph 6:18)

In short, the armour is a gift, it also has an offensive, defensive, and protective component coupled with an actionable element.

3: Bind the Strongman (Satanic Prince)

Positionally, it appears that there are two categories of ‘strongman’ (fallen angels) in relation to spiritual warfare:

Geographical - over each constituted nation upon the earth.

Magisterial/municipal - over each district within those nations.

Strongman over a specific area...

The strongman (of a magisterial/municipal district) has innumerable demons at his disposal. He commands them to enter (via thoughts) into the mind - as and when he sees openings occur in the lives of the saints. He has permanent access to the minds of the unsaved - the unregenerate. How do we bind him?

By taking up the whole armour of God.

By using the Word to bring the strongman and his demon/s into subjection.

An example: Let’s say the Holy Spirit convicts (not condemns) us that the old nature is still operating strongly in the area of so-called ‘white lies’!! Firstly, we must acknowledge the fact and ask forgiveness. Then use the ‘Word’ and say the following, "Satanic prince over (name the magisterial/municipal district) you and your demons of lies - it is written! Greater is Jesus that is in me - than you that is in the world, I bind you and bring my thoughts captive to Jesus Christ." By the use of this example we are in no way intending to be prescriptive, rather, it must be acknowledged as a guideline. We stress - this is not a magical formula!!! We reiterate - our success is in ‘God’s Mighty Power’!

Compiled by: The Final Word Internet Ministry 

Document may be copied and freely distributed as long as no charge is levied.

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