Strongholds – Taking Control of Our Minds

Episode #20: Strongholds – Taking Control of Our Minds

1. What is a Stronghold?

• A stronghold is an area in a person’s life where they struggle to maintain control.
• Common Strongholds:
  • Lustful thoughts
  • Insecurities
  • Poverty mentality
  • Addictions (alcohol, drugs, etc.)
  • Unhealthy attachment to money (whether rich or poor)

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2. How Strongholds Take Root – The Power of Thoughts

• Every stronghold begins with a thought.
• Every sin starts in the mind.
  • James 1:14-15 – “Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin.”
• We must guard our thoughts before they become actions.

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3. Taking Every Thought Captive – 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

• Our spiritual battle begins in the mind.
• 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
  • “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.”
  • “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.”
  • “Bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”
• We must take control of our thoughts before they take control of us.

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4. Guarding Our Minds – What We Consume Matters

• We cannot fill our minds with the world and expect purity.
• Watching hours of TV or mindless entertainment does not cleanse the mind.
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