Pulling Down Strongholds

[0:00] 2 Corinthians 10 verse 3 to 5.

[0:30] 1 Corinthians 10 verse 4.

[1:00] 1 Corinthians 10 verse 4.

[1:30] 1 Corinthians 10 verse 5.

[1:59] 1 Corinthians 10 verse 5.

[2:30] 1 Corinthians 10 verse 5. 1 Samuel 10 verse 7. 1 Samuel 10 verse 7. 1 Samuel 10 verse 7. 1 Samuel 10 verse 7. motherland, the UK, trying to get people to lose heart and to be discouraged. And we're in the midst of the same kind of thing, a propaganda war, where we're engaged in a battle for the hearts and minds and souls, a battle for our souls and the souls of humanity around us. A battle is raging. A spiritual conflict has been launched between contrary forces.

[2:59] Colossians 2 verse 8 tells us how there's this kind of battle going on. And Paul writes again to the Colossians in Colossians 2 verse 8, he says, Beware lest any man spoil you, or in other words, take your captive, take your prisoner through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world and not after Christ. It's as if some people, if you could picture it, are kind of held prisoner, taken as prisoners of war, held in captivity, held by, perhaps it could be, counterfeit experiences. Whoa! Preacher, you mean my experience could be wrong? You mean those warm and fuzzy feelings, those spiritual sensations I had one day, that they could be wrong? Yes, they could be. There's counterfeit experiences. Another thing is worldly philosophies.

[3:53] Worldly philosophies. Friends, tonight we are truly, truly in a battle. And the battleground is the mind. It's right here between the ears, in that space in our skull cavity called the brain, in the mind. As it were, there's a battleground, there's a battle being waged in the mind, of hearts and minds of men and women on this planet today. So we see firstly this theme of the battle.

[4:20] There's a battle going on. Secondly, we could consider from this text the theme of the building. A building. A picture here of a building. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but are mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. Strongholds. I'm going to talk a little bit about strongholds. And there's an analogy here again of a building, of a construction, of a stronghold. A stronghold. And of these strongholds, Paul writes that there needs to be a demolition job. A stronghold means a fortified dwelling. It speaks of powerful physical structures.

[5:02] In Bible days, it often referred to places where people could hide and take shelter, such as caves on the mountain tops. High and safe away. Very difficult to attack. Very difficult to assault.

[5:18] A fortress, if you like. I know I've mentioned it before. As a youngster, I took great delight on a trip back to England one time, when my parents, we visited England, my homeland, to go and look at various castles.

[5:37] And I was always yelling out, oh, can we go and see this one? Can we go and see that one? It's just something about these structures, these fortresses, these strongholds, if you like. There was something about them that just seemed to, they just dominated the landscape.

[5:51] There was something, there was a strength to them, there was a history to them that was something special. And friends, strongholds are like fortresses in our minds. In this sense of it here, it speaks of those strongholds. And there's a spiritual conflict that is going on. Again, it's like another military analogy.

[6:15] We've talked about the weapons of our warfare, the sense of the battle. And now we look at the building, this analogy of a fortress. And in this text, the fortresses spoken of here are fortresses, strongholds that need to be brought down and overcome. There is a positive stronghold, a positive side to a stronghold. And as our text was read this morning, the Lord is my refuge and my fortress.

[6:50] Our Lord is a refuge for us. He's a safe place we can run to and be in his defence and in his protection. He is our deliverer and one who holds us in safety. The stronghold who is our God is a place where we find true freedom and shelter. But the strongholds we see here in 2 Corinthians 10 are strongholds that don't bring freedom and shelter, but bring bondage and fear. Bondage and fear.

[7:25] So we're going to take a little look just at those tonight. So the enemy stronghold can picture our enemy's influence within our lives. Whether it be our thinking, can be biased in supporting and defending what is sinful and contrary to God's will.

[7:44] You know, some people try to build up in their minds a construct, if you like, a mental construct that they want to support and defend something that deep down they know it's sinful and contrary to God's will. And yet they want to try to keep building up this argument, this justifying of what is wrong. And Satan's strongholds are like that. They're kind of thoughts and a way that we give a doorway, as it were, to the enemy controlling our mind. And it's his modus operandi. It's how he works. It's what he does. It's what Satan delights to do.

[8:19] In 2 Corinthians 4 verse 4 it says, In whom the God of this world, small g, hath blinded the minds of them that believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. In whom the God of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not.

[8:42] This blinding, it speaks of a cloudy smoke screen, if you like. It speaks of that kind of smoke screen that the devil throws across our path and blinds us. He gets in the way. He obstructs that vision. You know, the devil is the master illusionist. He's a master of illusion and deception. One of his titles is the father of lies. He is the father of lies.

[9:08] He's the one from whom lies spring. I think of the lies that dominate in our world today. For example, evolution. The devil is the father of evolution. Wasn't Darwin. It was the devil.

[9:21] The father of atheism. The father of false religion. The devil is the father of lies. And he will cast down. He showed his two colours back in Eden. Back in the third chapter of the book. Genesis 3 verse 1. It says, Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, The devil said, Yea, hath God said.

[9:47] Hath God said, You shall not eat of every tree of the garden. Right from the beginning, one of the key tactics of the devil was to cast doubt on what God's word actually said. God said, Don't eat of that tree.

[10:00] And the devil said, Yea, hath God said. Try to sow doubt. And likewise today, the devil wants us to entertain his thoughts of fear, of anxiety, of doubt.

[10:16] They're like strongholds, constructs that are fortresses in our minds. Structures in our thinking that harbour wrong thoughts and wrong attitudes. Now it's sad to see, of course, there is a truthful element of critical thinking where we should, as the Bible says, search the Scriptures to see if these things are so.

[10:37] There is that sense where we should be discerning and examining and scrutinising and checking things. But there is this critical thinking that absorbs the mentality of the world where it's all based on, Yea, hath God said.

[10:53] It doesn't take the very basic truth of God's word. So these are constructs. They're strongholds like fortresses in our minds.

[11:04] And a stronghold too can be like a besetting sin where we give the enemy a foothold. The word says, Neither give place to the devil. Don't give him a foothold. Don't give him an inch where he can have swaying.

[11:18] A stronghold is a mindset that accepts something that we know is contrary to the will and word of God. It speaks of areas of oppression.

[11:32] These kinds of strongholds can hold us bondage and rob us of abundant life. When we get a stronghold in our thinking, we can try and justify that which deep down we're unsettled about.

[11:45] That which deep down, we don't have peace about it. There's something that's wrong. But I'm trying to build this mindset, this justification to justify what I'm thinking and reasoning.

[11:59] To defend the evil that I know deep down is wrong. And so the strongholds hold people captive, if you like. Whether it be worry, doubt or discouragement.

[12:12] Now perhaps it's fears and phobias. I was doing some research on this important topic today. And you'll be interested to know, and this is a bit tongue in cheek here now. But there's one list that I came across that there are over 500 fears and phobias.

[12:30] Fears and phobias. Now this is not to discount that some people might have real phobias. Real phobias. But some of these you wonder whether they're real or not.

[12:40] Amongst them, there's things like botanophobia. It's the fear of plants. I might have that one. I don't like to spend much time in my garden.

[12:51] No, I do really. But botanophobia, you might have the fear of plants. Or in fact, I think sometimes some of our congregation may suffer from a couple of these. Ecclesophobia.

[13:03] Fear of church. Or homilophobia. Fear of sermons. I might even be making some of you people here today very afraid.

[13:14] Right now. Could be that you might suffer. I've got to pronounce this right here now. Paladophobia. It's the fear of bald people. I'm getting there.

[13:25] You know, paladophobia. Or maybe pogonophobia. Fear of beards. Some people might suffer from pogonophobia. And some people might even have phobophobia.

[13:39] Oh no. The fear of phobias. You know, it's amazing, isn't it? There's some 500. You can look them up. And there's lists of phobias. It's amazing. But seriously, this could be a stronghold.

[13:50] We could have a fear that is a stronghold. It holds us in that sense where we're just anxious all the time. And strongholds are what we're talking about tonight. Perhaps it could be an addiction.

[14:02] It could be a stronghold in your life. Whether it's this unhealthy addiction to drink or drugs. Sexual sins. Lust. It could be bitterness is a stronghold in your life.

[14:13] Rejection. Resentment. A stubbornness. Unforgiveness there. That's causing a bitterness. A stronghold of bitterness in your life. What about unbelief?

[14:25] People that have unbelief, they might suffer apathy. Lukewarmness. Deception. Doctrinal error. What experiences get... You know, the emphasis is on experiences rather than the truth of God's word.

[14:41] And so people then end up in wrong doctrine. Or even going to humanism where they actually reject faith in God altogether. Unbelief can be a stronghold that holds people.

[14:54] All kinds of constructs in our minds can hold us captive. It can capture you. And hold you prisoner. Think of such things as grief or rebellion. We can all have times of grief.

[15:07] You might have some very real memories of grief. And they can still hold you as a stronghold in your life. This is true.

[15:17] I'm sure we can all think back to such things, to such times, to such experiences. Sad experiences in our lives. Difficult things that we've been through. In growing up or whatever it be.

[15:30] And it can be like a stronghold that we still feel like it's restraining us. It's stopping me somehow. It could be pride. It can be a stronghold. I get, you know, too high and mighty to, you know, really have the humility that God calls us to have.

[15:48] It could be greed. It can be a stronghold. We get covetous and greedy. Some things can lay hold of us like strongholds. And that hold us captive and ensnare us.

[16:00] Our thinking. Lying. There's people I know that, I just can't fathom how they live for themselves. That they lied.

[16:11] And, you know, deception. And, you know, tell a lie and then you've got to keep telling another lie and another lie. And it just multiplies, doesn't it? Worldliness can be a stronghold.

[16:23] The idols of this world. And friends here tonight, these strongholds and many others of thoughts that we have can hold us in a captive state.

[16:35] In bondage. They can get a grip on us and hold us and restrain us and confine us from doing what God wants for us. Strongholds can gain this strong ground in our minds.

[16:47] And it helps us, if we can, learn to identify what these wrong thought patterns are. What are these attitudes, these things that are still snaring me and tearing and holding me back.

[16:58] And rather tear them down. Tear them down. We want our thoughts to line up with God's word. With God's thoughts for us. And we want the Holy Spirit to redirect our thinking.

[17:10] To reprogram, if you like, our thoughts and our actions. So we can walk in freedom and liberty in Christ. God cares about our mental state. And the devil wants to dominate over us.

[17:25] To influence and shape our thinking. Our systems of thought. You know, there's so many powers and messages barraging us all around us. Shaping the way we think.

[17:37] You know, something a teacher told you in school can live with you for a lifetime. And it could be good or bad, can't it? Let's face it. Everywhere, the enemy of our soul uses his subtle tactics.

[17:51] Through illusion, indoctrination, infiltration, brainwashing. As strongholds. And if we really think about it, it's happening constantly.

[18:03] This constant barrage of a propaganda war, if you like. This mind control. Where faith is mocked. Every which way. You know, every chance the media gets to lambast.

[18:16] And to, you know, paint Christians. To stereotype them as nutcases. And as people you can't trust. They will do that. They will mock the faithful.

[18:27] They will mock faith. They will mock those who trust Christ. They will call the Christians bigots and Bible bashers. And mock and scorn them every chance they can.

[18:39] So there is this constant conditioning that's going on. It's almost like we almost don't even realise it. Because it's so commonplace these days. And this corruption, this confusion happens.

[18:51] And friends, it's even in what seems to be the most harmless of things. The most harmless of things. You know, there's many exposés and studies and documentaries from a Christian perspective that have shown and brought to light many subtle hidden messages in what is popularised by Hollywood.

[19:21] Hollywood, oft times, is sending messages and signals to people in a subliminal, secret, hidden way.

[19:32] And you see these things, these particular signs and messages that are coming across. They're very hidden.

[19:43] Now the word occult means hidden. Occult, which we know speaks of the devil and his system of thought, his system of unbelief, if you like.

[20:01] The occult, it means hidden. And friends, I put it to you today that the secret messages everywhere, embedded and hidden, whether it be in the rock scene, many times, the rock idols, the ones that sadly many of this generation and the generations to come look up to and laud and praise and put on their pedestals and posterise their rooms with, are often these ones who are communicators of these secret messages that are really anti-God and occult.

[20:41] And we see that even in, sadly, what seem innocent, harmless things. And I'll name what I'm talking about, Disney.

[20:54] Disney, some of you might think, oh, come on, preacher, you're really pushing the envelope here and this is just over the top. Oh, here he goes again. No, Disney is one of these messages of secret messages of times.

[21:12] You know, think about it. Why are they constantly going on about fairies and witches and magicians and magic and whatever it be? It's embedded in there.

[21:24] So that, oh, the fairy godmother or whatever it be, these particular kind of supernatural entities, they're just, it's gone in place.

[21:36] And the magic, oh, it's so nice when Mickey waves his wand and something happens or whatever it be. And look, it's hard for me to fully convince you to know in this short message, but I can send you, for those that are interested, I can send you some links to such documentaries that can expose such things and open our eyes to see the secret subliminal messages that are going on.

[22:01] They're framing strongholds in people's minds without us even realising it in what seem innocent and harmless things. Strongholds, strongholds.

[22:12] I think of these strongholds alike to sandcastles. Now, as part of my sermon preparation for this message, I built some structures yesterday with my two grandsons down at the beach.

[22:29] I built some structures, some sandcastles, some strongholds made out of sand, and such structures were easily demolished.

[22:40] And friends, I put to you tonight that if there's strongholds in your life, that God, by His Spirit, by His awesome power, can demolish those strongholds.

[22:51] And He tells us to. He says, pull down the strongholds that have been built up in your life and mind. Whatever those things are, they can be easily demolished by God's help as you trust Him.

[23:03] So we're seeing here three things. Two so far. The battle. There's a battling going on. A battle that you're right in the middle of. Two competing powers. Two competing forces that are battling for control.

[23:18] There's a building. A building. A building that is in need of deconstructing. A building. A stronghold that needs to be demolished.

[23:29] And thirdly, we see the theme of belonging. The theme of belonging. The Word of God tells us the answer, the answer to this mind warfare. The answer of how we can be victorious in this battle that we face.

[23:45] Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalted itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

[23:56] Victory comes as we bring into captivity every thought to obey Christ. You can have sure confidence in God. In His Word.

[24:07] You can trust in Him. The Word says that we are more than conquerors. More than conquerors. Through Him that loved us and gave Himself for us. So God doesn't want us to be double-minded.

[24:20] Sort of torn here and there. Not making up our mind. He wants us to make up our mind in a biblical fashion. And it says that we are to draw nigh to God. In James 4 verse 6, James writes, There's a sense where we need to come to that decision point.

[25:01] Where we're no longer going to be wishy-washy. With a foot in both camps, sitting on the fence. Can get painful straddling the fence. You know, we want to decide which side of the fence are we going to stand on.

[25:13] Let us decide and be wholehearted. We have a different allegiance, a different loyalty. We're called to be loyal. To make up our minds.

[25:24] To be steadfast. To be sure of what we believe. We can stand fast on the sure word of God and its truth. We can take this book and believe it from cover to cover.

[25:35] Let us recognise every lie of the enemy that contradicts this book. That is contrary to this book. Let us bring our thoughts into that obedience to Christ.

[25:48] Let's tell our mind to obey the Lord. To have the mind of Christ. To walk in the truth of his word. Satan will tempt us.

[25:59] He wants to sow doubt and unbelief. He wants you to question God's word. And to bring confusion to your life. The devil wants you to question God's promises.

[26:12] To disbelieve his promises. And to disobey his instructions. But God's truth is that which truly sets us free. Our defence against the father of lies is the opposite of lies.

[26:26] The truth. The truth. Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. How we desperately, desperately need discernment and sound judgement.

[26:38] In these days of delusion and confusion. John 8.32 Our Lord says. And you shall know the truth. And the truth shall set you free. The truth shall make you free.

[26:51] Truth brings release and deliverance. And God defines what the truth is. God has defined what the truth is. There is such a thing as the truth.

[27:02] Sanctify them through thy truth. Thy word is truth. John 17.17 And true freedom comes when we find that source.

[27:13] We find that assurance. That certainty of the truth. True freedom comes when the truth, the truth, impacts our lives.

[27:23] And that stronghold of unbelief and all that attaches to it can be demolished. And pulled down and destroyed. The refuge of lies can be swept away.

[27:36] One day it will be. But even now. We can. God helping us. Find that certainty of his truth. It's a sad fact today.

[27:49] I put it to you. That the deluded masses mostly will reject it. The deluded masses will mostly reject it. They don't want the truth.

[27:59] It might challenge them. It might point out things that need addressing. What matters is having the sense of belonging to God. What matters for us mostly is that we identify with our Lord in our thought patterns.

[28:15] Paul says to the Philippians. Let this mind be in you. Which was also in Christ Jesus. His mind. The mind of Christ.

[28:25] We're called upon to rethink. To renew the mind. To cast down imaginations. And every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. Some people have a high minded kind of thinking.

[28:38] As if they know better than God. As if they can tell God what to do. Or as if they can argue with their maker. Like a potter would argue with the clay.

[28:50] It's a laughable thing isn't it? And they will not bow their knee or their will to him. Their minds, their thought life is consumed with human reasoning and arguments. Friends, it's about the world view that we determine.

[29:05] The world view. Now the world view. Someone has described this as a particular philosophy of life. It's a concept, a view of the world. That's held by someone.

[29:16] It's something that shapes our actions. And sadly the world view. The world view. The kind of way of thinking. Of the world at large. Lacks the God factor.

[29:27] They don't want the God factor. That means they might have to shape up. It's the lens by which we filter everything in life. And some people wear these lenses that filter God out.

[29:40] They filter God out of their thinking. So that they don't have to think. Well that's sinful. No I want it. They put the God filter on and say.

[29:51] No God's got something better for you. He's got something better for you. Amen. Something better for you. It's that lens through which we filter everything in life. And if the world view is godly.

[30:03] Our thinking, our conscience, our actions will be godly. But if our world view is worldly. And non-Christian. And materialistic. And just caught up in all the race of this world.

[30:17] And what it's about. Then our thinking, our conscience and our actions. Likewise will be worldly. So we ought to be careful of how we think.

[30:27] It says, as a man thinks in his heart. So is he. It's out of the, out of the, our thinking. Out of the abundance of the heart.

[30:38] We speak. We show what's in the, inside of us. And so for some people their opinions are framed by more their own experiences.

[30:49] And even if they're different for scriptural truths. That's dangerous ground. That's thin ice. Thin ice. You know, us Baptists can do the same as anybody else can.

[31:03] As whoever it be. When we base our actions upon our own experiences. Rather than, what does it say?

[31:15] What does it actually say? The word of truth. Paul tells us we're not to give any thought to elevating a place of something over the word of God. It matters who we belong to.

[31:27] Who we identify with. So, we can adopt the world's philosophies. So, allow me to challenge you tonight.

[31:40] As someone who cares for you. I'm not putting you down. I'm just exhorting you as a brother here. That, let's think about what is it that's shaping our thinking.

[31:55] Now, when we tune in to the airways. Who's the prince of the air? Satan. When we tune in to the airways. Whether it be music, entertainment, worldly, movies, whatever it be.

[32:10] Without getting the filter right. It's dangerous, isn't it? Isn't it? The world's way of thinking. The ungodly heroes of film and fame.

[32:24] You can choose them to be your mentors. You can choose... I don't even want to name them. I'm just sick of hearing their names. Those ones that you hear about all the time.

[32:36] The latest gyrations or unveilings of flesh on the worldly stage. These heroes of this world. The ones our world looks up to and applauds.

[32:47] And plasters on the front pages of their gossip magazines. These are the ones. Yes, you can follow them. All the way to where they're going.

[32:58] You can follow the way of thinking. And the ungodly heroes. To guide you through your life. We need to take care.

[33:12] If we're going to follow someone. We're going to take care of where they're going. And what and who we follow will shape.

[33:24] Our thinking. Our opinions. Our attitudes. You know, for the most part, we're living in a world. And being entertained by. And amused by. A world.

[33:34] That is believing a lie. Is believing a lie. And we're being educated. Oft times, sadly. In the education system.

[33:45] And the ungodly media machine. That is constantly feeding us. Messages. More and more propaganda. That is more and more godless.

[33:56] And accepting that which is against God. And anti-God. So our children. In the schools. Are learning this. They're receiving it.

[34:07] They're getting indoctrinated by these messages. And then they grow up and become the adults. And the electors. And the electors. Of the next levels of government.

[34:18] Of our land. And who gets elected? The ones who are most popular. And those who tell us what we want to hear. And if our philosophy has been conditioned.

[34:32] That we accept. What the Bible says is abomination. And sin. If we're trained to receive it. To celebrate it. To endorse it.

[34:43] To accept it. To applaud it. Then chances are. We'll start voting for those. Who think like that. And so. Brothers and sisters tonight.

[34:54] These are important truths. I pray. Earnestly pray. That you'll see. The dangers. That are all around us. I think sometimes.

[35:04] We don't even tune into this. It's like. You know. You're just. Extreme. The Bible says. There will be a time. Of strong delusion.

[35:15] They're going to believe it. Lie. Believe it. What are the spiritual strongholds. That constrain us tonight. In your life. In mine. What are those things. That we must see.

[35:25] If we apply the filter. If you like. And see. As God sees. And determine. Those things. Those strongholds. Identify them. Whatever it be. That's holding you.

[35:36] That's constraining you. That's holding you down. And backward. From being. In God's will. And tear them down. Pull them down. Piece by piece. Brick by brick.

[35:48] Casting down. Imaginations. And every high thing. That exalts itself. Against the knowledge of God. Whatever it be. Those sins. Those sinful attitudes. Those things that you.

[35:59] Kind of excuse. Deep down. But you know. Wow. Those things that. God's spoken to me about. Those things. I need to do something. Those mindsets.

[36:09] Those thought patterns. Friends. We're being shaped. And. It's a familiar one. We often quote this one. And you've heard it many times. And be not conformed to. This world.

[36:21] But. Be ye transformed. By the renewing. Of your mind. That you may prove. What is that good. And acceptable. And perfect. Will of God. Let us prayerfully.

[36:33] See God. For our thoughts. Our attitudes. Do they conform to Christ. Not to this godless world. But to what he wants for us. Let us capture those thoughts.

[36:44] Let us. You know. As it were. Get the lasso. And capture them. And hold them. And bring them in. To what Christ wants. For our lives. Bring into captivity.

[36:54] Every thought. And let us crucify. Those wrong attitudes. Of the flesh. Here is how someone. Has put this. For every negative stronghold. Let us find. A powerful way.

[37:05] To surround it. With the opposite truth. From God. For example. The stronghold of. Depression. If you are suffering depression. I think we all can. And have. Maybe you are happening right now.

[37:17] Depression. Whatever it be. If you are struggling. With the stronghold of depression. Surround it with hope. With hope. With hope. Here is where the hope is. Surround it with the comfort.

[37:28] Of the scriptures. That give hope. If you are struggling. With the stronghold of rejection. Surround it with the acceptance. Of the father. He says. Come unto me. Come into his embrace.

[37:40] Our great God. And saviour. If you are struggling. With the unresolved. Stronghold of unresolved anger. Surround it with forgiveness. You know.

[37:51] That person. That makes the steam. Come out of your ears. Try to love them. And forgive them. And show that love. Go against the grain. Go against the flesh. If you are struggling.

[38:02] With the stronghold of fear. Surround it with the knowledge. Of God's love. Perfect love. Cast out all fear. If you are struggling. With the stronghold of failure. Surround it with the victory.

[38:14] Of the resurrection. New life. And the power. That raised Christ from the dead. Lives in you. In you. In you. In you. Once you have identified. The stronghold. Go to the scriptures.

[38:24] And study the opposite truth. Of that stronghold. The opposite truth. That comes from God. If your stronghold is rejection. Study what the Bible says. About God's acceptance.

[38:36] You're accepted. Accepted. Accepted. In the beloved. Amen. There's no rejection for you. Let us take our thoughts captive. By exercising our faith.

[38:48] Strengthening through prayer. By asking God to create in us. That forgiveness. That goes against the grain. To find repentance.

[38:58] To find renewal of mind. To find what is God's will for my life. It's here. I've got a word from God for you. And it's between these cupboards.

[39:09] Amen. Believe it. And apply it. What is God's will. What we belong to. Makes all the difference. It shapes us. And so we learn. To allow God's word.

[39:20] God's word. To be the final authority. For our lives. The final authority. For our lives. It's not what a particular TV preacher says.

[39:31] It's what is. Thus saith the Lord. Which is right here. And John 8. Jesus said. To those who believed in him. If. You continue in my word.

[39:42] Then are you. My disciples indeed. And. You shall know the truth. And the truth shall. Make you free. Surely. The truth shall make you free.

[39:53] It still does. It's still the same truth. This truth hasn't been redefined. It's still the truth. And the key.

[40:04] Is to know the truth. And to apply. In grace. God's truth. Here's what someone said. About grace. Grace is the empowering presence of God. Giving us the ability to do.

[40:16] What we need to do. And be. What we need to be. We need grace. I need grace. I need more grace. Some of you are helping me get more grace. And hopefully I'm helping you get more grace.

[40:28] You know. You might have that. What's it. Homilophobia. You know. Fear of sermons. Every time I get up here and speak. But friends. It says. Be careful. Or in other words. Be anxious. For nothing.

[40:38] But in everything. By prayer and supplication. With thanksgiving. Let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God. Which passeth all understanding.

[40:48] Shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally brethren. Whatsoever things are true. Whatsoever things are honest. Whatsoever things are just.

[40:59] Whatsoever things are pure. Whatsoever things are lovely. Whatsoever things are of good report. If there be any virtue. If there be any praise. Think on these things.

[41:12] Those things which you have both learned. And received. And heard. And seen in me. Do. And the God of peace. Shall be with you. You know. There's so many scriptures.

[41:23] That can help us. When we're battling with strongholds. When we're going through the battle. When there's this building. Of these mental constructs. That we need to tear down by God's strength and help.

[41:35] As we realise that. Who we belong to. Who we identify with. Is Christ. There's so many scriptures we can put. Into our minds and hearts.

[41:46] You know. I know there's brethren here. They love memorising the word of God. And this should not be something that's unusual. It should be something that's common. It should be something that is common.

[41:58] For those who know the Lord. That they want to read the word. And read the word. And feed on the word. Such that the word is within them. And they know it. It's in them.

[42:09] And it just comes out of them. When they need to use it. So let us seek the Lord today. Friends. There's strongholds. There's freedom in Christ. Those strongholds that are of the enemy.

[42:21] We need to pull down. But there's some good strongholds. Let me put this to you. There are some good strongholds. That we can construct in the place of the enemy strongholds.

[42:37] Those things that we talked about. Godly strongholds like humility. Christ likeness. Being like the Lord. And finding our refuge in Him. Who is our refuge and fortress.

[42:50] He is the stronghold. That is the good stronghold. For our lives. He will hold you safe and sure. And in that high place as it were. Where you'll be safe in Him.

[43:02] And secure. He is that refuge for us. But it takes a decision. Of transforming our minds.

[43:14] Of renewing our minds. As we spend time with this. As we drink this. As we eat this.

[43:25] It will become part of us. It will feed us. And it will renew our minds. It talks about the washing of water by the word. Don't we need some of that water.

[43:37] There are so many things that come in here. And in here. We need that washing of the word. Don't we? Give it a good scrub. That's what we need. Don't we? We need the word. Don't we? We need His word to wash us.

[43:49] The washing of water by the word. To renew our minds. That godly counsel. That godly word. That godly teaching. To redirect our thoughts in alignment with what God says.

[43:59] To realise His victory in this battle that we're waging tonight. So friends, I urge you. You're stepping out of these doors into another battle. Out of these doors right here tonight.

[44:11] You're going to be stepping out into another battle. There's going to be another fight. There's going to be another campaign. And you are in the crosshairs of the enemy of your soul.

[44:26] But there's victory for you. There is victory for you. Victory for you. Because of Him. Because of the cross. Because He has already won the battle.

[44:39] And the battle is not yours. It's the Lord's. He is going to fight for you. There's things you need to do though. There's strongholds. To pull down by God's might.

[44:53] There are mental constructs. And the victory comes as you belong to Him. As you identify. As you bring every thought into obeying Him.

[45:05] Thank you.