What Glenn Writes

If you read yesterday’s article, then you know I am dealing with a bad case of poison oak. The itching is enough to drive me out of my mind. I know I am not supposed to scratch it and I can resist for a matter of time… but then the incredible urge for relief hits me and I find myself clawing at my skin.

This is a true battle of self-control against my flesh. I know what I should do and I am fighting, literally, what my flesh craves… to be itched.

Some might think of this as a literal example of 2 Corinthians 10:3.

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.

You do if you have poison oak! Actually, to get a better understanding of this verse, we need to take in the entire passage, so let’s look at 2 Corinthians 10:3-6:

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 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.

I think it is common in Christian circles to consider the strongholds discussed in this passage as drug addictions, alcoholism, sexual obsessions, or some of the heavy-hitting sins topping off our nasty sin list. I have heard many teachers and preachers use this passage and speak against these sorts of sin. However, I think this passage goes deeper than the flesh… I think Paul is talking about the beginnings of the sins listed above, and this sort of stronghold is rooted deep in our understanding and knowledge.

Think about an addiction, alcoholism, or obsessions for a moment. The outward vehicle for the abuse of the flesh is merely the vehicle, not the driver.  The driver resides deep within the flesh and causes the motivation for the addiction, alcoholism, obsessions, or whatever is abusing the body.

A drug addict can go through rehab and come out physically cured of ever needing drugs, but as many therapists will tell you, the addict will return if you don’t deal with the motivation causing the addiction. We’re talking about the root cause, the inner struggle, or the emptiness the addict feels, leading them to find a relief in the drug.

We are talking about the lies of the enemy.

Part of the above passage reads, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds…” When we look at the source for the word Paul used here where it is translated “stronghold”, we find the Greek word “ochuroma”, a derivative of the Greek word “echo”. While some may think the word “stronghold” refers to a demonic possession, I believe it is more of a symbolic reference. I believe Paul is referring to “holding firmly to an argument or lie” by his use of these words.

Think about it for a moment: Paul is speaking to believers. If a believer’s heart is given over to the Lord, there is no place for demonic possession. So, if there is no place for a full-scale demonic possession, what about a simple lie? What about a foundational lie? What about an argument to cause you to question God, question His promises, or question His Word? How about a few misconceptions about your relationship or what God can or cannot do? Can these be strongholds? 

Maybe the enemy is telling you that…

…you’re unworthy?
…you are not special?
…you have sinned so bad, you cannot be forgiven?
…you do not need God?
…God cannot love you?
…you deserve to feel high?
…you deserve a good drinking binge?
…it’s ok to look as long as you don’t touch?
…pornography is not hurting anyone?
…it’s not sin as long as you don’t get caught?
…nobody knows what you look at on the internet?
…you deserve to hold a grudge?
…unforgiveness is your right?
…revenge is your right?
…forgiveness is a sign of weakness?
…nobody cares for you?
…you will never be free?

These are all lies. I cannot list the many more lies the enemy whispers into our lives, hoping they will take root and flourish as a stronghold. If we keep listening to his lies, we begin to believe them. If we believe them, they become a stronghold. If they become a stronghold, we begin to sin, and the lies become fears rooted deeply in our lives.

The passage above refers to a weapon to use against this stronghold. The only weapon to combat the enemy is the same weapon Jesus used in the wilderness when Satan was tempting Him: God’s Word. What does God’s Word say about the lies listed above, and for every other lie the enemy uses to accuse us and establish a stronghold?

Check out Micah 7:18-20:

You cannot stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing mercy. Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean! You will show us your faithfulness and unfailing love as you promised…

Oh yeah! Here is a stronghold to firmly establish and believe! This is one of those concepts you need to think about and allow God to establish in your thinking. This is referring to His nature and character. Let me suggest you print this passage out – just the Micah paragraph above – and post it somewhere to read frequently as a reminder. This is how God deals with the lies of the enemy and the many misconceptions planted in our hearts by the world around us.

Let me also suggest praying for a greater revelation of this truth in your life. Yes! This is a great foundation to establish!

Contact me if you want help with this understanding or prayer, because this is an essential element in your relationship with God.

Amen.

Glenn Sasscer

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