For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; – 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 KJV

The authority of the believer seems to be an area where the church is in its greatest weakness. If those in Christ do not know they have this authority or power then the enemy has an advantage. Sharing truth with you empowers you to victory and keeps you growing spiritually.

Today we will dissect these scriptures and help you to see that you have more power than you think.

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: – 2 Corinthians 10:3 KJV

We live in this world and we have a flesh but our battle is not through our flesh. It is done in the spirit. We use the Word of God and we speak it in faith believing it is our shield.

(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds:) – 2 Corinthians 10:4 KJV

First we must understand what a strong hold is. In ancient times when knights and kingdoms were more prevalent there were fortresses built around the castle. Similar to the films we see nowadays there were market places and people also lived outside the castle fortress. Usually the farmers and nobility who had land outside the castle walls. When an enemy came to attack all the people would run inside the fortress and the gates were shut to be protected against the enemy. So when we are comparing biblical terminology we can say the strong hold is defined as a place that has been fortified so as to protect it against attack. We can also call it a strong hold.

Where do we form strong holds? We form strong holds in our mind. We develop a thought and these thoughts are not always aligned with the truth of the Word of God. It is a way the body tries to protect itself against this world. Sometimes they form through fear we experience or just from our personal experiences of living day to day.

So according to the scripture in verse 4 we are able to pull down a strong hold. In other words, we are able to bring down or destroy a strong hold that formed using God’s word. If we do not destroy those strong holds it can limit God in our lives. We are always the variable and we can be the barrier of Him working through us. A fortress keeps the enemy out but it can also keep God from coming in.

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; – 2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV

We can cast down an imagination. These particular imaginations are not good. They are thoughts that go against the knowledge of God or a truth found in the Word of God. When a thought arises that goes against the truth we must hold it captive to the obedience of Christ. How do you do this? You would actually verbalize it and say:

“I hold this thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”

Then you would speak a scripture that declares the truth you are replacing. For example: If you are praying in tongues and you hear inside you, “You are not really doing anything when you pray in tongues.” You would immediately come against that thought and replace it with truth. You could speak out loud using Jude 1:20-21.

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. – Jude 1:20-21 KJV

You are replacing a lie with the truth. You need to speak it out because the Bible says that faith comes by hearing and by hearing of the word of God. After you consistently do this you will find that you are doing it less and less to the point of replacing the lie completely and the truth has overtaken.

Be empowered and bring those strong holds down! You can do this! No weapon formed against you shall prosper.