strongholds that get in the way of
evangelism. He knows that we cannot
tackle strongholds outside ourselves
until we have dealt with the ones in
our own minds. He defines such inner
strongholds as follows: “A spiritual
stronghold is a mind-set impregnated
with hopelessness that causes us to
accept as unchangeable, situations that
we know are contrary to the will of God.” 34
Youth With a Mission (YWAM) Bible
teacher Dean Sherman adds this:
I have heard people use the term
strongholds to refer to humanism, Islam,
communism, and other religions and
institutions. However, in II Corinthians,
strongholds does not refer to massive,
complex systems, human or demonic.
Here it refers to the strongholds of the
mind. These strongholds are castles
in the air built up in our minds through
wrong thinking—through unbelieving,
depressed, fearful, and negative thinking.
Two mental strongholds are extremely
common today among Christians
and non-Christians alike: thoughts
o f i n f e r i o r i t y, a n d t h o u g h t s o f
condemnation.
Inferior thoughts constantly tell us,
“You’re not big enough. You’re not smart
enough. You don’t look good. You’re not
really making it in life. You’re worthless.”
These barbs keep us competing with
and envying others.
These two strongholds must be cast
down through spiritual warfare, as we
refuse them and instead accept what
God says about us in the Bible. 35
As you conquer these mental strongholds,
you will grow in your faith, the gifts of the
Holy Spirit, and the anointing to combat
other ungodly beliefs patterns. A warrior
never quits, and a warrior continues to
take new territory in Christ Jesus.
PROGRESSIVE SPHERES OF AUTHORITY
Yes, faithfulness brings increase. As
you are faithful in one sphere, you will
graduate to the next. Always keep in
mind that you qualify for an increase
in spiritual authority when you are first
faithful in smaller responsibilities, in
the natural realms of life, and with what
belongs to others. (See Luke 16:10–12.)
These are the words and principles of
Jesus!
Thus, as we grow in personal
responsibility, we will also grow in our
capacity and stewardship for a larger
sphere of responsibility. You could
term this “growing from personal to
progressive spheres of authority.” Let
us demonstrate faithfulness in the
following spheres of influence:
1. Our individual lives
2. Our family relationships
3. Our relationship to the church
4. Our responsibility to our cities
Satan also accuses, “You’re not pleasing
5. Our concern and care for our nation
God. You are not spiritual enough. You
do not read your Bible enough. You’re PROGRESSIVE POSSESSION OF PURITY
not close to God.” These thoughts make
us feel as if we can never break through We must also realize that the greater
into the fresh air and sunshine of God’s the spiritual battle, the greater the need
approval. Some Christians live every day for a pure heart and mind. Holiness is
of their lives in dreary condemnation.
essential if we are to be effective in long-
48 • Solutions