Stronghold: A strongly fortified defensive structure.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

V3 – For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.

V4 – The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary they have divine power to demolish (pulldown) strongholds.

V5 – We demolish arguments (casting down imaginations), and every pretension (high thing) that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captivity every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

1 Samuel 17 – Goliath was a stronghold (BIG LIE) planted in Israel for 40 days.

It took a man of Faith (David), to demolish/pull down the stronghold/expose the big lie.

Goliath is a pictorial representation of Satan our enemy.

V4 – A champion, a giant 3 meters tall.

V5 – Wore a bronze helmet, coat of scale of bronze (58kgs), bronze greaves on his legs, a bronze Javelin on his back, a spear with iron point weighing 6.9kgs, and had a shield bearer.

***A scary enemy – a powerful stronghold***

V8-11 – Was full of pride and intimidating voice, and defied {opposed} God’s Army.

V16 – For forty days, he came forward every morning and evening and took his stand.

V24 – Whenever the Israelites saw the man, they all fled from him in great fear. (v11 On hearing the Philistines words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified).

V26 – David a shepherd boy was willing to remove disgrace from Israel {expose the great lie}.

V33 – He had been a worrier since his youth {experienced enemy}.

V42 – When he saw David was just a young boy, he despised him {the enemy despises people – v43 “Am I a dog that you come at me with sticks?”}.

V45-47 – David’s declaration of faith {“voice of truth”}.

V48-49 – David charges with stones and a sling of faith {what he was used to. V38-39 – He couldn’t go in Saul’s Armour}

***When others saw that Goliath was too big to be defeated, David saw he was too big for the stone to miss him***

Types of Strongholds /Giants we face: Fear, doubts, myths anger, bitterness, slander, lies, traditions of men, depression, hopelessness, unfaithfulness etc.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 – Presents strongholds as incorrect thinking patter {arguments, imaginations} contrary to faith.

***Satan builds strongholds in our thoughts so that we doubt God {what if? Did God really say?} and not be obedient to him {enemy from within}.

***Strongholds are built upon a lie we have accepted in our minds – the Israelites tolerated/accepted Goliaths Big Lie for 40days!***

How to tear down strongholds: Ephesians 6:13-18

17. Belt of truth – God hates a lying tongue – proverbs 6:16-17. Be a person of truth
18. Breastplate of righteousness – righteous deeds of the Saints (Revelation 19:8); and Christ’s righteousness guarding us against any accusations and protecting vital organs.

iii. Feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Always ready to take the gospel of peace {peace makers}.

1. Shield of faith – Our faith is a shield against any doubts sown by the enemy/flaming arrows.
2. Helmet of salvation – Guarding our minds against false doctrines and discernment.
3. Sword of the spirit – Countering Satan’s lies with God’s word.

***We must see the enemy as God sees him and not as he presents himself to us***