OVERCOME STRONGHOLDS IN THE MIND (3)

“And BE RENEWED in the SPIRIT of your MIND” – Ephesians 4:23

To OVERCOME STRONGHOLDS in the MIND, we must be renewed by God’s Word in the SPIRIT of our MINDS: “And BE RENEWED in the SPIRIT of your MIND” (Eph.4:23). Romans 12:2a says: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The first field of conflict to learn spiritual warfare is the battleground of the mind. The territory of the uncrucified thought-life is the foothold of satanic assaults. Some folks dissipate energy debating whether the devil is on the earth or in hell; whether he can dwell in Christians or only in the world. The fact is, the devil dwells in darkness: “And angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains UNDER DARKNESS for the judgment of the great day” (Jude 1:6).

When Satan and his renegades rebelled against God, they were placed under eternal judgment in “bonds” or “chains of darkness” (2 Pet.2:4). They have been relegated to live in darkness, which doesn’t simply refer to areas void of visible light. Eternal darkness is essentially a moral darkness, which ultimately degrades into literal darkness. The cause of this darkness is not merely the absence of light; it is the absence of God, who is Light. Wherever there is spiritual darkness, there the devil will be. However, unlike those who do not know Jesus, Believers in Christ have been delivered out of the domain, dominion, or “authority” of darkness (Col.1:13). We who have been born of Light are no longer trapped in darkness. But if we tolerate darkness through tolerance of sin, we leave ourselves vulnerable to satanic assault.

Wherever there is wilful disobedience to God's Word, there is spiritual darkness and the potential for demonic activity; hence, Jesus warned, “Therefore take heed that the light which is in you is not darkness” (Lk.11:35). There is a light in the believer: “The spirit of man is the lamp of the LORD, searching all the inner depths of his heart” (Pro.20:27). Our spirit, illuminated by the Spirit of Christ, becomes the “lamp of the Lord” through which He searches our heart. But when we embrace sin, the light becomes darkness. Satan has a legal access to dwell in the domain of darkness. He can traffic in any area of darkness, even the darkness that still exists in a Christian’s heart and mind.

An example of Satan having access to the carnal side of the human nature is seen in Peter’s denial of Jesus, which was not fuelled by fear, but was satanically induced. Behind the scenes, Satan had demanded and received permission to sift Peter like wheat. Satan had access to an area of darkness – pride of infallibility – in Peter’s heart. Thankfully, the Lord had prayed for him (Lk.22:23-24, 31-32). Satan could sift, but not destroy Peter. If we’ll be effective in spiritual warfare and overcome strongholds in the mind, we must be discerning of our own hearts and walk humbly with God. Our first course of action must be: “Submit…to God.” Then, as we “resist the devil…he will flee” (Jam. 4:7).

In essence, Satan feeds upon Flesh – the earthly, carnal nature of “dust.” Indeed, the immediate source of many human problems and oppressions is not demonic but fleshly in nature. In speaking of spiritual warfare, Paul used the word “stronghold” to define the spiritual fortresses wherein Satan and his legions hide (2Cor.10: 3-4). These fortresses exist in the thought-patterns and ideas that govern individuals, families, churches, communities and even nations. Before victory can be claimed, the strongholds must be pulled down and Satan’s defences removed. Then the mighty weapons of the Word and the Spirit can effectively plunder Satan’s house.

Pulling down strongholds is the demolition and removal of our old ways of thinking so that the Presence of Christ can be manifested through us. We no longer walk “in the futility” of our mind, darkened understanding, ignorance, and blindless of heart (vv.17-19). As Overcomers in Christ, we now walk in the Light and “put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” (v.24).