Dealing With Strongholds

In this message, Deborah teaches on strongholds and how they begin in the inward man. She connects the subject to Genesis, saying that after Adam and Eve disobey, human life becomes governed by outward information from what is seen, heard, touched, and felt.

She explains that strongholds can form through repeated messages, trauma, culture, insecurity, prejudice, or wrong teaching. She gives examples from family life, childhood experiences, and relationships to show how attitudes and patterns can take root over time.

Deborah then turns to 2 Corinthians 10 and says spiritual warfare is not fought with natural weapons. She describes strongholds as thoughts, imaginations, and mental systems that must be brought into captivity to Christ. She also notes that prayer in the Holy Spirit brings hidden issues to the surface.

She uses Philippians 4:8 and James 3:17 to show the kind of thinking God wants: true, pure, peaceable, gentle, merciful, and full of good fruit. She says believers need to keep good company, stay accountable, and avoid situations that reinforce weakness.

The message closes by encouraging listeners not to quit when strongholds are exposed. Deborah says God deals with people where they are, one stronghold at a time, and that the Holy Spirit, the Word, worship, and prayer provide the help needed to grow and walk in freedom.