"The Enemy

THE ENEMY
          The Apostle Paul is clearly and repeatedly speaking in military terms. We are in the midst of a spiritual battle, whether we know it or not…whether we like it or not. One question might be obvious at this point. Who is our enemy?
          We may basically, as a summary, recognize three clear enemies. The first is evil incarnate, the Devil himself, and his cronies. The second is “the fallen world” without Christ. This is the world system or cultures which do not have a “God view” of the world, people, or salvation. The third is our own sinful or carnal nature that has not yet surrendered to Christ.
These three team together to create numerous and intimidating strongholds that prevent the lost from clearly understanding the gospel and thwart believers from receiving God’s best.
 
CONCLUSION
          This verse and other Bible passages inform us that we can destroy strongholds in our own lives and in the lives of others. This sermon series predominantly targets our own personal strongholds we have given permission to be established in our hearts and minds. It sounds so easy (and should be), but let me help you to understand, in conclusion, the reason it is such a violent battle. 
          Why do we think the way we do? Because that’s the way we think. Why do we act the way we do? Because that’s the way we act. Why do we believe the things we do? Because that’s what we believe. Why do we see God, people, and the world like we do? Because that’s the way we see things. In other words, we speak, act, plan, feel, and think the way we do…because “that’s who we are.”
          We are not always sure why our hearts and minds and souls operate in this manner, but this is definitely who we are. What we need to do is bridge the gap between “who we are” and “who God created us to be.” Now that is the challenge!
          We think and believe and feel a certain way at this moment in time based upon innumerable events, memories, wounds, pieces of knowledge, experiences, traditions, cultural norms, thoughts, conversations, relationships, and on and on. So we are not always sure “how we got here.”
          We do not need to completely understand everything that has transpired in our lives thus far in order to destroy the walls, but we do most definitely need to identify the specific barriers (strongholds) in our lives. This is easier said than done. Why? Because the same mind, heart, and soul that got me to this place is the person I am now.
           I know this is confusing, but this is the reason it takes an outside influence, powerful spiritual “God weapons,” to identify and then destroy the strongholds within us and also outside in our environment.   
          We need a Powerful Force to triumph over our own “stinkin’ thinkin’.” We cannot do it alone. It is not possible without God. But with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).