Strongholds of the Enemy
“Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11
In the days of old, castles were created and designed with high/thick walls for-the-purpose-of keeping intruders on the outside. Also, dungeons were in place to keep prisoners in. The Bible is clear! It is crucial for the Christian to be aware of his or her enemy at-all-times! Why? When we know how our enemy operates, then we are better equipped to stand firm, resist his attacks, and live in the joy, peace, and victory of the Lord!
The word translated “schemes” in our verse for today, comes from an original word meaning, “with a road.” The devil begins by seeking an open door (road) into the Christian’s mind (his way of thinking and believing). Then, the devil will use mind games to trick us ever closer into believing his lies (See 2 Corinthians 2:11), and then, once a foothold has been established, he will bait us into choosing his lie about ourselves. And once we take the devil’s bait, we become imprisoned by one of his strongholds.
For example, an individual may be sensitive to the comments of others. Then someone speaks a damaging word about that person which becomes Satan’s opportunity to bore into his emotions or way of thinking. Then, Satan will use a device (“mind game”) such as whispering something like this, “You know what they said is true about you, don’t you?” Then, if that individual takes the bait and believes the lie, a stronghold or wrong thinking is established.”
Maybe it was a parent or an early childhood friend who made fun of you or said, “You’re never going to amount to anything!” Remember, Satan is the master of lies and deceit, and he will do anything to keep the Christian from breaking free!
But the Bible says those in dungeons who have erected high walls to keep others from getting in CAN be set free by the power of God in Christ through the working of the Holy Spirit! (See 2 Corinthians 10:3-5)!
Part 2, next week when we look at “the helmet of salvation”(Ephesians 6:17).
Pastor Louie