The bible speaks of pulling down strongholds, which are arguments, theories and reasonings that set themselves up against the true knowledge of God.

“For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds,

[Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)”ⁱ

Strongholds are reinforced fortresses of thought. They are mental, emotional, experiential mindsets that keep a person in bondage.

How do you detect a stronghold? One way is to consider the character and nature of wisdom from above. Scripture teaches that wisdom from above is pure, peace-loving, willing to yield to reason, impartial and unfeigned, free from doubts, wavering and insincerity.ⁱⁱ

When situations change, or something foreign to your established beliefs presents itself, are you peaceful and open to reason? Or do you find yourself agitated, defensive and argumentative?

Being open to reason does not mean you have to change your beliefs. It does, however, mean being open to considering something new and if necessary, open to change.


One example of a stronghold ...

After speaking at a conference, I was approached by a woman who desired ministry. She spoke extensively of her ministry and all that God was doing through her and the ministry.

As I prayed for her the Holy Spirit gave me a vision and a word. It was a positive word, intended to bring increase to her personally and to her ministry.

I saw a fan with streamers attached to it. The streamers blew in front of the fan, empowered by the wind. I knew those streamers represented the works of the woman I was praying for. God showed me that she pushed the works ahead of her while she hid behind them. She needed to come forth as who she was in Christ, with her works being the byproduct of her life in Him.

God gave a very clear word of knowledge. The woman it was given to was in complete agreement with its validity. Yet, as I tried to pray and work toward the end of realizing how to reverse this, it became an exercise in exasperation!

She was in total agreement, and yet what I experienced was a continuous declaration of her thoughts, questions, prayers that she had prayed, ministry she had been through, and on and on and on she went.

I was encountering the arguments, theories, and reasonings that were set up against the true knowledge of God. It had the feel of being in a maze with a frenzied person running continually trying to find a way out, crying out, only to find this person was deaf!


I believe one major base for the building of such a stronghold is fear. Fear can cause paralysis or flight. Fear can cause a desperate attempt to fix, make right, justify and comfort both the mind and the emotions that are being affected.

It is very uncomfortable when our mind is unsettled, as can happen when there is a challenge to long held beliefs. This discomfort can cause a frantic search for resolution, thus not allowing time for prayer, study, and the light of God.

Another cause can be self-will, the personal drive/desire to perform or accomplish something seen as valuable. This can be compounded by fear of being stopped, or the fear of possibly having to accept a lesser position, or being faced with what is perceived as worthlessness.

Reasonings emanate from the soul, the mind deciding what is right and wrong. It is eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. These reasonings often directly oppose the Word of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Strongholds also develop when we believe doctrines that are formulated by men and oppose the truth. We are to be like the Bereans who eagerly received the word that Paul preached and then searched the scripture to confirm that it was true.ⁱⁱⁱ

Left to ourselves we will call good evil and evil good. We need God to shine His light on all things so we can clearly see. As we wait and listen to Him we will be directed and led in paths of righteousness.

I commonly hear the complaint “I can’t hear God”. The Word of God assures us that His sheep hear His voice, and so the problem must lie within us.

In order to hear His small still voice you must quiet your mind! Reasonings roar, quite the opposite of a quiet mind. Moreover, we must recognize and tear down strongholds that oppose themselves to the true knowledge of God.

Preventing and tearing down strongholds frees us to be a habitation suitable for Him.




2 Cor 10:5

ii Jas 3:17 Amp

iii Acts 17:11