Rays of Hope ~ Tim Stockton
Only once in the New Testament does the word stronghold appear that is used in a metaphorical sense of one pulling them down because one has allowed a negative belief to influence their thinking, which then directs their behaviors. Any belief that exalts itself against the knowledge of God that influences people to stay in that will keep them “walking in the flesh.”
Often those who are not familiar with “church terms” when they hear or read about being “in the flesh” may not understand what that means. Simply put, to be “in the flesh or continue to walk in the flesh” means that one only lives to satisfy their own selfish wants and desires. As the Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians chapter 10 “for though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For our weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down thoughts and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”
We have to recognize and choose to take those negative thoughts our prisoner and shackle them before they shackle us and bind us up. When we have any thought and we realize that it may not seem “right” we have to line it up with what the Word of God says and if it is contrary to what is Written then it needs to be cast and pulled down. If not it will take root within us and when we continue to think upon it the thought gives way to behaviors and attitudes that will be seen by others.
Paul also explains in the letter to the Galatians that we have been called to freedom. Only through our faith in Christ has our bondage been loosed so that we can be free. However, he continues for us not to use our freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but to serve one another. Our human nature is all about ME, MYSELF, and I. We will be drawn to always fulfill the desires that satisfies ourselves. All the while if we choose to walk in the Spirit we will have a change of heart and we will love our neighbor as ourselves and be willing to serve and be more concerned with meeting the needs of others besides our own.
Those who walk in the flesh are basically practicing sin which is anything outside the will of God. Practice never makes perfect, because no one is, but practice does make better. If we are continually doing that what our human nature desires we can become very good at it even though the end of that way will be nothing good.
In the Old Testament the word stronghold is used numerous times but it is more of a positive meaning that one has run into protection, security, safety, and a place of refuge. Psalm 18:1-3 says, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” So when you are consumed with negative thoughts run into the fortress of God and allow your mind to be renewed that your behaviors and life will be transformed.
7-2-23
Rays of Hope 