Lesson 21: Demolishing Strongholds

Wednesday, March 6, 13An Imaginary Letter to Paul

The Meaning of BOASTINGIn Greek, Kauchema, “that of which one gloriesor can glory”Kauchema used 21 times in this letter and mostfrequently in chapters 10-13Paul’s meaning is more like “confidence” or“justifiable pride” than some kind of selfglorification(Paul Barnett)Wednesday, March 6, 13

Spiritual WeaponsA recurrent theme of Paul:•1 Thessalonians 5:8 (52 AD)•2 Corinthians 10: 3-4 (55 AD)•Romans 12:13(57 AD)•Ephesians 16:10-20 (60 to 63 AD)Wednesday, March 6, 13

Wednesday, March 6, 13Put on the full armor of God so thatyou can take your stand against thedevil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:11

elt of truthPut on the full armor of God so thatyou can take your stand against thedevil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:11Wednesday, March 6, 13

shield of faithbelt of truthPut on the full armor of God so thatyou can take your stand against thedevil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:11Wednesday, March 6, 13

eastplate ofrighteousnessshield of faithbelt of truthPut on the full armor of God so thatyou can take your stand against thedevil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:11Wednesday, March 6, 13

eastplate ofrighteousnesshelmet of salvationshield of faithbelt of truthPut on the full armor of God so thatyou can take your stand against thedevil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:11Wednesday, March 6, 13

eastplate ofrighteousnesshelmet of salvationshield of faithsword of the Spiritbelt of truthPut on the full armor of God so thatyou can take your stand against thedevil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:11Wednesday, March 6, 13

eastplate ofrighteousnesshelmet of salvationshield of faithsword of the Spiritbelt of truthfeet fitted withgospel of peacePut on the full armor of God so thatyou can take your stand against thedevil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:11Wednesday, March 6, 13

First known descriptionof the appearance of the Apostle PaulHe was a man of middling size, and his hair was scanty,and his legs were a little crooked, and his knees wereprojecting, and he had large eyes and his eyebrows met,and his nose was somewhat long, and he was full of graceand mercy; at one time he seemed like a man, and atanother time he seemed like an angel.Acts of Paul and Thecla, second century ADWednesday, March 6, 13

Meaning of StrongholdIn the original Greek stronghold is the word“ochuroma”: meaning a fortress, strongdefense, strongholdIn 2 Corinthians 10:4, ochuroma is usedfiguratively and means a false argument inwhich a person seeks “shelter” (a safe placeor stronghold) to escape reality.Strong’s Greek ConcordanceWednesday, March 6, 13

SPIRITUAL WEAPONS ANDTHE BATTLE FOR THE MINDSpiritual weapons are what you need for thebattle against all ideas, arguments, philosophiesand world views that set themselves up againstthe knowledge of the true God.N.T.Wright, Paul for Everyone (2 Corinthians)Wednesday, March 6, 13

Corinth:A CityFull ofGods Gods of CorinthPoseidonPoseidonAphroditeAphroditeISISAsklepiosWednesday, March 6, 13

Paul’s Challenge in CorinthGods of CorinthPoseidonAphroditeWednesday, March 6, 13

The Battle for the MindThe mind governed by the flesh isdeath, but the mind governed by theSpirit is life and peace. The mindgoverned by the flesh is hostile toGod, it does not submit to God’s law,nor can it do so. Those who are in therealm of the flesh cannot please God.Romans 8:6-8Wednesday, March 6, 13

The Stronghold of the MindFearDepressionControlJealousyAddictionGods of CorinthPoseidonAphroditePrideDeceitInsecurityRebellionIdolatryWednesday, March 6, 13

The Stronghold of the MindFearDepressionControlJealousyAddictionGods of CorinthPoseidonAphroditePrideDeceitInsecurityRebellionIdolatryWednesday, March 6, 13

In verses 3-5 Paul describes hisstrategy in the battle for the mind. Atits heart is the principle he states inverse 5: that we take every thoughtprisoner, and make it obey theMessiah.N.T. Wright, Paul for Everyone,Second CorinthiansWednesday, March 6, 13

Wednesday, March 6, 13

Wednesday, March 6, 13Spiritual Weapons In Practice

Philippians 4:8Finally, brothers,whatever is True,whatever is Noble,whatever is Right,whatever is Pure,whatever iswhatever isif anything isorLovely,AdmirableExcellentPraiseworthythink about such things.Wednesday, March 6, 13

Applying the Lesson in Your LifeApplying the Lesson in Your LifePRACTICING THE USE OF SPIRITUAL WEAPONS IN YOUR LIFEThis week choose one recurringthought pattern that needs to bemade captive for Christ.Whenever that comes to yourmind practice capturing thatthought using Philippians 4:8 asyour guide.Wednesday, March 6, 13