Tearing Down Strongholds

Tearing Down Strongholds

When Paul talks about tearing down strongholds, he is mainly referring to 2 Corinthians 10:3–5:

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." (NKJV)

What is a "stronghold"?

In biblical language, a stronghold was a fortified city or fortress — a place that was heavily protected and defended against enemy attack. Spiritually, Paul uses "stronghold" as a metaphor. It means:

A pattern of thinking that is against the truth of God's Word.

A mental or spiritual fortress where lies of the enemy are protected and believed.

Arguments, imaginations, mindsets, and deceptions that people cling to — even though they contradict God’s truth.

Strongholds can be things like:

Believing you are worthless when God says you are beloved.

Thinking you can never be forgiven when Christ says His blood cleanses.

Exalting human reasoning, pride, tradition, or philosophies above God's Word.

Harboring bitterness, fear, addictions, shame, or rebellion.

In short:

A stronghold is a lie deeply entrenched in the mind and heart, defended and protected, that keeps a person from fully submitting to the truth of God.

What did Paul mean by "tearing down" strongholds?

Paul is saying that in spiritual warfare, we must actively attack and demolish anything that:

Tries to exalt itself above the knowledge of God.

Contradicts the Word of God.

Holds our minds captive to fear, pride, unbelief, or sin.

The "weapons" he talks about — prayer, the Word of God, the power of the Holy Spirit — pull down these strongholds by:

Replacing lies with truth.

Renewing the mind.

Submitting every thought to Christ.

Refusing to let satanic or fleshly arguments have influence.

Examples of Modern Strongholds

Stronghold

God's Truth

"God could never love me after what I've done."

"Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:38–39)

"I’ll never change. I’m just stuck this way."

"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation." (2 Corinthians 5:17)

"I have to control everything myself."

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5–6)

"It’s too late for me."

"He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it." (Philippians 1:6)

How to Tear Down Strongholds

Identify the lie you are believing.

Repent for agreeing with the lie.

Declare and meditate on God's truth.

Pray spiritual warfare prayers — rebuke the enemy’s influence.

Stay in the Word — daily renew your mind.

Submit to the Lord and resist the devil (James 4:7).

Quick Summary

Strongholds = fortified lies, arguments, or thoughts against God’s truth.

Tearing them down = using God’s weapons (truth, Spirit, prayer) to destroy lies and replace them with His truth.