Sermon Tone Analysis

Mindsets that Hinder

Stronghold: noun 1.

A place that has been fortified so as to protect it against attack.

2. A place where a particular cause or belief is strongly defended or upheld.

synonyms: bastion, center, hotbed, safe seat

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

For our purpose we will define strongholds here as “thoughts of the mind” or “mindsets” not representing God’s Truth but strongly defended.

How do strongholds in the mind, harmful mindsets develop?

Most often through trauma, perceived or real, through accidents, abuse: verbal or physical, or incorrect family behavior or values.

Many times taking root in childhood.Any thought where God’s Word has been replaced with any unscriptural idea, or an untrue personal core belief accepted as true.

Behind a stronghold is a lie.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

It is true that we live in a human body, but for all that we do not carry on our campaign with human motives and resources (for the weapons of our campaign are not merely human weapons, but God has made them powerful to destroy fortresses).

Our campaign is such that we can destroy plausible fallacies and all lofty-mindedness which raises itself up against the knowledge that God has given, such that we capture every intention and bring it into obedience to Christ, such that we are prepared to punish all disobedience, when your obedience has been fulfilled

imag•i•na•tion \i-ˌma-jə-ˈnā-shən\ noun

[Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin imagination-, imaginatio, from imaginari]

(14th century)

1 : the act or power of forming a mental image of something not present to the senses or never before wholly perceived in reality

2 a : creative ability

b : ability to confront and deal with a problem : RESOURCEFULNESS

c : the thinking or active mind : INTEREST 〈stories that fired the imagination〉

3 a : a creation of the mind; especially : an idealized or poetic creation

b : fanciful or empty assumption.

Merriam-Webster, I. (1996).

Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary (10th ed.).

Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster.

Merriam-Webster, I. (1996).

Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary (10th ed.).

Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster.