The word “stronghold” occurs over sixty times in the bible, most of those being in the Old Testament. But what does the concept of stronghold mean and why does it matter? Pastor Eric Mason of Epiphany Fellowship in Philadelphia tackles this question as it pertains to Godly masculinity. Watch the following video for Pastor Mason’s explanation.
Mason defines a stronghold this way: A mind set, a value system, or thought process that hinders your growth in Christ. This is important to remember because we typically think of strongholds as actions such as sexual trespasses, drug addictions, or alcoholism. But the Apostle Paul in his letter to the church in Corinth suggests that strongholds are accusations and lies that plant themselves in the minds of believers that demean the character of God. In fact, before we are addicted to sins we are first addicted to unbelief and this forms the nucleus of a stronghold. Read the following passage and be challenged by Pastor Mason:
For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6)
