Moving in the Apostolic

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Moving in the Apostolic

Pulling Down Strongholds "Warfare" in 2 Corinthians 10:4 is translated from the Greek word strateia, meaning apostolic, career, military service (as one of hardship and danger). It is related to the Greek word strateuomai, meaning to execute the apostolate (with its arduous duties and functions) and to contend with carnal thoughts. Paul was saying that the weapons of his apostolic ministry were mighty for the pulling down of strongholds. I am convinced that there are certain strongholds that cannot be destroyed without the apostolic anointing. "Stronghold" is the Greek word ochuroma, meaning a fortress, a castle, a fortified place. Satan and his demons have fortified themselves from invasion. They have built strongholds and fortified themselves in every region of the world to resist the advancement of the Kingdom. These strongholds must be dealt with if we are to see the fulfillment of the Great Commission. Apostles have the ability to confront and pull down these strongholds. The apostle Paul links these strongholds with "imaginations." This is the Greek word logismos, meaning reasoning, thought, computation or logic. It carries the idea of holding something safely. It is simply the way people think based on their way of life, tradition, experience or past teaching. Unfortunately, most thinking is against the knowledge of God. The stronghold is also made up of demonic influence. There is a wisdom that is earthly, sensual and devilish (see Jas. 3:15). Logismos can also be translated as "arguments." Strongholds are the mind-sets of people in a particular territory. These mind-sets are fortified places that keep out truth and hold in lies. Unbelievers have mind-sets that prevent them from receiving the truth of the gospel. Spiritual warfare involves demolishing these mind-sets so that people can receive and walk in the truth. Dr. Clarence Walker defines a stronghold as a forceful, stubborn argument, rationale, opinion, idea and/or philosophy that is formed and resistant to the knowledge of Jesus Christ. The Twentieth Century New Testament translation says, "We are engaged in confuting arguments and pulling down every barrier raised against the knowledge of God." Strongholds do two