Pulling down the Stronghold/Fortress

Recently I heard a sermon on the radio discussing 2 Corinthians 10:3-5(KJV).

2 Corinthians 10:3 (Amplified)
For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons. For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One),

Some quotes and research on the subject I thought worth sharing....

A stronghold or fortress is “a place having strong defenses – a fortified place.” All strongholds begin in the mind. If we entertain any thought long enough, whether it is good or bad, it becomes established in our thinking. Paul says we do not fight with weapons of this world, but bring every thought in our mind into the captivity or obedience of Christ. the good news is that we do have spiritual resources that are categorically different. They are supernaturally powered as verse 4 says, "For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses (NASB).

We are first "destroying speculations," theories, or arguments, the rationalizations which act as walls around the fortress of lies and destructive beliefs. These rationalizations are based on false assumptions which buttress disappointment, discouragement, and depression. The walls prevent the mind and heart from seeing God's love and power and goodness.

Next is "destroying prideful arrogance," the pride and intellect that exalts itself and keeps people from seeing who God is. Paul is not attacking intelligence, because God gave us intelligence, but intellectualism, the high-minded attitude that makes us think we know more than we do. In Romans 12:16 Paul calls it being "…haughty in mind…" or "…wise in our own estimation."

"…taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." The concern here is destructive thoughts. I think it's important that we apply this final verse personally to ourselves. Think about our own sinful tendencies to fantasize, to imagine ourselves as successful and powerful, or to daydream that life or relationships are somehow better or different. Christ calls us to clear-minded realism. Eugene Peterson's paraphrase of 2 Corinthians 10:5 calls it, "…fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ." It's allowing Christ to take control of our thinking and our feeling, constantly giving our minds and hearts, including all the loose ends, to him to conform them to the love, purpose and power of who he is.

Know the Voice of God – Philippians 4:8 You must recognize the voice of God and understand what the Bible says your thoughts should be. Read God’s word and meditate on it and they will be full of revelations for you. God’s word will stop harmful, negative thoughts that may be lodged in your mind and reveal how to counter the Devil’s onslaught.

If thoughts come to encourage you to be different so that you can make a name foryourself, those thoughts are originating with the Enemy. Jesus was a prophet and an intercessor, yet He was practical – Matthew 4:1-11; 14:23; Mark 6:46; Luke 9:28; 6:12. God is a practical God – an everyday kind of God. Be transformed by renewing your mind. – Romans 12:2 , Prepare your mind for action. – 1 Peter 1:13 ,Take every thought captive in obedience to Christ(2 Corinthians 10:4)