Arrows of Truth # 16 - What are key strongholds holding dropouts captive? (Part c)
The purpose of this and the two following weeks is to identify/discern false belief(s) that dropout believers have accepted and believe which result from five types of strongholds. These false beliefs dictate their behaviors.
The third of these five demonic strongholds is: the spirit of pride.
This ruler represents all self-righteousness. When a man lives by his own righteousness and so justifies himself, he becomes proud (self-abasement & false humility are also a form of pride). The haughty spirit (pride) is the ruling prince responsible for the fruit of pride, self-righteousness, and independence from God in every sphere of life. It is impossible to adequately cover the ramifications of this basic sin found in every man in this space.
Jesus declared that the kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). The devil's rulers of darkness in a believer's life are subject to forced removal as we crucify the flesh and renew the mind. They will, however, often resist their being dispossessed from their former residence.
Until the demonic stronghold is spiritually torn down in prayer, a believer cannot change his behavior patterns. When the stronghold (false belief) is exposed/removed by prayer, then the believer can change his behavior patterns successfully and not fear a return to the old.
TIP #16
Consider the 2 or 3 people in your sphere of influence who are dropout believers, whom the Lord has shown you to engage with. Ask the Lord to reveal if there may be a stronghold of pride in their lives based on their behavior. For more depth on this read Hunters of the Harvest book chapter 11,12 & App C. To order the ministry book go to website www.huntersoftheharvest.org and click Order.
