Standing in the Truth Sue Bohlin September 24, 2002

STAND FIRM Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

STAND FIRM Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore. . . (Eph. 6:10-13)

I am SAVED by the blood of the Lamb Who I Am in Christ I am SAVED by the blood of the Lamb “...knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.” 1 Peter 1:18-19

Who I Am in Christ I am SEALED with the Holy Spirit “...having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory.” Eph. 1:13-14

I am a Child of God and He loves me Who I Am in Christ I am a Child of God and He loves me As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become the children of God. (John 1:12) “…You are precious in My sight, you are honored and I love you…” (Is. 43:4) The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. (Zeph. 3:17)

I am Accepted in the Beloved Who I Am in Christ I am Accepted in the Beloved Jesus accepts me (Rom. 15:7) My heavenly Father accepts me (Eph. 1:6)

Who I Am in Christ I Trust in God!

Saved by the blood of the Lamb and Sealed by the Holy Spirit! Who I Am in Christ Saved by the blood of the Lamb and Sealed by the Holy Spirit! Child of God and He loves me! Accepted in the Beloved! Trust in God!

Strongholds Negative patterns of thought burned into our minds through: Repetition over time One-time traumatic experiences A demonically-induced pattern of thinking--a “house made of thoughts” which has become a dwelling place for demonic activity.

Strongholds 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Cor. 10:3-5)

Strongholds Strongholds start as footholds In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. (Eph 4:26-27)

Footholds not dealt with become strongholds

Strongholds “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” John 8:32

Strongholds "Dealing with Satan is not a power encounter; it's a truth encounter. When you expose Satan's lie with God's truth, his power is broken. " "Satan's lie cannot withstand the truth any more than the darkness of night can withstand the light of the rising sun." Neil Anderson, Victory Over the Darkness

Strongholds The stronghold of unconfessed sin Unforgiveness Bitterness Critical spirit Controlling nature Disobedience

Strongholds The stronghold of occult involvement Satanism, witchcraft, Wicca, black arts Ouija boards, tarot cards, crystal balls/crystals, horoscopes, fortune tellers Seances, spirit guides, mediums or spiritists Casting spells, voodoo, TM, astral projection, Eastern meditation in yoga

Strongholds The stronghold of inner vows “I will never be like my mother/father!” “I'll never trust anyone again!” “I won't let anyone get close to me so they can hurt me again!” “I’ll never need anyone again!” “I’ll always look at the negative so I won’t be disappointed.” “I have to be invisible!” “I’ll never forgive him for what he did!”

Strongholds The stronghold of inner vows "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man I put away childish things." 1 Corinthians 13:11

The stronghold of believing lies and labels Strongholds The stronghold of believing lies and labels Ask God to show you this week what lies you have believed about yourself and about life, and which labels you accepted from others or took to yourself. The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. (Rom 13:12)

Tearing Down Strongholds Tearing down strongholds begins with repentance. 1. We confess our sin (agree with God that it is sin). (1 John 1:9) 2. We renounce Satan’s strongholds in our lives (Rom. 13:12) 3. We receive God’s forgiveness and thank Him for setting us free. 4. We renew our minds by replacing the lies with truth.

Tearing Down Strongholds God, I agree with you that _________ is sin. I renounce my sin of ___________ in Jesus’ name. In Jesus’ name, I renounce my inner vow that ___________. I receive Your cleansing and forgiveness and declare that YOU HAVE SET ME FREE!