The religious spirit and self-image
It would shock many Christians today to find out how many religious spirits and strongholds are at work in the everyday believer’s life. This is something that affects almost everybody! Many also have a tainted perception of who they are, and an inaccurate self-image.
Religious spirits often work to belittle and “humble” people falsely. A religious spirit says, “You shouldn’t feel good about yourself; you’re just an old sinner barely making it to heaven!” but if we look into God’s Word, we find that our heavenly Father says, “You’re the work of my hands; you are my child and a member of the royal family; you were created in my image, and purchased (redeemed) with the Blood of My Son; you are a masterpiece because you’re my creation! You are my artwork, and I am your painter!”
Religion opposes God’s Word on so many levels, it’s not funny! Paul speaks against the religious mindset (and other ungodly mindsets) and tells us that is why we must take every thought captive which rises itself against the knowledge of God. Religious mindsets do just that - rise them self against the knowledge of the truth in God’s Word!
2 Corinthians 10:3-5, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”