Mark 3:23-27
…Who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger—someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house…

Today we’re going to start talking about spiritual “strongmen” in our lives that prevent us from being everything God has made us to be. These strongmen hinder us from walking in complete freedom and victory in Jesus through the battlefield of our minds. The strongmen are spirits/attitudes/behaviors that we partner with under the influence of the enemy. We walk around carrying these strongmen on our backs like heavy weights. It’s time to be free! We can walk the path to freedom through the knowledge of God’s Word and renewing our minds to His principles and Truth.

If you have been following along with our study on “Spirit, Soul & Body,” you will already have an understanding of where these spiritual strongmen or strongholds hide in our lives…in our souls. If you have not, I encourage you to watch the video series I made.

The Bible talks about jealousy in a lot of different places. It is included in the list of “Works of the Flesh” in Galatians 5:19-21. The flesh includes the soul and the body.

Jealousy is not just a feeling that stands alone. Jealousy is a mother that gives birth to many other bad feelings and mindsets. Jealousy is a stronghold or a wall that holds captive an additional group of issues in our souls and minds. Imagine the Hoover Dam. Think about the volume of water it holds back. That is what these strongholds do in our lives. But, if we can demolish the dam, we can get all that bad out!

So, what is the offspring of jealousy? Envy-the twin sister, who wants what everyone else has. Also, anger and rage. Bitterness and unforgiveness. Vengefulness, violence, murder, profanity. Do you see any of these in yourself?

These issues not only affect our mind, will and emotions, but they can produce physical symptoms in our bodies, as well. Anxiety, cardiovascular problems, joint pain, muscle aches and tension, GI issues, blood pressure issues, headaches, brain fog, etc. I have experienced the resolution of several physical symptoms as I have made a concentrated effort with Holy Spirit to rid my soul of these spiritual strongholds in my life. There is, indeed, a mind-body connection!

Pray and ask Holy Spirit to shine His light on your soul. Is the spirit of jealousy and any of its nasty little friends hiding in there? The spirit of jealousy is a dangerous and unclean spirit in our temple that will hold us back. This spirit seeks to kill, steal and destroy. It will keep us from using fully the gifts that God has given to each of us to use. This spirit must be called out into the open before it continues to wreak havoc in our lives.

Steps to Break the Spirit of Jealousy

1. Admit that it is in your heart.
2. Confess and forsake the sin.
3. Ask God to help you forgive anyone who opened up this door in you and forgive yourself for living this way.
4. Renounce this spirit out of your heart. “I renounce the spirit of jealousy in the name of Jesus.”
5. Ask God to fill that place in you with his love and Holy Spirit, and show you your place in the work of the Kingdom.
6. Speak the promises of God’s Word over yourself.

Remember, freedom is a journey…a daily walk with the Lord through His Word and the renewing of our minds. Even after the initial prayer of deliverance, we must continue to stand on the Word and maintain our freedom…just like mowing our grass or washing the dishes. It has to be done consistently and on a regular basis! We must also allow Holy Spirit to continue to show us the layers of gunk we have and allow Him to work it out of us in His time. We are continual works in progress and I’m so thankful He never leaves us where we are, but continually calls us to come up higher with Him!