Kohathite

Overcoming Personal Strongholds: Spiritual Warfare In Modern Times For Messianic Believers

Introduction: Understanding Personal Strongholds

In spiritual warfare, one of the most significant and often overlooked battles is the fight against personal strongholds. These strongholds are deeply ingrained patterns of thinking, behavior, and sin that hold us captive, preventing us from fully experiencing the freedom and victory that God has promised His people. For Messianic Jewish believers, these strongholds may be rooted in cultural practices, historical trauma, or even misconceptions about the nature of God. They can affect every area of our lives, from our relationships and attitudes to our identity and faith.

Strongholds often form when we embrace lies or distortions of the truth, allowing them to take root in our hearts and minds. Over time, these false beliefs can become barriers that hinder our spiritual growth and intimacy with God. But the good news is that through the power of Yeshua’s blood, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and a deep commitment to Torah Law, we can break free from these strongholds and walk in the freedom that God intends for us.

Spiritual Warfare In Modern Times For Believers In Yeshua

1. Identifying Personal Strongholds: The Power of Lies

Personal strongholds often begin with lies—false beliefs that we accept and internalize as truth. These lies can take many forms: lies about our worth, our purpose, or our relationship with God. In the Tanakh, we see numerous examples of people who fell into the trap of believing lies and created strongholds that affected their lives.

In Genesis 3, we see the first stronghold that humanity faces: the lie that God is not good and that He is withholding something from Adam and Eve. The serpent tempted Eve by questioning God’s command and suggesting that they could be like God if they ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Eve believed this lie, and the consequences were disastrous.

> "Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, 'Has God indeed said, "You shall not eat of every tree of the garden"?' And the woman said to the serpent, 'We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, "You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die."'" (Genesis 3:1-3)

By believing the lie that God was withholding something good from her, Eve allowed the stronghold of distrust in God’s goodness to take root. This stronghold led to sin, separation from God, and the introduction of death into the world.

Similarly, personal strongholds can begin when we believe lies about ourselves or our circumstances. We may believe the lie that we are unworthy of God’s love, that we are doomed to failure, or that God is distant and unconcerned with our struggles. These lies can entrap us and hold us in bondage.

2. The Role of Torah in Breaking Strongholds

For Messianic Jewish believers, the Torah is the foundation of all truth. It is through the Torah that we come to know the character of God, His holiness, and His desire for our lives. When strongholds of lies begin to take root, returning to the Torah helps us realign our thoughts with God’s truth.

In Deuteronomy 30:11-14, God offers His people the choice of life or death, blessing or cursing, based on their obedience to His commandments:

> "For this commandment which I command you today is not too mysterious for you, nor is it far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, 'Who will ascend into heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?' Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, 'Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?' But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it." (Deuteronomy 30:11-14)

God’s commandments are not distant or unattainable; they are near to us, and by following them, we can break free from the strongholds of sin and lies that hold us captive. The Torah serves as a guide, revealing God’s will and reminding us of His promises. By meditating on God’s Word and aligning our lives with His truth, we can dismantle the strongholds that have kept us in bondage.

The Torah also teaches us how to identify and reject falsehood. In Leviticus 19:11, God commands His people to avoid deception:

> "You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another." (Leviticus 19:11)

This commandment not only forbids literal theft and lying but also teaches us to reject any falsehood, including the lies that we may believe about ourselves, God, or the world around us. When we align ourselves with the truth of Torah, we expose the lies that support personal strongholds and begin the process of dismantling them.

3. Yeshua’s Blood: The Power to Break Strongholds

The blood of Yeshua is central to the breaking of personal strongholds. His death on the cross paid the penalty for sin, but it also broke the power of sin in our lives. Through His sacrifice, Yeshua defeated the spiritual forces of darkness and disarmed them (Colossians 2:15). His blood is a powerful weapon in our spiritual arsenal, giving us the authority to overcome the lies and deceptions that form the basis of personal strongholds.

In Zechariah 3:1-5, we see a powerful image of the spiritual cleansing that the blood of Yeshua provides. The high priest Joshua stands before God, clothed in filthy garments, symbolizing sin and impurity. However, God commands that his filthy garments be removed and replaced with pure, clean clothes. This represents the cleansing and renewal that comes through the blood of Yeshua.

> "Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, 'Take away the filthy garments from him.' And to him He said, 'See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.'" (Zechariah 3:4)

Just as Joshua was cleansed from his sin, so too, through the blood of Yeshua, we are cleansed and made righteous before God. His blood breaks the power of sin and removes the strongholds that have held us captive. When we come to the cross and claim the power of Yeshua’s blood, we are set free from the lies and deceptions that have bound us.

4. The Holy Spirit: Empowering Us to Live in Truth

The Holy Spirit is our guide, comforter, and source of power in the battle against personal strongholds. Yeshua promised that the Holy Spirit would lead us into all truth (John 16:13). The Spirit empowers us to live in alignment with God’s will and to walk in victory over sin.

In Ezekiel 36:26-27, God promises to give His people a new heart and a new spirit, one that will empower them to live according to His commands:

> "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them." (Ezekiel 36:26-27)

When we receive the Holy Spirit, we are given the power to resist the temptations that fuel strongholds and to live according to God’s truth. The Spirit helps us identify the lies that have kept us in bondage and empowers us to reject them. Through the Holy Spirit, we can renew our minds and experience true transformation (Romans 12:2).

5. Breaking Strongholds: Practical Steps for Messianic Believers

To overcome personal strongholds, Messianic Jewish believers must take intentional, practical steps. Here are some key actions to help break free from strongholds:

1. Repentance – Acknowledge the lies and sinful patterns in your life. Confess them to God and turn away from them, asking for His forgiveness and cleansing through the blood of Yeshua.

2. Meditation on Torah – Immerse yourself in the Scriptures, particularly the Torah, to renew your mind with God’s truth. Meditate on passages that speak to your identity in God and His promises for your life.

3. Prayer for the Holy Spirit’s Power – Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the strongholds in your life and empower you to overcome them. Pray for the Spirit’s guidance and strength to live according to God’s truth.

4. Declare the Victory of Yeshua’s Blood – Regularly declare the power of Yeshua’s blood over your life. Acknowledge that through His sacrifice, you are set free from the lies and strongholds that once held you captive.

5. Accountability – Surround yourself with fellow believers who will support and encourage you in your walk with God. Share your struggles and victories with trusted friends who can pray for you and help you stay on track.

Conclusion: Walking in Freedom

Overcoming personal strongholds is not a one-time event but a continual process of renewal and transformation. Through the power of Yeshua’s blood, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and a deep commitment to God’s truth in the Torah, we can break free from the lies and deceptions that hold us captive. As Messianic Jewish believers, we are called to live in the freedom

How To Stay Rooted In The Truth Of Scripture: Spiritual Warfare In Modern Times For Messianic Believers

Introduction: The Importance of Staying Rooted in Truth

In the modern world, where truth is often subjective and constantly shifting, staying grounded in the unchanging truth of Scripture is more crucial than ever, especially for Messianic Jewish believers. As the enemy intensifies his attack against the faith of God's people, the importance of a strong foundation in the Word of God cannot be overstated. The Scriptures, both from the Torah and the Tanakh (Hebrew Scriptures), serve as our guide, our shield, and our weapon in the fight against deception and spiritual attack.

Being rooted in the truth of Scripture requires more than just intellectual understanding. It involves living out God's Word daily, letting it shape our thoughts, actions, and attitudes. This chapter will explore how to stay rooted in the truth of Scripture, drawing on the wisdom of the Torah, the blood of Yeshua, and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. We will also see how the ancient words of the Tanakh remain vital for us today.

Spiritual Warfare In Modern Times For Believers In Yeshua

1. The Role of Torah in Rooting Us in Truth

The Torah, the first five books of the Bible, is the foundation upon which all of Scripture stands. As Messianic believers, we understand that the Torah is not just a historical document or a collection of laws; it is the living Word of God, still relevant and vital for our lives today. Yeshua, in His ministry, affirmed the importance of the Torah, emphasizing that it remains the standard for God's will on earth (Matthew 5:17-19).

Deuteronomy 6:4-9, known as the Shema, gives us a clear instruction on how to keep God’s Word central in our lives:

> "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

This passage highlights the centrality of God's commandments in the life of every believer. To stay rooted in the truth, we must immerse ourselves in the Torah. It is not enough to merely read it; we are called to live it out in every area of our lives. By doing so, we allow God's Word to permeate our hearts and minds, shaping our thoughts and actions.

The Torah is also our defense against the lies of the enemy. In Psalm 119:11, the psalmist declares:

> "I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You." (Psalm 119:11)

When we internalize God’s Word, it becomes a powerful weapon to resist temptation and falsehood. This practice is essential for standing firm in the truth, especially when we face spiritual warfare.

2. The Blood of Yeshua: Our Victory Over Deception

As Messianic believers, we understand that the blood of Yeshua (Jesus) is central to our salvation and victory in spiritual warfare. Yeshua’s sacrificial death on the cross broke the power of sin and death and established the New Covenant—a covenant based on grace, truth, and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

The blood of Yeshua is not only our means of forgiveness but also a spiritual weapon. Revelation 12:11 says:

> "They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death." (Revelation 12:11)

Though this verse is part of the New Testament, it echoes the timeless truth that the blood of Yeshua is a key weapon in overcoming the enemy. In the spiritual battle for truth, the blood of Yeshua grants us the victory. It cleanses us from sin and empowers us to stand firm in God’s promises. We are reminded that through His blood, Yeshua disarmed the powers of darkness (Colossians 2:15) and made a public spectacle of them.

When we claim the blood of Yeshua in our lives, we acknowledge His victory over sin and the enemy. We affirm that the truth of His sacrifice is the foundation of our faith, and it strengthens our resolve to remain anchored in the truth of Scripture. Every time we declare the power of His blood, we remind ourselves that we have been set free from the lies and deceptions that seek to ensnare us.

3. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Leading Us to Truth

The Holy Spirit is an essential guide in our walk with God, empowering us to stay rooted in the truth of Scripture. Yeshua promised that the Holy Spirit would come to teach us all things and to remind us of everything He had said (John 14:26). The Spirit’s role is to illuminate the Scriptures, helping us understand and apply God’s Word in our lives.

In Ezekiel 36:26-27, God promises to give His people a new heart and put His Spirit within them:

Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we are enabled to walk in God’s commandments and stay faithful to His Word. The Spirit empowers us to live out the truth of Scripture and equips us to resist the spiritual forces that seek to lead us astray.

The Holy Spirit also helps us discern truth from error. In 1 John 2:20, it says:

> "But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth." (1 John 2:20)

This anointing is the Holy Spirit, who teaches us to recognize false teachings and to hold fast to the truth of God’s Word. The Spirit gives us spiritual discernment, enabling us to distinguish between the voice of truth and the voice of deception.

4. Staying Rooted in Scripture in the Face of Spiritual Warfare

Spiritual warfare is a constant reality for believers. The enemy seeks to deceive, distract, and distort the truth, attempting to pull us away from God’s Word. Yet, the Scriptures give us powerful guidance on how to remain rooted in the truth, even in the midst of spiritual battles.

Psalm 1:1-3 gives us a picture of the believer who is firmly rooted in the truth of God's Word:

> "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on His law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers." (Psalm 1:1-3)

This passage illustrates the importance of staying rooted in God’s Word. When we meditate on the Scriptures day and night, we are like a tree planted by water—steadfast, fruitful, and resilient in the face of challenges. In contrast, those who neglect the truth of Scripture are like chaff blown away by the wind, vulnerable to deception and spiritual defeat.

In addition, James 4:7-8 instructs us to resist the devil and draw near to God:

> "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God, and He will come near to you." (James 4:7-8)

By submitting ourselves to God and His Word, we resist the enemy’s attacks. We must stay close to God, immersing ourselves in His truth, and the enemy will flee.

5. Practical Steps to Stay Rooted in Scripture

To stay rooted in the truth of Scripture, Messianic believers must take practical steps to consistently engage with God’s Word. Here are a few strategies:

1. Daily Scripture Reading and Meditation – Make it a priority to read and meditate on God’s Word each day. This could involve reading from the Torah, the Psalms, or other parts of the Tanakh, as well as reflecting on the teachings of Yeshua.

2. Memorization of Scripture – Hiding God’s Word in our hearts is one of the best ways to stay rooted in truth. By memorizing key verses, we have the truth available to us at all times.

3. Community Engagement – Stay connected to a community of believers who uphold the truth of Scripture. Being in fellowship with others helps keep us accountable and grounded in the Word.

4. Prayer for the Spirit’s Guidance – Regularly pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you in understanding the Scriptures and to give you discernment to recognize the truth.

Conclusion: The Unshakeable Foundation of God’s Word

In a world filled with deception and spiritual warfare, the truth of God’s Word is our unshakable foundation. By staying rooted in the Torah, applying the power of Yeshua’s blood, relying on the Holy Spirit, and continually immersing ourselves in the Scriptures, we can resist the enemy’s lies and stand firm in the truth. As we do so, we become like trees planted by streams of water—

The Dangers Of False Teachings And How To Identify Them: Spiritual Warfare In Modern Times For Messianic Believers

Introduction: The Peril of False Teachings

False teachings have always been a significant threat to the spiritual well-being of God's people. In the modern world, the proliferation of deceptive ideas, distorted truths, and spiritual misinformation has only grown, making it crucial for Messianic Jewish believers to be vigilant. The spirit of deception, which has plagued humanity from the beginning, seeks to undermine the purity of our faith, corrupt our understanding of Scripture, and lead us away from the truth of God’s Word.

As Messianic believers, we must recognize that false teachings not only threaten our personal faith but can also disrupt the unity of the body of Messiah. In this chapter, we will examine the dangers of false teachings, explore how they manifest in modern times, and provide biblical guidance—rooted in Torah, Yeshua's blood, the Holy Spirit, and the Tanakh (Hebrew Scriptures)—on how to identify and resist these lies.

Spiritual Warfare In Modern Times For Believers In Yeshua

1. The Nature of False Teachings

False teachings are fundamentally based on error and deception. They often distort the truth, misrepresent Scripture, and lead people into beliefs or practices that are contrary to God’s Word. The enemy uses false teachings to draw believers away from the sound doctrine found in Torah and the teachings of Yeshua. These distortions of the truth can seem harmless, or even appealing, but they are rooted in the spiritual warfare that seeks to destroy the faith of God’s people.

The Tanakh provides several warnings about false prophets and misleading teachings. In Deuteronomy 13:1-3, God warns His people against listening to those who claim to speak in His name but lead them away from the true worship of God:

> "If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, 'Let us go after other gods,' which you have not known, 'and let us serve them,' you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the LORD your God is testing you, to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul." (Deuteronomy 13:1-3)

This passage highlights a key characteristic of false teachings: they often come with apparent signs and wonders that may seem convincing, yet their ultimate goal is to divert people’s hearts from the true worship of the one God of Israel. False teachings do not point to the Messiah, they lead away from Him.

In another warning from the book of Isaiah, God cautions His people against listening to those who speak only comforting lies, rather than speaking the truth of His Word:

> "Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of falsehood, who draw sin as with cart ropes, who say: 'Let him be quick, let him speed his work that we may see it; let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw near and come, that we may know it!'” (Isaiah 5:18-19)

This passage underscores that false teachings may appear persuasive and enticing, but they are filled with lies that ultimately lead to destruction.

2. The Dangers of False Teachings

The dangers of false teachings are manifold. First and foremost, they lead people away from the truth of God’s Word. False teachings can dilute or even deny the central tenets of our faith, such as the identity of Yeshua, the authority of Torah, and the necessity of repentance. These distortions can create confusion, doubt, and division among believers.

One of the greatest dangers of false teachings is that they often come in subtle forms. False teachers may present ideas that seem to enhance or fulfill the truths of Scripture, but upon closer examination, they distort the gospel. For instance, teachings that deny Yeshua as the Messiah, or teachings that claim that the Torah is no longer relevant for believers, threaten the very foundation of Messianic faith.

In 2 Kings 22:13, the prophet warns of the consequences of ignoring the teachings of God:

> "Go, inquire of the LORD for me and for the people and for all Judah, concerning the words of the book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us." (2 Kings 22:13)

This scripture highlights how the failure to heed God’s Word can bring judgment upon the people. In the same way, embracing false teachings can lead to spiritual consequences, such as confusion, loss of faith, and even spiritual destruction.

3. Identifying False Teachings

The key to guarding against the dangers of false teachings lies in our ability to identify them. How can we recognize when something is false, even when it seems to be good or true on the surface? Below are several biblical principles to help us discern false teachings:

A. Consistency with Torah and the Teachings of Yeshua

The most reliable way to identify false teachings is to compare them to the Torah and the teachings of Yeshua. Both Torah and Yeshua’s words form the foundation of our faith. If a teaching contradicts or dismisses the Torah, it is to be rejected.

In Matthew 5:17-19, Yeshua affirmed the importance of Torah and its continued relevance for all believers:

> "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:17-19)

The New Covenant Scriptures, which reflect the teachings of Yeshua and the apostles, must also align with the Torah. If a teaching contradicts the Torah or undermines the teachings of Yeshua, it is a sign that it is false.

B. The Fruit of the Teaching

False teachings often produce bad fruit. In Matthew 7:15-20, Yeshua warns of false prophets by their fruit:

> "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit." (Matthew 7:15-20)

This principle applies not only to individuals but also to teachings. If a teaching leads to spiritual confusion, division, or a denial of core truths, it is a sign of bad fruit. True teachings, in contrast, will lead to greater understanding of God’s Word, unity in the body of Messiah, and a deeper relationship with God.

C. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Discernment

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in helping believers discern false teachings. Jesus promised that the Spirit would guide us into all truth (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit illuminates the Scriptures, empowers us to resist deception, and convicts us when something is not of God. When confronted with a new teaching or a spiritual claim, we must listen to the Holy Spirit’s promptings. If something feels off, or if it contradicts the witness of Scripture, we must trust the Spirit’s guidance.

D. Testing the Spirits

1 John 4:1-3 gives us a simple test for discerning the spirit behind a teaching:

> "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Yeshua the Messiah has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Yeshua is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already." (1 John 4:1-3)

False teachings often deny or distort the true nature of Yeshua. If a teaching diminishes His divinity or humanity, or alters the gospel message, it is not from God. Always test teachings against the core truth of the gospel—the truth that Yeshua is the Messiah, God in the flesh, and the only way to salvation.

4. The Consequences of Embracing False Teachings

Embracing false teachings can lead to devastating consequences. It can cause believers to become spiritually weak, confused, and misled. In Ezekiel 13:9, the consequences of following false prophets are made clear:

> "My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and who give lying divinations; they shall not be in the council of My people, nor be enrolled in the register of the house of Israel, nor shall they enter the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord GOD." (Ezekiel 13:9)

God promises judgment against those who lead His people astray. False teachings can separate believers from the truth, and ultimately, from God’s blessings.

Conclusion: Standing Firm Against False Teachings

In the face of the dangers posed by false teachings, Messianic believers must remain steadfast in the truth of God’s Word. We are equipped with the Torah, the blood of Yeshua, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the disce

rnment to recognize and resist deception. By testing teachings against the Scriptures, relying