Key illustrative passages and words from the Bible help clarify terms and concepts, followed by information related to addiction and how spiritual strongholds may be involved. Several principles for responding biblically and effectively to individuals who struggle, and as those who care, close out the article.

BIBLE STUDY1

Strongholds

In the Old Testament, passages such as Judges 6:2 present strongholds as fortified places, often inaccessible, that commonly provide security and refuge. One of the key Hebrew words for stronghold is masada, also the name of the famous site in Israel of the final stand of the Jewish revolt against the Romans in 73 B.C. In Psalm 9:9 and Psalm 18:2, Yahweh Himself is a stronghold for the oppressed, those in trouble, and those needing deliverance and refuge.

In the New Testament, the word translated as stronghold is in 2 Corinthians 10:4. The apostle Paul uses military terms of war to teach us that, although we are in physical bodies in a physical world, we do not conduct war according to this world. Instead, the implements of our warfare have divine godly power for tearing down, demolishing, and destroying “strongholds” or fortresses in a context that implies these are spiritual in nature. Paul provides more specificity about the strongholds in verse 5. He uses a Greek word variously translated as “speculations, arguments, or pretensions” to describe hostile, arrogant reasonings and calculations. Paul also describes the destruction of every arrogant, pretentious thing, even in otherworldly, supernatural places raised against the knowledge of God. In addition to destroying these things, Paul also takes every thought captive to obedience to Christ. Interestingly, the next verse (v. 6) links this obedience of thought to the complete obedience of the Corinthians to whom he is writing.

Spiritual Struggle

A second New Testament passage related to spiritual warfare is Ephesians 6:10-17. There, Paul tells us to be strong in the Lord and His mighty strength. Putting on the full armor of God enables us to stand firm against the “schemes, cunning, and craftiness” of the devil because our struggle is not against fleshly, worldly things. In the New Testament, the Greek word translated as struggle is only used in this passage, but in other literature, it also means wrestling or conflict, which implies the struggle can be ongoing. Paul specifies that our struggle is against: 1) rulers with authority that is supernatural; 2) supernatural authorities that rule and judge; 3) rulers supernaturally empowered in a dark, evil abode; and 4) spiritually wicked powers in heavenly places. The acronym, RAPE (rulers, authorities, powers, forces of evil), can help recall these primary objects of our warfare.

Because of this struggle, Paul once again tells us to put on the full armor of God so that we can resist, oppose, and even be hostile toward those forces resulting in us still standing. He details what this armor entails: truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, and salvation. These implements of spiritual battle should characterize any helping technique.

Strongholds are real. While they can be physical and material, strongholds can also be psychological, relational, and spiritual. Importantly, they can be places of godly refuge, security, and protection; or they can be mental and spiritual types of bondage, oppression, wickedness, and hostility toward God. Thankfully, God has equipped and empowered us to be victorious in this war and endure in the midst of it confidently.

Addiction

Addiction involves the total person. A common tool for helping us understand it is the bio-psycho-socio-spiritual model. Although this article primarily focuses on spiritual and cognitive aspects, even the biblical findings previously mentioned point to the biological and sociological (relational). Addiction typically results from a progression through stages, including experimental, social, medicinal, and addictive use. Most people who use alcohol, for example, do not have problems related to their use. Those who progress from use to misuse of substances or behaviors, such as gambling, extreme Internet consumption, or sex, begin doing so for the experience itself with increasing disregard for consequences (psychological). Using behavior increasingly occurs in isolation and secrecy from others (relational). Tolerance (needing more to get the same effect) and withdrawal (unpleasant results of not using) increase in intensity and characterize dependence (biological). If progression continues, craving (an intense, urgent, abnormal desire or longing) and loss of control (decreased ability to regulate use) develop and, together with tolerance and withdrawal, characterize addiction.  

As you can see, the process of addiction involves distortions in thinking, feeling, and behaving that become increasingly rigid, entrenched, and difficult to change. The nature of addiction itself closely mirrors the nature of spiritual strongholds. In fact, addiction is often considered a “worship disorder” (i.e., a form of idolatry) since strong desires can have God or “lusts” as their object. Is it possible (likely?) that spiritual strongholds related to addiction have progressed to become places of refuge, security, and protection for the enemy of our soul? Freedom from addiction involves wrestling, conflict, and the will to ultimately be victorious. It is much more like a 15-round boxing match with Rocky than a 90-second knockout with Mike Tyson!

Conclusion

“There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors, and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight.”2

– C.S. Lewis

Several key principles for addressing addiction-related strongholds emerge from our biblical study and reflection on addiction.

  • Those struggling should be lovingly reminded to focus on God (the Person) as their Stronghold rather than any spiritual strongholds (the pretensions) that may be involved.
  • In 2 Corinthians 5:6-8, Paul provides more context for his teaching on strongholds and emphasizes he is more focused on “building up” than “destroying” the believers in Corinth. Those we care for can be responded to in such a way, especially when being confronted or challenged, that they know their coach or counselor has their best interests in view. Tearing down strongholds is much different than tearing down people!
  • Those in current bondage to strongholds should be discipled in such a way that their obedience of self to Christ is the key to making their thoughts about God, self, and others obedient. Remember, freedom “from” is more likely if freedom “to” is more salient.
  • Captives should be encouraged that war can be victorious even when some battles are not won. Fostering their ability and willingness to stay in the fight will help them “stand firm,” especially when they are experiencing hostile opposition.
  • Those struggling should be shown they are not in this fight alone and that honesty and vulnerability are also required from those helping them. Helpers, too, should have the “air support” of prayerful partners in this conflict.
  • In 2 Corinthians 2:10-11, Paul identified forgiveness as a primary means of defeating the devil’s schemes. “… Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing…” (Luke 23:34, NIV) was spoken by Jesus from the cross, not before or after. Those in the grip of strongholds should be supported in genuine, Christlike forgiveness of those who have wronged them, including themselves.

Demolishing strongholds is about truth more than power. It is important to remember that the Truth of Jesus Christ brings freedom (cf. John 8:31-38 where Jesus instructs on truth, freedom from bondage, and the devil). May God, our stronghold, find us faithful as we fight the good fight of faith!

David E. Jenkins, Psy.D., is Professor of Psychology and Clinical Director of the Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program at Liberty University. He has served on the Executive Draft Committee for the 2014 and 2023 updates to the AACC’s Code of Ethics for Christian Counselors. With more than 30 years of clinical experience, Dr. Jenkins specializes in the integration of Christian faith and clinical practice. 

Endnotes

1 Resources within Logos 9 Bible Software: Swanson, J. (1997). Dictionary of biblical languages with semantic domains: Hebrew (Old Testament). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc.; Kittel, G., Friedrich, G., & Bromiley, G.W. (1985). Theological dictionary of the New Testament, abridged in one volume. Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans; and Balz, H.R., & Schneider, G. (1990). Exegetical dictionary of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans. 
2 Lewis, C.S. (1961). The screwtape letters. New York, NY: Macmillan.