Soul ties are what occur when the adversary causes us to be owned by speculation and lofty things (exaltation of self). All speculation is rooted in human arrogance and independence from God. It comes from trying to be god. This is how Satan makes captives.
Breaking soul ties in spiritual warfare is key to freedom. These can be found in 2 Corinthians 10. We present this passage in two translation versions – the first from the NASB for structure and the second from the Message for helpful word pictures that are developed.
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.” – 2 Corinthians 10:3-6/N
This passage gives us clarity in how we navigate our part of the war.
√ We are only human, so we do not engage spiritual warfare as mere men.
√ We have been given weapons which are “divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.” These weapons are supernatural for God-purposes. Paul has taught about this earlier in the letter: “…in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left…” – 2 Corinthians 6:7
√ Taking every thought captive to the obedience of Jesus is how we keep our minds ready for action
√ The purpose of these weapons is clarified in Ephesians 5 (See How We Fight podcast)
We like how the Message pictures “clearing the ground of every obstruction.” What do you see when you think about your spiritual walk?
“The world is unprincipled. It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair. But we don’t live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.” – 2 Corinthians 10:3-6/M
How does this impact the spiritual warrior?
√ Avoid warring according to human wisdom (not might/power but by My Spirit – Micah 6:8)
√ Ask to be set free by Jesus’ power and authority (Matthew 28:18)
√ Fight evil with divinely powerful weapons (God-activated and powerfully capable – Psalm 24:1; Isaiah 42:8)
√ Determine your personal fortresses and susceptibility to lofty things?
√ These speculations can be defined as reasonings which are filled with self benefit.
√ Lofty things become barriers because they come between us and God.
√ How do I take every thought captive? (awaken and subordinate) Romans 12:1,2
√ What does it look like to level obstructions? (dig out the impediments to fruitfulness/bring justice) and live Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
How may God enhance my God-skills for warfare?
√ According to Jesus before we come to Him our father is the devil. Believing in Jesus begins the process of returning to God as our Father.
√ We must choose between the two fears: Matthew 10:26-28
√ Learn to engage in perspective prayer/God’s take on what is going on results in direction and confidence for us (Matthew 7:7, 16:19) and impact prayer (James 5:17).
√ do not act or fight like a mere man/anyone can do this = rely upon shield and sword to protect (1 Corinthians 3:3)
√ Hold to an active and undaunted faith/He will deliver me = His promises are true and secure (Luke 17:6). I belong to Him!!!
This is a very key part of our spiritual connection with Jesus. Hope it helps!
Fighting with you and praying for you,
Dave and Burnadette