Takeaways

In this passage, we could focus on the triumphal entry, but there is another significant truth for us in verses 24-25 regarding dying to self, which can prompt a loud “Hosanna”  as well! (One meaning of Hosanna is “save, please” which ties in beautifully with the message!)

All of us have three components: body, soul, and spirit.  All of us struggle with strongholds within these components, such as

Body: addictions to alcohol, drugs, food, lack of attention and care of the body God gave us

Soul: allowing negative, immoral, or non-life-giving things into our “eye gate” or “ear-gate”; addictions to money, power, praise

Spirit: anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, guilt, shame, greed, fear.

We often try formulas to overcome these strongholds, but they either don’t work or only work briefly.

Jesus uses the metaphor of a grain of wheat (seed) dying so that the plant can grow and bear fruit.  We need to die to ourselves and allow God to overcome the strongholds that keep us from bearing fruit.  

While we know formulas aren’t the answer, here are four ways we can open ourselves to the Spirit’s work

1.  Identify the stronghold.

2. Accept that we don’t have what it takes to break it. (This is a good time to remember that the worldly concept of “I am enough” is not what Jesus teaches.)

3. Acknowledge that the work of the Spirit is the way we break free from a stronghold.  (HE is enough.)

4. Begin praying, “God, cultivate in me a hatred for the thing(s) I need to die too.”

We only overcome strongholds by complete dependence on God – and in that, we see His glory in powerful ways.  Lord, show us Your glory!

Reflection Prompters

1. What strongholds may you be dealing with in regard to your body?
   
2. What strongholds may you be dealing with in regard to your soul?
   
3. What strongholds may you be dealing with in regard to your spirit?
   
4. In what ways have you tried to combat a stronghold on your own?
   
5. Truths to write down, meditate on, and pray over:

• I am not enough.  HE is enough
• Satan wants me to live in bondage. God wants me to live in freedom.
• When I die to self, I have an abundant life in Jesus.
• Through dependance on God, I can overcome strongholds and see evidence of His glory!

• (From the worship set)
  There’s joy in the house of the Lord, And we won’t be quiet.