In what ways can we "plunder" Satan's influence in our daily lives? Setting the Scene Jesus’ words about binding the strong man paint a vivid picture of spiritual warfare: “Indeed, no one can enter a strong man’s house to steal his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can plunder his house.” — Mark 3:27 Satan is the “strong man,” yet Christ has already bound him through the cross and resurrection (Colossians 2:14-15). Our task is to step into that victory and deliberately carry off what the enemy still tries to control. What Christ Has Already Done • Disarmed rulers and authorities (Colossians 2:15) • Destroyed the devil’s work (1 John 3:8) • Rendered death powerless (Hebrews 2:14-15) Because these facts are literal, we move forward in confident faith. Ways We Can Plunder Satan’s Influence Daily • Stand on Christ’s finished work – Remind yourself that Satan is already bound (Revelation 20:1-3). – Declare aloud Jesus’ victory when tempted or oppressed. • Submit to God, resist the devil (James 4:7) – Place every area of life—thoughts, relationships, finances—under Christ’s lordship. – Actively say “no” to lies, condemnation, and compromise. • Armor up every morning (Ephesians 6:10-18) – Belt of truth: rehearse Scripture before social media. – Breastplate of righteousness: confess sins quickly; walk in obedience. – Gospel shoes: speak hope into dark places at work or school. – Shield of faith: extinguish fear-laden “what if” thoughts. – Helmet of salvation: guard your mind with your identity in Christ. – Sword of the Spirit: quote verses aloud to slice through deception. – Prayer: maintain constant communication with headquarters. • Renounce footholds (Ephesians 4:27) – Bitterness, envy, occult entertainment, and sexual impurity give Satan space. – Identify, repent, and replace with godly habits. • Capture rebellious thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) – Write down anxious or sinful thoughts, counter them with specific verses. – Turn mental ruts into renewed pathways of truth. • Overcome by the word of your testimony (Revelation 12:11) – Share stories of Christ’s deliverance; testimony weakens darkness around others. – Keep a journal of answered prayers as proof of God’s invasion into enemy territory. • Practice corporate worship and fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25) – Gathering with believers multiplies authority and pushes back oppression in a region. – Mutual encouragement helps us march into enemy-occupied zones with courage. • Exercise compassionate authority – Pray for the sick, cast out demons, and proclaim the gospel (Mark 16:17-18). – Every soul rescued, every healing, every act of mercy empties Satan’s shelves. Living It Out Plundering is not passive; it is daily, deliberate participation in Christ’s triumph. As you walk in obedience, truth, and Spirit-powered boldness, the “strong man” stays tied up, and every corner of life—home, work, community—fills with evidence that Jesus truly reigns. |