What does "first tie up the strong man" teach about overcoming sin? Setting the Scene Mark 3:27: “But 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.” The Strong Man Identified • In context, Jesus is refuting accusations that He casts out demons by Satan’s power. • “The strong man” represents Satan and every entrenched power of darkness, including sin’s grip on the human heart (cf. 1 John 3:8). • The “house” pictures the sphere over which Satan exercises control—people enslaved by sin (John 8:34). Binding before Plundering: The Principle • Before any lasting liberation occurs, the dominating force must be neutralized. • Jesus, by His incarnation, death, and resurrection, bound the devil (Hebrews 2:14–15; Colossians 2:15). • Only after that decisive victory can He “plunder” the house—rescuing us from sin’s tyranny (Colossians 1:13–14). Applying the Principle to Personal Sin • Overcoming sinful habits follows the same order: the ruling power must be bound first, then specific sins can be displaced. • Trying to reform outward behavior without dealing with the inner “strong man” leads to frustration (Romans 7:18–24). • Christ’s victory becomes ours when we consciously stand in it (Romans 6:6–7). The Means God Provides to Bind the Strong Man • The Cross: “Our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless” (Romans 6:6). • The Word: Truth exposes and shackles deception (John 17:17; 2 Corinthians 10:4–5). • The Spirit: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). • Faith-filled Resistance: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). • Prayerful Dependence: Persistent prayer appropriates Christ’s authority (Ephesians 6:18). Living in the Victory Already Won • Recognize the enemy is already bound judicially; we enforce that verdict daily (1 John 4:4). • Replace plundered ground with righteousness—fill the cleared space with obedience, worship, and service (Romans 12:1–2). • Stay armored: “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11–12). Encouragement for Daily Battle • Victory is not self-generated; it flows from union with the One who tied up the strong man. • Each sin surrendered is another room liberated in the house of your life. • Press on, confident that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6). |
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