How can we apply the principle of binding the strong man today? Understanding the Illustration Matthew 12:29: “Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and steal his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house.” • Jesus presents a literal picture: a thief cannot take goods until the homeowner—the “strong man”—is restrained. • In context, Jesus has just cast out a demon. The strong man represents Satan and his demonic forces. • Binding the strong man is, therefore, a real act of confronting and restraining demonic power so that kingdom work can advance. Christ’s Finished Work—Our Foundation • Colossians 2:15: “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” • 1 John 3:8: “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.” • Because Jesus literally conquered Satan at the cross, believers stand on His victory, not human strength. Identifying the Strongholds Today • Personal sin patterns (addictions, habitual anger, lust, fear). • Cultural lies that oppose Scripture (ideologies exalting self, redefining morality). • Demonic oppression that hinders gospel advance (Acts 16:16-18). • Relational bondage (unforgiveness, generational curses, division in families or churches). Authority Given to Believers • Luke 10:19: “I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” • Mark 16:17: “And these signs will accompany those who believe: in My name they will drive out demons.” • Ephesians 2:6: believers are seated with Christ in heavenly places, exercising delegated authority. Practical Ways to Bind the Strong Man 1. Stand in Truth • Ephesians 6:14: “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth fastened around your waist.” • Speak Scripture aloud to dispel lies, just as Jesus did in Matthew 4:1-11. 2. Submit and Resist • James 4:7: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” • Yield every area to the Lord; resistance without submission lacks power. 3. Pray with Authority • Ephesians 6:18: pray “in the Spirit on all occasions.” • Command demonic influences to leave in Jesus’ name, trusting His promise in Mark 16:17. 4. Break Agreement with Sin • 2 Corinthians 10:4-5: “The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world… We tear down arguments and every presumption… and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” • Repent, renounce, and replace sinful thoughts with God’s Word. 5. Exercise Forgiveness • 2 Corinthians 2:10-11: unforgiveness “gives Satan an advantage.” • Release offenses to close demonic footholds. 6. Wear the Full Armor • Ephesians 6:10-18 outlines helmet, breastplate, shield, sword, etc. • Daily “put on” each piece by faith and obedience. 7. Engage in Corporate Warfare • Matthew 18:18-20: collective agreement “on earth” binds and looses “in heaven.” • Join with mature believers for intercession and deliverance ministry when needed. Plundering the House—Positive Advance • Evangelism: rescue souls from darkness to light (Acts 26:18). • Discipleship: replace former bondage with Spirit-filled living (Galatians 5:16-25). • Kingdom service: use gifts to build up the body once hindrances are removed (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Cultural influence: speak truth into public spheres, shining as lights (Philippians 2:15-16). Staying Free and Vigilant • Daily fellowship with the Lord in Word and prayer (Psalm 91:1). • Regular self-examination in light of Scripture (Psalm 139:23-24). • Accountability within the church (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Ongoing praise and gratitude, which silences the foe (Psalm 8:2). Key Takeaways • Binding the strong man is a literal, present-day ministry grounded in Christ’s finished victory. • Believers exercise delegated authority through submission to God, scriptural truth, prayer, and obedience. • Once the strong man is bound, kingdom plunder follows: souls saved, lives healed, communities transformed. |
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