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Jesus The Strongman – Matt. 12:22-29
Jesus The Strongman – Matt. 12:22-29
Read again Matthew 12:22-29. We live in the middle of what one author called ‘the Cosmic Battle’. Satan of course is our enemy. What we know of him is that he is strong, wise, and deceitful. But, who is he fighting against? God! This is not a battle between two gods of equal strength, nor is it a battle with an outcome hanging in the balance! Satan is NOT God, although through deception he has become ‘the god of this world’. From Genesis through Revelation, the message of the Word of God is that God wins and Satan loses.
We marvel at the strength of demons, yet Satan is OVER them, they are said to be ‘his angels’ (servants), he is declared to be ‘the ruler of the demons’. What chance do we as humans stand against such power? The ‘secret’ is simply that the battle is not OURS but the LORD’s.
Jesus came to defeat our great adversary and He did. He DID enter into the strongman’s house and plunder it – having bound and limited Satan. Hence:
· We are more than victors through Jesus who loves us (Romans 8:36-37).
· Jesus is head over all (Matt. 28:18-19; Eph. 1:20-23).
· Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Rev. 17:14; 19:16).
· There is a place prepared for Satan – and he WILL end up there (Matt. 25:41).
· Those who chose to remain at enmity with God by refusing to bow the knee to Jesus and serve HIM, will find themselves forever banished with Satan (Matt. 25:41).
The real battle is the one inside your head and heart! Is it easy? NO. Will we be tested? YES. Notice again the great passage from Peter:
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. 10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. 11 To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 5:6-11).
Which side will you choose?
Hugh DeLong
