The Power of Binding and Loosing

Sermon Title: The Power of Binding and Loosing

Key Scripture: Matthew 18:18 (NKJV)

"Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

Introduction

The verse highlights the authority believers have in Christ to influence spiritual realities. Understanding this authority equips us to impact our lives, our families, and the world for God's glory. Let’s explore this truth through seven points with illustrations and additional supporting scriptures.

Point 1: The Authority Comes from Christ

Illustration: Imagine a police officer directing traffic. Their power comes not from their strength but from the authority vested in them. Likewise, our authority to bind and loose is granted by Christ (Matthew 28:18). Supporting Scripture:

Luke 10:19 – "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy..."

Mark 11:23-24 "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them."

Relevance: This verse emphasizes the faith required to activate the authority given by Christ

Illustration: A citizen cannot pull someone over for speeding, but a police officer can because they operate under the authority of the government. Similarly, as believers, we act under Christ’s authority, not our own.

Real-Life Example: Think of a missionary praying for a sick person in a remote village, seeing healing occur because they invoke Jesus' name, not their own power.

Point 2: Binding and Loosing Apply to Spiritual Realities

Illustration: Think of locking and unlocking a door. Binding is like locking something harmful out, and loosing is like unlocking blessings.

Supporting Scripture:

Ephesians 6:12 – "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age..."

James 4:7 - "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you."

Relevance: Binding and loosing require submission to God’s authority first. When we align ourselves with God’s will, we have the power to resist evil.

Point 3: Binding Evil Forces

Illustration: A gardener removes weeds to ensure healthy plants. Binding prevents harmful influences from growing in our lives.

Practical Example: Binding fear, sickness, or temptation in Jesus' name during prayer.

Illustration: A mother notices her child is struggling with nightmares every night. She prays over their room, binds fear, and asks God to fill the space with peace. The child begins sleeping peacefully.Real-Life Example: A church leader prays over a struggling community, binding spirits of violence and addiction, and over time sees a decline in crime rates.

Isaiah 22:22 "The key of the house of David I will lay on his shoulder; so he shall open, and no one shall shut; and he shall shut, and no one shall open."

Relevance: This Old Testament verse foreshadows the spiritual authority believers have in Christ. It symbolizes the divine authority to open and close spiritual doors.

Point 4: Loosing God’s Blessings

Illustration: A farmer releases water to irrigate the fields, ensuring the crops grow. Loosing brings God’s blessings into situations.

Revelation 3:7 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, ‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, ‘He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens.’"

Relevance: Jesus affirms His authority over spiritual doors, which believers operate under when binding and loosing.

Illustration: A couple facing financial difficulty starts praying for God’s provision. They “loose” financial opportunities through prayer and faith. Within weeks, they receive unexpected job offers and gifts that meet their needs.

Real-Life Example: A church prays for rain during a drought, loosing God’s blessings. After weeks of prayer, a long-anticipated rainstorm waters their community.

Practical Example: Praying for peace, provision, or reconciliation in your family.

Point 5: Agreement in Prayer

Illustration: Two oxen yoked together can pull more than one alone. Agreement in prayer amplifies spiritual authority.

Supporting Scripture:

Matthew 18:19 – "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven."

Romans 8:37 "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."

Relevance: This reminds believers that they operate from a place of victory, not defeat, when they exercise their authority.

Illustration: During a prayer meeting, two friends pray in agreement for healing for a sick relative. Soon, they receive news of a remarkable recovery.

Real-Life Example: A youth group prays together for a classmate struggling with depression, and the classmate later shares how they felt an unexplainable peace during that time.

Point 6: It Requires Faith and Consistency

Illustration: A person chiseling away at a rock must remain persistent to break through. Consistent prayer enforces our authority.

Illustration: A woman prays daily for years for her husband to come to Christ. After a decade of consistent prayer, he attends church, has a powerful encounter with God, and becomes a believer.

Real-Life Example: A pastor prays for revival in a town for 15 years. Suddenly, attendance at church skyrockets, and lives are transformed after a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Practical Example: Elijah prayed persistently for rain (1 Kings 18:41-45 ).

1 Kings 18:41–45 NKJV

Then Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink; for there is the sound of abundance of rain.” So Ahab went up to eat and drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; then he bowed down on the ground, and put his face between his knees, and said to his servant, “Go up now, look toward the sea.” So he went up and looked, and said, “There is nothing.” And seven times he said, “Go again.” Then it came to pass the seventh time, that he said, “There is a cloud, as small as a man’s hand, rising out of the sea!” So he said, “Go up, say to Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot, and go down before the rain stops you.’ ” Now it happened in the meantime that the sky became black with clouds and wind, and there was a heavy rain. So Ahab rode away and went to Jezreel.

Psalm 149:6-9 "Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand, to execute vengeance on the nations, and punishments on the peoples; to bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; to execute on them the written judgment—this honor have all His saints. Praise the Lord!"

Relevance: This passage shows the spiritual authority of God’s people to execute His judgment and purposes.

Point 7: It’s for Kingdom Purposes

Illustration: A soldier uses their authority to serve their country, not personal interests. Binding and loosing align with God’s will, not our selfish desires.

Supporting Scripture:

John 14:13 – "And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."

Proverbs 18:21 "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit."

Relevance: The power of binding and loosing lies heavily in our words. We must speak life and truth aligned with God’s will.

Illustration: A man in his workplace faces tension and hostility. Instead of retaliating, he binds the spirit of strife and prays for unity. Within weeks, the team dynamic shifts as God’s peace takes over.

Real-Life Example: A missionary prays over a village entrenched in idolatry, binding spiritual darkness and loosing God’s truth. Over time, many villagers turn to Christ.

Conclusion

Binding and loosing are powerful tools in the hands of believers. When exercised in faith and alignment with God’s will, they can transform lives and situations. Are you using this authority effectively? Let us commit to walking in the power Christ has given us.

Illustration: A teacher breaks up a fight between students by “binding” them with her authority, stopping the conflict. Then, she speaks words of encouragement and peace to “loose” a better atmosphere in the classroom.

Real-Life Example: A church plant starts in a crime-heavy neighborhood. Through consistent prayer walks, they bind spirits of violence and loitering while loosing God’s peace and prosperity. Over time, crime rates drop, and the church becomes a beacon of hope.

Call to Action

Reflect: What do you need to bind or loose in your life today? Pray: Partner with another believer to exercise this authority together. Trust: Believe that heaven responds to your actions of faith.