Binding The Strong Man (Matthew [12]22-30)
Binding The Strong Man
Text: Matt 12:22-30
Place Preached - (Mississauga International Baptist Church)
Date Preached - (04/14/02)
Introduction:
We all face battles, temptations, the tactics of our spiritual arch-enemy, Satan.
But there is one greater, who promises provides and delivers us the victory.
That one is Christ Jesus as revealed in our Scripture reading today.
The context is the miracle Christ performed in healing a man who was blind and dumb and demon possessed.
This man was in a helpless, pitiful state – Physically he could not see or speak. Spiritually he was bound by the power of Satan.
One group of people (common folk) quickly ascribed the work to God, and recognized Christ as the chosen Messiah (Son of David) vs.23.
Another group (Pharisees – the religious crowd) ascribed the work to Satan vs.24.
The opposition to Christ reached its height in this event Christ was scorned and diabolically attacked. He was blasphemed, not only accused, but charged with being of the devil.
Christ refutes their ludicrous argument then clearly sets forth His own superior power over Satan.
Proofs of Christ’s Deity and Messianic Power:
Argument 1: a divided allegiance destroys (v.25-26).
Argument 2: denying Him is inconsistent and illogical (v.27-28).
· If we ascribe good works to others and say that they are blessed by God, why do we not do the same with Christ?
· Why do we not say that He is of God and blessed as no other person is blessed by God?
· Why then do so many say His claim to be the Savior is not true?
John 14:10-11 “Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake”
Argument 3: a strong man has to be bound before his property can be taken (v.29).
Argument 4: neutrality is impossible—one is either with Christ or against Christ (v.30).
I. There Is A Strong Man
A. Satan – Primary Application
He is real! He is alive and well.
Give Brief history and future end of Satan.
B. Other Strong Men – Secondary Application
1. Sinful Thinking
2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
2. Sinful Desires
James 4:1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
3. An Undisciplined Life
Proverbs 5:22 His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.
Proverbs 25:28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
4. The Fear of Man
Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
II. The Strong Man has Possessions
There is reference in vs. 29 to the Strong man’s house and his goods.
Satan has his territory, his possessions, his kingdom, his dominion.
What is it? And Where is it?
It is the realm of man, the dominion of this world, within the heart of sinful man.
ILLUS: Extremes – On one hand there is the Demoniac of the Gadarenes on the other the most spirit-filled man Apostle Paul. And everyone else likely somewhere in between.
2 Timothy 2:26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
The above verse speaks of those who are unrepentant, refusing to acknowledge the truth and therefore, opposers of themselves.
1 John 5:19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
Even Believers are Susceptible
Acts 5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
III. There is one greater than the strong man…
And it is not You!!!
Christ’s very purpose for coming to earth was to conquer Satan and break his power over men.
1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
He is distinct and different from the strong man. He is the polar opposite.
And He has the power of God’s Spirit upon Him.
Vs 28 Tells us that His victory is by the Spirit of God, Luke describes His power as the “Finger of God”.
It is an expression used only four times in Scripture and describes a work that only God can do.
For EXAMPLE:
The magicians of Egypt had duplicated the sign of Moses’ rod becoming a serpent, the rivers turned to blood and the frogs,….
But the plague of lice they could not duplicate which prompted their response in….
Exodus 8:19 Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.
The only other instances where this expression is used in Scripture are in reference to the Word of the Lord inscribed in Moses’ stone tablets…
Exodus 31:18 And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.
So we have something only God can do. Victory over the Strong man (Satan) now notice some things about that victory.
A. The Priority of Victory – “First” vs.29
The Bible’s message is one of repentance / turning from sin / forsaking the old life and the old ways. And embracing faith in Christ, a new way a new life of victory.
Repentance and victoriously living over sin are foundational elements of Christian living.
B. The Certainty of Victory – “He will spoil” vs.29
When did Christ invade Satan’s house and bind him?
1. Satan was bound somewhat during Jesus’ temptations in the wilderness.
2. Satan was bound even more as He confronted Jesus throughout His life with temptation after temptation.
John 14:30 “Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me”
3. Satan was bound dramatically after Jesus’ Garden of Gethsemane experience.
Hebrews 12:3-4 “For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin [the Garden of Gethsemane]”
4. Satan was bound in a completed sense at the cross.
2 Cor. 5:21 “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him”
5. Satan shall be bound climactically and forever at the end of time.
Rev. 20:10 “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever”
C. The Clarity of Victory vs.25 & 30
There is a clear division between spiritual defeat and victory. Between being on God’s side or against Him.
No body of people can survive division. A divided people cannot stand. Too many people within churches have ignored the lesson:
Galatians 5:15 “If ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another”
1. A person stands with Him, believing and trusting Him, or else a person stands against Him in unbelief and distrust.
2. A person works with Him in gathering others, or else works against Him by scattering others (see note—§ Matthew 12:22-24).
Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
1 Kings 18:21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.
James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Conclusion: (Review)
MAIN PTS.
1. There is a Strong Man
2. The Strong man Has His Dominion
3. There is one greater than the Strong Man
Reemphasize Christ’s purpose in coming.