Binding the Strong Man : Matthew 12:27-29 : What Jesus Did! : HEARTLIGHT®

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Binding the Strong Man - Matthew 12:27-29

"You say that I use the power of Beelzebul to force out demons. If that is true, then what power do your people use when they force out demons? So your own people will prove that you are wrong. But I use the power of God's Spirit to force out demons. This shows that the kingdom of God has come to you. If a person wants to enter a strong man's house and steal his things, first the person must tie the strong man. Then the person can steal the things from the strong man's house." (ERV) Full Text

Key Thought

Jesus' power over demons, disease, and death are reminders that he comes in the power of the Kingdom. His ministry is the power of the Kingdom dawning in people's lives and a foretaste of Jesus' eternal rule as Lord and Savior. He has entered the strong man's house and tied up the strong man. He has plundered the strong man and liberated those the strong man had bound and headed for Hell. His power is real and righteous. His power is unleashed to liberate us. It is now time for us to proclaim him Lord, not just Lord of our lives, but Lord of all! To him goes all majesty, glory, honor, and power. To him belongs the victory forever. To him we bow our knees and surrender our hearts.

Today's Prayer

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Holy God, you alone are God. Through your Son you have liberated me from law, sin, death, and Satan. I place my life and my future in your hands. I praise you for your grace and power. I praise you for your love and mercy. I praise you for your sacrifice and strength. I praise you for Jesus Christ, my Lord and Lord of all. In his name, the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

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Today's Verses in Context

Jesus knew what the Pharisees were doing. So Jesus left that place. Many people followed Jesus, and he healed all the sick people. But Jesus warned the people not to tell other people who he was. Jesus did these things to make happen what Isaiah the prophet said. Isaiah said, "Here is my servant; I (God) have chosen him. I love him, and I am pleased with him; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will judge the nations fairly. He will not argue or shout; People will not hear his voice in the streets. He will not break the reed that is already bent; He will not stop the light that has almost stopped burning. He will continue until he makes fair judgment win the victory. All people will hope in him." Then some people brought a man to Jesus. This man was blind and could not talk, because he had a demon inside him. Jesus healed the man, and the man could talk and see. All the people were amazed. The people said, "Maybe this man (Jesus) is the Son of David {that God promised to send to us}!" The Pharisees heard the people saying this. The Pharisees said, "This man uses the power of Beelzebul (the devil) to force demons out of people. Beelzebul is the ruler of demons." Jesus knew the things that the Pharisees were thinking. So Jesus said to them, "Every kingdom that is fighting against itself will be destroyed. And every city that is divided cannot continue. And every family that is divided cannot succeed. So if Satan (the devil) forces out his own demons, then Satan is divided. And his kingdom will not be able to continue. You say that I use the power of Beelzebul to force out demons. If that is true, then what power do your people use when they force out demons? So your own people will prove that you are wrong. But I use the power of God's Spirit to force out demons. This shows that the kingdom of God has come to you. "If a person wants to enter a strong man's house and steal his things, first the person must tie the strong man. Then the person can steal the things fromthe strong man's house. "If a person is not with me, then he is against me. The person that does not work with me is working against me. So I tell you, people can be forgiven of every sin they do. And people can be forgiven for every bad thing they say. But if a person speaks against (refuses to accept) the Holy Spirit, then that person will not be forgiven. Any person that says things against the Son of Man can be forgiven. But any person that says things against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. That person will not be forgiven now or in the future.

— Matthew 12:15-32 (ERV)

123132: God With Us: 365 Devotionals from the Gospel of Matthew

God With Us:
365 Devotionals from the Gospel of Matthew
By Phil Ware

Join the author of the Gospel of Matthew in God With Us, a devotional that will immerse you in exploring the glories of Immanuel. The book uses one short passage each day and follows the Gospel text from beginning to end. Each day's passage is followed by a brief Reflection to open up the day's Scripture and a Prayer to show how the verses challenge you to live for Jesus.

Comments on "Binding the Strong Man":

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Don't let us be tempted (tested); but save us from the Evil One (the devil).' —Matthew 6:13 (ERV)

But every man will be raised to life in the right order. Christ was first to be raised. Then when Christ comes again, the people who belong to Christ will be raised to life. Then the end will come. Christ will destroy all rulers, authorities, and powers. Then Christ will give the kingdom to God the Father. Christ must rule until God puts all enemies under Christ's control. —1 Corinthians 15:23-25 (ERV)

To end my letter I tell you, be strong in the Lord and in his great power. Wear the full armor (protection) of God. Wear God's armor so that you can fight against the devil's evil tricks. Our fight is not against people on earth. We are fighting against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world's darkness. We are fighting against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly places. That is why you need to get God's full armor. Then on the day of evil you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing. —Ephesians 6:10-13 (ERV)