The devil possessed the power of sin and death. This was due to the fall of our first parents. The Bible teaches (a) his evil spirit(s) is at work in the lives of fallen man (Eph 2:2), and (b) he is actively engaged in keeping mankind blinded from the truth of the Savior and his Gospel (2 Cor 4:4).
Further, Paul taught, “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all have sinned (Rom 5:12).” And he also adds, “For as by a man came death……far as in Adam all die…(1 Cor 15:21-22).” Through disobedience, the destructive nature of death entered the creation.
The devil held fear of death through sin over all mankind……..that is until our Savior appeared (Mt 2:1-12). He is the light that shines out of darkness, whose radiant glory cannot be overcome by the darkness. He came filled with the Spirit from on high to proclaim the good news of salvation which gives sight to the blind and set the oppressed free. The Bible teaches that Christ frees us from the dominion of the devil and relocates us in the kingdom of God, “He has delivered us from the the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, (14) in whom we have redemption, forgiveness of sins (Col 1:13-14).”
In our focus text, Jesus is the “stronger man” who comes, attacks, overcomes, and obliterates the defensive walls of the devil that was used shield and protect his enslaving power over humanity. Through his death and resurrection, he conquered both sin and the grave forever! There was no resistance the devil could deploy against the might and power of God!
This is why John says that Jesus came for this very purpose, “…The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil (1 Jn 3:8).” The Father’s redemptive work through his Son, gives us victory! Salvation through adoption unto eternal life were the “spoils” of this great battle of gain by Christ for us. We are free from a life of sin and fear of death.
The Hebrew writer says it best, “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same thing, that through death he might destroy the one who has power of death, that is, the devil, (15) and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.”
May all honor and glory be to Jesus, Our StrongMan, forever and ever! Amen.
“Now he was casting out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke, and the people marveled. (15) But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons,” (16) while others, to test him, kept seeking from him a sign from heaven. (17) But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. (18) And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. (19) And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. (20) But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. (21) When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; (22) but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil. (23) Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters (Lk 11:14-23)”
Be blessed,
Dr. Price
(Other suggested scripture readings for further study and reflection: Colossians 1:15-23)
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