Matthew 12:29……….Ready

Matthew 12:29……….Ready

12:29 “Or again, (Jesus is going to double down.) how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions (Represents every single one of us before we gave our lives to Jesus. We belonged to the devil.) unless he first ties up the strong man?  Then he can rob his house. (Jesus bound Satan in His Temptation in the wilderness. Jesus bound Satan by His miracles & healings) For Complete Expository See Book)

Exceeded Sermons

“Teaches though Satan may be strong he is no match for Jesus is stronger and more powerful .” ⇒ Satan may be strong, but he is no match for Jesus. Satan isn’t called the prince & god of this world for nothing.-(2-Corn. 4:4) We must never underestimate the devil or take him lightly. He is a formattable foe, He is stronger than us. He is smarter than us. He is far more powerful than any of us put together, more powerful than any preacher, any Evangelist. The Bible calls him a “Roaring Lion” looking to kill, devour, and destroy.- (1 Peter 5:8–11) While Satan is a powerful enemy, he can only go as far as God allows, God has put him on a short leash. meaning he cannot attack believers beyond what is permitted. The story of Job is a good example, where God limits Satan’s actions by saying, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not reach out and put your hand on him”.-(Job. 1:12) God often uses Satan to fulfill divine purposes or for refinement. He did it with Job. He did it with Judas. He did it with Paul. He’ll do it with you. But as strong as Satan is, Jesus is stronger. Satan is only a creature, Jesus is our Creator! Satan is present, Christ is Omnipresent, all mighty, all knowing. Satan is full of lies! Christ is full of light and truth. Satan is crafty, but not crafty enough for Christ. Christ is stronger than Satan, stronger than sin, stronger than shame, stronger than any storm, any suffering, any pain, any stronghold, stronger even than death itself.

“Displays the length Jesus will go in freeing us from the  bondage, struggle, and addiction that’s holding us captive.” → Jesus doesn’t simply stand by and watch us wrestle with our burdens; instead, He actively intervenes, breaking the chains that enslave us and offering us hope and restoration. Jesus pursues us relentlessly, offering grace and freedom when we turn to Him, reminding us that we are never alone in our battles and that true liberation is possible through His strength. in fact Jesus can set us free from things doctors, psychologists and psychiatrists have said can’t be done. With Jesus you don’t have to let the limitations that others place on you define your life. He makes it possible to move beyond the boundaries of fear, shame, or discouragement. With Jesus, you are not bound by the labels, judgments, or restrictions that others place on you. You do not have to let the words or opinions spoken about you define your identity or determine your future. Jesus empowers you to move forward, break free from whatever holds you back, and live in the freedom He provides. The opinions of the world may say certain struggles cannot be conquered, but Jesus offers hope that surpasses human understanding. When you trust in Him, you are not bound by the expectations, diagnoses, or judgments of others. Instead, you are empowered to break free from whatever holds you back—whether it’s negative thinking, unhealthy habits, or painful memories. Jesus gives you a new identity, one that is not shaped by the failures or setbacks of your past, but by His love, grace, and victory. Through worship, you recognize and embrace the One who has the power to transform your life, enabling you to rise above the circumstances that once seemed insurmountable. In Christ, you find freedom, restoration, and the strength to press forward, knowing that nothing is beyond His ability to redeem and renew.

“Calls for reclaiming and taking back what’s been stolen by the Enemy. (We fight not for victory, but from victory.)  → As believers we no longer fight as if were still prisoners of sin. Always living in fear, guilt, and shame.  We fight from the victory that Jesus won on the cross. As believers we’re to reclaim what has been lost or stolen, whether it be spiritual confidence, relationships, or hope. The emphasis is not on striving for victory, but rather on operating from the victory that Christ has already accomplished. We are not fighting a losing battle; instead, we are standing in the triumph that Jesus secured through His death and resurrection. As followers of Christ, our task is to take back ground that the Enemy has seized, knowing that Christ’s victory empowers us to overcome every obstacle and reclaim what rightfully belongs to us. Keeping this perspective in mind, we approach spiritual challenges with confidence, recognizing that our efforts are rooted in the finished work of Christ. Rather than being overwhelmed by setbacks or discouraged by losses, we are reminded that we have authority in Christ to restore what has been taken. Our responsibility is to act in faith, trusting in Jesus’ power and victory, and to boldly step forward to reclaim the blessings and freedom God intends for us.

“Even today, when the Enemy whispers lies and accusations. “How do you know your Saved”? Look at all the sin in your life.  You haven’t done enough to earn your way to heaven, you haven’t prayed enough, gone to church enough, volunteered enough—When he does we bind it with the Word and Armor of God.-.-(Eph. 6:10-17) Along with Jesus’ finished work on the cross” → When the Enemy Speak lies, speak God’s promises over your life, reminding yourself that you are loved, forgiven, and accepted because of Jesus. When the Enemy says, “God hasn’t forgiven you.” We answer with “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”-(Rom. 8:1) When he says, “You’re still in your sins.” We answer with “The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.”-(1-John 1:7) When he says, “You have to earn Salvation.” We answer with “By grace you have been saved through faith… not by works.”-(Eph. 2:8-9)  When he say you’re still the same person. God hasn’t really changed you.” We answer with “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”-(2-Corn. 5:17) This principle applies to other area of life as well—If you find yourself swamped with negative and anxious thoughts “bind” it by limiting your media intake.” If you find your alone time with God being interrupted you “bind” it by turning off your cell-phone notifications or putting your phone in another room. If you struggle with impulsive buying you “bind” it by deleting shopping Apps and unsubscribing from emails. If you’re tempted by unhealthy snacks, you “bind” it by removing them from your pantry and replacing them with healthier options. If you fear being judged by others on social media you “bind” it by adjusting the privacy settings (friends only) on your Facebook account. If your evenings get lost in endless scrolling or binge-watching YouTube, you “bind” it by setting up designated screen-free times. If you find getting into a heated argument “bind” it through respectful and thoughtful dialogue.

“Though Satan is still active and attacking, but he does so now as a defeated foe who’s roar is louder than his reach.” → As believers we’re still in danger of being tempted by Satan. Though believers cannot be demon possessed, because the Holy Spirit lives in us, and He doesn’t share us with anyone. But we can be demon oppressed. Satan can make a lot of noise and threats, but he has no power or authority over us!  Think of Satan like a guard dog on a chain — he can bark, but he can’t bite unless you walk into his reach. He’s like a microphone with no power — he can shout lies, but nothing carries unless you plug in by believing him. He’s like a magician with no real magic — all smoke and mirrors. He’s like a broken lock on a prison door — it looks like you’re trapped, but you’re already free. He’s like a  firecracker with no fuse — all threat, but no explosion.  He’s like a a general with no army — he can shout commands, but no one is going to carry them out. He’s like a  a scarecrow in a field — designed to frighten, powerless if you walk right up to it. He’s like a storm with thunder but no lightning — loud, but incapable of striking. He’s like a  fisherman with no bait — he casts the line, but there’s nothing to hook you with unless you bite willingly.

Additional Notes & Applications

Teaches if were going to overcome sin, hate, addiction, or anything else we can’t do it by our own strength, we need to rely on Jesus and His strength.

Note: Jesus provides a powerful example of how to respond to those who oppose or disagree with us. Rather than resorting to insults or name-calling, He demonstrated restraint and respect—even toward His adversaries. When confronted by the Pharisees, Jesus did not belittle or ridicule Satan by calling him names such as “wimp,” “loser,” or “nobody.” Instead, He referred to him as a “strong man.” This approach underscores the importance of maintaining dignity and composure when faced with opposition. By refraining from derogatory remarks, Jesus teaches us that it is possible to address disagreement without diminishing the character of our adversaries. This method not only preserves our integrity but also encourages thoughtful, respectful dialogue. We are reminded that putting down others is unnecessary; instead, we should respond with logic, reason, and kindness, just as Jesus did.

Note: Jesus not instructing on the methods or ethics of breaking into a house. But rather He is using this illustration to make a spiritual point about His authority over Satan. Just as one must bind a strong man before plundering his house, Jesus demonstrates that He has overpowered and restrained Satan, the “strong man,” through His work and power. The focus is entirely on Christ’s victory and His ability to reclaim what the enemy has taken, not on the act of burglary itself.

Note: Some interpret this parable a second way, They see the “House” as the house of Israel and the Jewish religion with the Temple. The “Strong” man as Jewish Law. That you need more than the Law to defeat Satan you need God and the grace He provides through Jesus’ finished work on  the cross.

HOW TO COUNTER SATAN’S FIERY DARTS 

• Put on the Full Armor of God. The helmet of Salvation, the shield of faith, the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness.

• Use the Sword of the Spirit, God’s Word to extinguish fiery darts.

• Fight Spiritual attacks by taking thoughts captive.

• Repent by confessing sin and accepting God’s forgiveness..