Mark 3:27 No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man… this teaches us that he is a creature of great strength and power (Luke 11:21; 1 Peter 5:8; Ephesians 6:12). I. WHEREIN THIS POWER OF THE DEVIL IS MANIFESTED — 1. In working upon the insensible creatures — air, earth, water, etc. 2. In working upon those sensible creatures that want reason — beasts, birds, fishes, etc. He is able to enter into them and to move and work in them. 3. On the bodies of men; entering into them, hurting and annoying them, vexing and tormenting them with pain and disease. 4. On the minds, hearts, and affections of men, in tempting them inwardly, and soliciting them to sin by inward suggestion. This he does, not directly, but partly by the outward senses representing evil objects to them and so conveying evil thoughts to the mind, and partly by insinuating himself into the fancy or imagination. II. WHAT KIND OF POWER IT IS. Not an absolute power, but limited. III. FROM WHENCE HE DERIVES IT. From God only; and He who gave, controls it. IV. WHY GOD GIVES HIM SUCH POWER. 1. That His own Divine power may the more appear in subduing Satan. 2. For the trial of His own children. 3. For the executing of His heavy vengeance and punishment on the wicked by Satan. (G. Petter.) Parallel Verses KJV: No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house. |
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