Binding the Strong Man (Pt. 3)

As discussed in previous posts, the first temptation of Christ in the wilderness was directed at His BODY, the weakest, most vulnerable part of man. When this failed, the second temptation was directed at His SOUL, this time by appealing to His human pride.

Again, the Devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. And he said to Him, "I will give You all these things if You will fall down and worship me." (Mat 4:8-9)

Satan's third and final temptation of Christ was directed to His SPIRIT. By offering all the kingdoms of world history to Jesus, satan was essentially saying there's no need for Jesus to go through the long and arduous task of wooing mankind back to Him, because satan would gladly surrender his rights over the earth if Jesus would but honor him for it. Had Christ given in to this, He might well have achieved His mission ahead of His timetable, but, to do so, He would have had to deny His own SPIRIT.

Then Jesus told him, "Go away, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve only Him." (Mat 4:10)

In remaining true to His SPIRIT, Christ overcame Satan's greatest assault against Him. There were now no bullets left in satan's gun. He was, for all intents and purposes, bound from interfering with the Lord's mission in any way.

Then the Devil left Him, and immediately angels came and began to serve Him. (Mat 4:11)

Jesus could now enter His ministry in the full authority and power of Heaven. He had demonstrated under temptation that His will and the Father's will were one. There was now no power on earth that could prevent Christ from binding and loosing whomever or whatever He chose.

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth is already bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth is already loosed in heaven." (Mat 16:19)

Christ has given us the keys to bind the strong man and loose his captives. He has demonstrated for us how to resist the devil. He has revealed to us satan's three strategies against our BODY, SOUL and SPIRIT. All that remains is for us to follow the Lord's example and spoil the strong man's house for the Father's glory.