Jesus' Parables - Binding The Strongman
This is our Sunday teaching from Senior Pastor, Tom Thompson on Sunday 12th January, 2025. Below you can find a talk summary article; full audio; and unedited transcript; and connect group discussion notes.
Tying Up the Strong Man: Living on the Front Foot in God’s Kingdom
Have you ever walked into a situation with the wrong expectations? A few years ago, my brother invited me on what he called a "birthday hike." It sounded exciting—who wouldn’t want to celebrate with fresh air and great views? But as we climbed our fourth peak, I realized this wasn’t the joyful trek I had imagined. My brother’s energy far outlasted mine, and I found myself utterly exhausted, wondering how I’d even agreed to this. My idea of a “birthday hike” was balloons and cake, not aching legs and blistered feet.
That experience got me thinking: how often do we enter life with the wrong expectations? Many of us picture life as a journey, a game, or even a party. But Jesus offers us a very different image—one that’s far more challenging and far more empowering.
In Matthew 12:29, Jesus says:
"How can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house."
This isn’t the gentle metaphor we might expect. Jesus is telling us that living in God’s Kingdom is like breaking into a strong man’s house, tying him up, and taking back what he’s stolen. It’s a powerful image, one that challenges the idea that life is meant to be easy.
The truth is, Jesus has already tied up the strong man—Satan. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus defeated the enemy and stripped him of his power. But the battle isn’t over. Now it’s our turn to step into the strong man’s house and reclaim what belongs to God. That means setting people free from addiction, healing the sick, breaking off fear, and bringing hope to the hopeless.
But let’s be honest—it’s not easy.
Too often, we want life to feel like that "birthday hike" I imagined: fun, light, and full of joy. But following Jesus means expecting resistance. The enemy may be bound, but he’s still thrashing around. We will face challenges—spiritual battles, discouragement, temptation, and setbacks. But here’s the good news: Satan is already defeated. Jesus has given us authority to walk into those dark places and bring freedom.
We don’t need to be spiritual superheroes to do this. Jesus doesn’t send in elite soldiers; He sends people like you and me. Ordinary people with the extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit. We’re not called to storm in with force but to move with compassion and authority.
Imagine gently walking into someone’s life and helping them step into freedom—free from fear, addiction, or shame. That’s what it means to plunder the strong man’s house.
I see this happening all around us. In our church, at Boone Café, in conversations with friends, in quiet prayers for healing—every time we choose to love, serve, and pray, we are reclaiming what the enemy tried to steal.
Victory is already ours because Jesus has bound the strong man. Now it’s our turn to move forward—to be on the front foot—and help others walk into the freedom Jesus has won for them.
So, I have to ask: Are you ready to tie up the strong man and plunder his house?
Let’s step into this calling with courage, authority, and love.