“But when a stronger than he comes upon him and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoils” (Luke 11:22 NKJ).
In this verse Jesus describes the god of this world who guards his palace and keeps his realm in undisturbed control. Then our Lord draws a word picture of Himself as the Stronger One Who invades that spiritual domain, binds the strong man, scatters his goods, and takes away all the instruments in which he trusted.
I would like to enumerate some of the stratagems the enemy of our souls has used to keep the world in bondage. I also want to show how Jesus replaced these stratagems and rendered the enemy powerless.
Satan kept the world in spiritual ignorance. He trusted that ignorance would hold his subjects under his control. Jesus came, bringing knowledge of the truth, and that truth broke the yoke of ignorance.
The enemy trusted in fear to keep his subjects under his sway. Jesus gave faith in God and it broke the power of fear.
The adversary trusted in sickness; Jesus gave health. Our opponent used poverty; Jesus liberated us with His prosperity. Satan relied upon hate to keep his followers under his thumb; Jesus broke the power of hate by giving us love.
Every device the enemy relied upon – ignorance, fear, sickness, poverty, hate – has been destroyed by the Lord and replaced by His abundant life. Everything the strong man trusted in has been overcome by the Stronger One – Jesus Christ – and now we are free!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.