Christians will declare boldly that they stand with Jesus, but sometimes it is merely external. What the Lord desires from every believer is an internal love and standing with the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no middle ground when it comes to the allegiance of Christ. It is imperative in the eyes of the Lord that the Christian’s faith and love for him is wholehearted. It is either we serve the Lord Jesus or we serve the devil. There is no neutrality when it comes to lordship. In other words, it is impossible to love Jesus and the devil.
The fight that continues to go on for every person is which kingdom they belong to; that is, the kingdom of God or the kingdom of darkness. The devil (also known as Satan) rules the kingdom of darkness with power that must not be taken lightly. In the prior verse of 21 in Luke, Jesus demonstrates the power of God as demons can be cast out by the finger of God (v. 20). However, the subsequent verses also show that Satan is powerful when he attacks and produces destruction.
Satan demonstrates strength through the use of many weapons. At his disposal, he will utilize his weapons to lead as many as he can to sin and death. One of those weapons is the power of his lies. Without the power of God and his help, the sinner will succumb to the devil’s lies and deceptions. He also uses the weapon of temptation. He even attempted to tempt Jesus three times in the wilderness. Christians can discern whether or not they are being tempted by Satan when the fear of God is absent or diminished. Moreover, Satan weaponizes his ability to murder and bring death. He murders the spiritual life of a person more so than their physical life. Ultimately, the devil’s goal is to separate as many people from Jesus as possible.
In verse 21, Jesus is implying that the one who is “guarding his own house” is Satan. Satan’s house includes the sinners who are enslaved to their heart’s desires. “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, sexual immoralities, thefts, murders, adulteries, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness” (Mk. 7:21-22). Not only is the devil strong to guard his own house, but “his possessions are undisturbed”. This illustrates a peaceful home as it is protected by a powerful person, but Jesus quickly states there is someone stronger who will bring down his house and possessions. That person is Jesus Christ.
Even though Satan is undeniably strong, he is no equal to God. Jesus is the Creator and Lord who alone can attack him and overpower him (v. 22). The Lord Jesus Christ is omnipotent and is on the offense. Jesus calls disciples to himself and casts out demons to demonstrate his strength. As the disciples witnessed the power of Jesus and were also given that same power in their ministry, today’s Christians are under the same powerful Lord.
Jesus alone “takes away from him all his armor on which he had relied and distributes his plunder” (v. 22). All of Satan’s ways to deceive and lead sinners to destruction can be taken away by the Lord. Jesus is also able to distribute the plunder of Satan and turn it around for his purpose and glory. The strength of the Lord Jesus Christ strengthens every believer and enables them to fight and resist the devil.
In verse 23, Jesus differentiates the true followers of Christ versus the false followers. The false followers of Christ are “waverers, doubters, half-hearted, and excuse-making people” (J.C. Ryle). God cannot be deceived. Commitment to Christ is loving him in truth and obedience. Those who are with Jesus and follow him have truly repented and believe in him. Faith in the Lord is marked by their continual devotion to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers (Acts 2:42). And in Matthew 7:22-23. The Lord separates the believers and unbelievers not by their works, but by their hearts.
Furthermore, Jesus also differentiates the true followers of Christ versus the false followers on whether or not they gather with him. Gathering with Christ involves proclaiming the gospel, making disciples, living righteously, fearing God more than man, loving God wholeheartedly, and loving the lost soul. Therefore, the believer must continue to gather with Jesus to advance his kingdom through the gospel.
Unless a person loves Jesus, Satan will continue to overpower and destroy the sinner. There is no room for neutrality when it comes to faith and commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ.
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
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