Christ speaks of Satan as a ^'strong man." The strength of Satan has been only too well proved by his victories over the souls of men. He who tempted Adam and Eve to rebel against God, and brought sin into the world, — ho who has led captive the vast majority of mankind, and robbed them of heaven; — that evil one is indeed a mighty foe. He who is called the " Prince of this world," is not an enemy to be despised. The devil is very strong.
Christ speaks of Satan as a "strong man, armed." Satan is well supplied with defensive armour. He is not to be overcome by slight assaults, and feeble exertions. He that would overcome him must put forth all his strength. "This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting." — ^And Satan is also well supplied with offensive weapons. He is never at a loss for means to injure the soul of man. He has snares of every kind, and engines of every description. He knows exactly how every rank, and class, and age, and nation, and people can be assailed with most advantage. The devil is well armed.
Christ speaks of man's heart as being Satan's "palace." The natural heart is the favourite abode of the evil one, and all its faculties and powers are his servants and do his will. He sits upon the throne which God ought to occupy, and governs the inward man. The devil is the " spirit that worketh in the children of disobedience." (Ephes. ii. 2.)
Christ speaks of Satan's "goods being at peace." So long as a man is dead in trespasses and sin, so long his heart is at ease about spiritual things. He has no