The Call to Follow Jesus: Studies in the Gospel of Mark
From the Series Kingdom Living in a Twisted World
by
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Mark 3:27 is an important verse in that it teaches much about the strategy of Satan the enemy of our souls, and how Jesus effects our rescue from his territory. In this verse, Jesus tells us five important facts about the enemy and our rescue. Review the verse and see how many things you can come up with, then review the following paragraph on Mark 3:27.
Mark 3:27 No one can enter (or bring about a rescue) the strong man’s house (Satan’s domain) and plunder (steal or take the goods by force) his property (the souls of men and women caught in his traps) UNLESS he first binds the strong man (makes the strong man’s power ineffective or neutral) and then he will plunder his house. (Jesus came to bind the strong man and He did so through the Cross. It was the only way to free the captives.) (See Isaiah 61:1-4; Luke 4:14-21)]
Only one who is stronger than Satan can enter his realm and bind him as was done here. The expulsion of demons is nothing less than a forceful attack on the power of Satan. Jesus’ ability to cast out demons shows that one stronger than Satan has come to restrain his activity and release the captives. What areas do you perceive in your own life to be “strongholds” from which you need release? Commit to pray over them.
Were you as riveted as I was by the translation of Mark 3:27? My life has been changed by the Lord’s exposure of strongholds in me and as I have studied, taught and written how the enemy takes us captive, I have been able to look at this whole area in a new way. Recognizing my own hidden captivity, even as a believer for many years was quite revealing and transforming. The Lord has freed me from some strongholds that prevented me from pursuing writing and several other areas as well. He has brought about breakthrough and continues to do so in my life (and there are a lot more!) It is what He desires for all of us.
Having reviewed verses like Mark 3:27, Isaiah 61:1-4 and Luke 4:14-21, hopefully God has begun to move in your life too. It wasn’t only the disciples who could not see – sometimes it is you and me.
Sometimes we are so in bondage that we aren’t even aware of it and it holds us back from walking more deeply into His presence. Jesus said that He came that we might live an abundant life. (John 10:10) It took me years to figure it out and I’m still learning.
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About the Book
The Call to Follow Jesus is a manual for kingdom living. This interactive book features nine weeks of looking into the life and times of Jesus by going through the Gospel of Mark verse by verse. In it you gain an understanding of how Jesus called, taught, led and changed His disciples. How they learned to “see” and “hear” transformed them into world-changers. It is the same process God uses in our lives today. Written as a companion for sermon study groups, small groups, women’s studies or as a stand alone handbook and guide through the Gospel of Mark, this book will change you. This study explores topics such as Getting in touch with the gift of pain; The me I don’t want to see; Faith concealed, revealed and rewarded; and When seeing malfunctions: Truth twisting.
About the Author
Kim Laliberte graduated from Biola University with a BS in Christian Education. She later attended law school. She is a former law professor and currently practices civil appellate law in Southern California. She taught adult Bible studies and trained leaders for many years at her local church where she also served on staff as the director of women’s ministries and director of adult education. She is a popular Bible teacher and speaker at retreats, luncheons and conferences. She and her husband John have one son. They are recent transplants to San Diego County where they are experiencing and adjusting to country living for the first time.