The strong one armed
For the devil is not to be considered only as a roaring lion going about seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8), nor barely as a subtle enemy who comes unawares upon poor souls and leads them captive at his will (2 Timothy 2:26), but as he who dwells in them and walks in them (2 Corinthians 6:16); who rules the darkness or wickedness of this world, of worldly men and all their dark designs and actions, by keeping possession of their hearts, setting up his throne there, and bringing every thought into obedience to himself (2 Corinthians 10:5). Thus the strong one armed keeps his house (Luke 11:21); and if this unclean spirit sometimes goes out of a man, yet he often returns with seven spirits worse than himself, and they enter in and dwell there (Matthew 12:43-45). Nor can he be idle in his dwelling. He is continually working in these children of disobedience (Ephesians 2:2). He works in them with power, with mighty energy, transforming them into his own likeness, effacing all the remains of the image of God, and preparing them for every evil word and work.
1771 text
2. For the devil is not to be considered only as a roaring lion, going about seeking whom he may devour: nor barely as a subtle enemy, who cometh unawares upon poor souls, and leads them captive at his will: but as he who dwelleth in them and walketh in them; who ruleth the darkness or wickedness of this world, of worldly men and all their dark designs and actions, by keeping possession of their hearts, setting up his throne there, and bringing every thought into obedience to himself. Thus the strong one armed keepeth his house; and if this unclean spirit sometime go out of a man, yet he often returns with seven spirits worse than himself, and they enter in and dwell there. Nor can he be idle in his dwelling. He is continually working in these children of disobedience. He works in them with power, with mighty energy, transforming them into his own likeness, effacing all the remains of the image of God, and preparing them for every evil word and work.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 38 in the 1771 Works. Mark 9:38-39.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.