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.